We’d all love a supercar, wouldn’t we? Only trouble is you need a six-figure sum to buy one, and probably another to run it writes Peter Carroll.

But Nissan has a sports model on its books which looks a million dollars, yet costs not much more than a well-specified Mondeo.

The 370Z, the replacement for the 350Z, is certainly a head-turner – and has the performance to back up its hairy-chested looks.

Powered by an uprated 3.7 litre V6, it pushes out a hefty 328PS and doesn’t red-line until 7,500rpm.

The test model looked stunning in the metal and came with the optional GT pack, featuring 19-inch forged alloys, heated suede/leather seats and an eight speaker Bose audio system.

The two-seater 370Z is shorter but looks more muscular than the car it replaced.

From some angles, particularly the rear threequarter view, it could be argued that the 350Z looks smoother, but there’s no denying the brash appeal of the 370Z.

The slight ‘coke bottle’ styling at the sides gives it a touch of American muscle car too.

It’s muscular to drive too.

Sixty is reached in under five and a half seconds and there’s masses of mid-range acceleration, making over taking a breeze.

It handles well too. Perhaps not as precise as a Cayman through the bends, but not many cars are.

The Z’s steering is sharp and responsive and it really is enjoyable to boot along a country lane.

Ride quality is reasonable, though the suspension can get caught out on rough roads.

Tyre roar is an issue too on poor surfaces.

Traction control has a tendancy to nanny the car in the dry but with all that power and rear wheel drive too, you’ll be glad of it in the wet.

The optional GT pack is worth considering as it has another ace up its sleeve in the form of Synchro Rev Control, which blips the throttle on the gear downshift to match the revs.

It works really well and is a lot easier than attempting to heel and toe for the average driver.

Inside, the 370Z’s cabin is a big improvement on the 350Z with the GT pack again bringing added luxury to the party.

There’s plenty of room for storing stuff and the boot is reasonable, if on the shallow side.

Visibility is not the best out the back and even worse over the shoulder: special care is needed when parking and emerging at junctions.

If there’s a downside to the 370Z it’s the running costs, which are more supercar than supermini, I’m afraid.

Insurance is rated at 47 out of 50 and you’ll get around 25mpg on a run, if you’re lucky.

Emissions are high at 245g/km and servicing has to be carried out every 9,000 miles.

But it’s still great fun and cars like this should be cherished before they are legislated out of existence.

So if you’d love a supercar but the budget extends to only just over £30,000 then this could be the one for you.