THERE'S no doubt about it, modern sports cars have definitely become softer, more refined, less macho - to match our lifestyle.

The old "seat of the pants" rear-wheel-drive sportscar with a brute of an engine and a suspension that made it feel as if it has just left the racing circuit is a thing of the past. Or is it?

Hope for true sportscar enthusiasts has just reared its head with the latest Z car convertible from Japan, the stunning Nissan 370Z.

The new 370Z is a sportscar in the true sense of the word. A real beast of a car that's wonderfully reminiscent of the classic sportscars of yesteryear yet with all the refinements that we as motorists have come to expect.

With a heritage which goes back to the original 1970 240Z, a car that revolutionised the sports car world, perhaps it's not surprising that it's so good.

Lower, leaner, lighter and faster than its predecessor the 350Z, the new 370 is unmistakable with its muscular haunches, long bonnet and wings inset with arrowhead head lights. The short rear is also eye catching because of its ‘boomerang' shaped tail lights.

Inside, the GT Pack car had black suede and leather seats with soft net fabric inserts which are air conditioned, blowing either hot or cold air, depending on the time of year.

You sit low in the 370Z and there is no chance of seeing the end of the bonnet - or the boot when reversing for that matter - so it wouldn't suit everyone.

But once you get used to it, it's a car that fits like a glove and handles like it's part of you.

There is plenty of adjustment in the seats to get the perfect position and the gauges are once again attached to the steering column so that the driver does not have to choose between the perfect steering wheel position and visibility.

Start the car with the push-button starter and the tickover is very quiet. Once you get moving, however, the 328bhp power plant sounds much harsher than a traditional V6 but the power delivery is instant. In fact it's so responsive and quick it would be easy to take chances.

This high revving engine will whisk the 370Z to 62mph in just 5.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 155mph.

The six-speed manual has the bonus of Synchro Rev Control, the only manual transmission in the world with automatic downshift rev matching for perfect racing gear changes, making even the modest mediocre driver feel good.

Nissan says Synchro Rev Control allows drivers of any skill level to experience perfectly smooth gear shifts every time¦ and significantly quicker than even the most skilled driver could manage using the traditional ‘heel and toe' method.

The ride is firm but the suspension set-up is brilliant, allowing you to put the car just where you want it no matter what the speed.

When the sun shines the hood can be lowered in just 20 seconds and disappears beneath a body-colour hard tonneau cover to give a smart, tidy appearance as well as improving air flow.

A fixed transparent wind deflector behind the headrests  reduces wind turbulence and makes it comfortable to have the hood down even on cold days.

This Nissan is a strict two-seater, with just a little bit of space behind the seats for small items although the boot is reasonable and will even take a golf bag.