2017 Nissan 370Z

Nissan's 370Z sports car returns unchanged for 2017 following a 2016 update that brought a new entry-level trim and a $10,000 price cut.

At just under $30,000, the 370Z is a performance car bargain, with its 3.7L V6 putting 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.

This is a car that keep up with a Porsche 718 Cayman S or an entry-level Jaguar F-Type for half the money, and for a car last redesigned nearly eight years ago, Nissan's attainable sports car still looks quite sharp. Plus, the 370Z can be had as a convertible -- for nearly $50,000 -- just like those European sportsters.

Fuel consumption estimates, per Natural Resources Canada test methods, are 13.3/9.3 L/100 km (city/highway) with the manual transmission and 12.6/9.3 with the automatic.

Standard features in the base Coupe trim include 18-inch wheels, automatic Xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, passive keyless entry with push-button start, Bluetooth, automatic climate control, power windows, locks and mirrors, manual eight-way driver and four-way passenger seats in cloth upholstery, leather-trimmed steering wheel, shifter and parking brake, four-speaker stereo with USB and auxiliary inputs and tire pressure monitoring.

At $39,998, the Touring Coupe adds a limited slip rear differential, heated side mirrors, navigation, backup camera, active noise cancellation, garage door opener, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated leather seats, aluminum pedals and a Bose stereo with six speakers and two subwoofers.

Next up is the Touring Sport Coupe, at $43,998, which includes SynchroRev Match automatic engine rev matching (manual transmission only), larger brakes, 19-inch lightweight wheels and front chin aero deflector and rear spoiler.

At the top of the coupe range is the $47,998 370Z Nismo. It alone uses an uprated engine that makes 350 hp and 276 lb-ft and comes only with the manual transmission. Other distinctions include heavier duty brake fluid and brake hoses, sport-tuned suspension, three-point front strut tower brace for extra structural rigidity, Nismo-specific body kit, Recaro seats, and leather and Alcantara trim and red stitching for seats, steering wheel and shifter.

370Z Roadster (convertible) models start at $49,498 in Touring trim, and $53,498 as Touring Sport. Both come with a black top, but Touring Sport can be optioned with a lovely Bordeaux (burgundy) top for an extra $1,500.