2020 Nissan 370Z ROADSTER

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Nissan's iconic Z sports car, which debuted in 1970 model as the 240Z. Nissan is celebrating that milestone with a couple of special versions of the 2020 370Z coupe, covered in a separate buyer's guide entry. Meanwhile, the 370Z roadster carries over from last year as a handsome convertible that remains a strong value among performance-oriented softtops.

The 2020 Nissan 370Z Roadster once again comes in Touring and Sport Touring trims. Options are few, and are limited to the Sport Touring: that uplevel model can be had with a seven-speed automatic transmission and a sharp dark red top that Nissan calls Bordeaux, after the red wine variety.

All 370Z Roadster models share a 3.7L V6 engine that makes 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. It's a big engine in an era of relatively tiny turbo motors but is still a strong performer that's eager to rev. Touring and Sport Touring trims are standard with a six-speed manual transmission.

Sport Touring adds a rev-match downshift feature that pulls off super-smooth downshifts and makes you look like a seasoned race driver. This trim is optional with a seven-speed automatic that becomes standard kit when you select the Bordeaux-coloured roof.

Other cool engineering bits include a limited slip differential that's standard across the range. A sport brake system with larger rotors and calipers is standard in Sport Touring trims.

Nissan's direct competition includes convertible versions of the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. You could stretch that list to include the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4 and Jaguar F-Type, cars the 370Z can almost keep up with despite its more affordable price. And if you're not fixated on straight-line power, the Mazda MX-5 and Fiat 124 Spider are less-expensive ways to get into a stylish two-seat convertible with fun handling.

The 2020 Nissan 370Z Roadster Sport trim comes with 18-inch wheels, automatic HID headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, a power-folding roof, navigation, passive keyless entry, power windows, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and ventilated leather sport seats and a nine-speaker stereo with satellite radio.

Sport Touring adds 19-inch wheels, along with the bigger brakes and rev-matching transmission. You can add the automatic here, and after that, the Bordeau roof.

Nissan's fuel consumption estimates for the 370Z Roadster are 13.6/9.7 L/100 km (city/highway) with the six-speed manual transmission, and 13.0/9.7 with the seven-speed automatic.