Nissan Z Performance – 2023 Test Drive Review

2023 Nissan Z RiceBox

2023 Nissan Z will be loved by 350Z and 370Z owners.

The 2023 Nissan Z is one of the most anticipated sports cars of the decade, and soon they will be hitting the streets. After being introduced to the Proto Z and re-introduced to the Z at the Houston Auto Show, I now have my hands on a pre-production Performance Edition of the header-turn 2-door coupe for seven days. Since day one, in my possession, the Z has received constant attention and praise. Then, jaws dropped, seeing it on the streets of Houston. Finally, owners and fans of the 350Z and 370Z will be satisfied with the redesigned coupe.

Exterior

The Z in a two-tone Passion Red and Super Black compliments the multi-generational design. The rear screams 300zx and the front is a futuristic extension of the 350Z/370Z. It is almost like a Frankenstein build sewn together cleanly. The rear, which has a low stance and great styling, is my favorite design aspect of the new Z, but the long front hood slowly grew on me as it does compliment the entire car’s silhouette. The black roof, wheels, rear valence, and trunk panel perfectly complete the Z’s two-tone appearance.

Exterior Rating: 8.5/10

Interior

The cockpit is nicely redesigned yet still very simple with updated materials. It has a 12.3-inch customizable racing-inspired TFT meter display, triple gauge pods like the previous generation, available leather-appointed sports seats, and an 8-speaker Bose Audio system. The only two features I wished for in the one I drove were cooling seats and a 360 camera. Yet, No bells and whistles are needed to please Z fans. For those familiar with the last generation, you will feel at home in this slightly updated interior. At 6’1, I felt like I was the max size that would be able to drive the Nissan Z and handle the driver-centric cockpit comfortably.

Interior Rating: 9.5/10

Performance

The 2023 Z’s 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine is plentiful and paired with an exhaust tone that can’t help but make you imagine that you are the star of Tokyo Drift. The engine pushes at 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque and delivers a smooth and perky response. 0-60 with the 9-speed automatic transmission with aluminum paddle shifters is 4.0 seconds. The Z grips well, and the only gripe I had was the loose steering which I expected to be stiffer and sportier. However, in the 400+ miles I drove, I averaged 21.6 MPG, mostly highway driving. In addition, a six-speed manual will be made available for those who want the purest connection between driver and machine.

Performance Rating: 9.5/10

2023 Nissan Z Verdict

At a total MSRP of $53,610, the 2023 Nissan Z Performance is worth every penny. The Z Sport 3.0-liter V6 is the lowest-priced version, with a starting MSRP of $39,990. In addition, a Z Proto Spec version will also be available, which is the highest trim at $52,990. Finally, they should be at Nissan dealers nationwide in late summer 2022.

Overall Rating: 9/10

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Nissan Kicks SR – 2022 Test Drive Review

The 2022 Nissan Kicks SR is a good vehicle for your high school or college student.

The Nissan Kicks in the two-tone Scarlet Ember Tintcoat/Super Black exterior is bold, stylish, and aimed at the youngest generation of drivers. It offers best-in-class fuel economy to help your teen save money at the gas pumps and ample space inside to haul friends.

ENGINE

The Nissan Kicks’ most disappointing feature is its lack of a decently powered engine. It has a 1.6 liter 4 cylinder that only pushes out 122 horsepower and 114 lb-ft of torque. I find it unacceptable for this car to be so underpowered in our current times. It felt like I was driving the Flinstones car as I put my foot all the way down on the highway, and it was barely accelerating. This is due to the vehicle having CVT or Continuously Variable Transmission, which means it does not have gears that provide “steps” between low- and high-speed operation. This allows for the Kicks to be more fuel-efficient which it is. With my heavy foot, I averaged 32 MPG after driving 350 Miles. 31 City and 36 Highway MPG is what Nissan claims.

INTERIOR

The interior may not be as fancy or stylish as the exterior, but it is conservatively simple and sturdy. I am 6’1 and did not feel cramped in any of the seats. Instead, there was plenty of headroom and leg space to make you think you are driving something larger. The Kicks comes with standard tech features, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a host of driver assists, such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. Cargo space is the most impressive in the Kicks. The versatile cargo with a 60/40-split rear seat offers space up to 32.3 cubic feet.

The starting price of the 2022 Nissan Kicks is $19,900. The model seen here is priced at $25,980. This car is worth a look at if you are looking at a vehicle for your newly licensed teenager or recent high school grad headed to college.

Nissan Kicks Overall Rating: 7/10

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