Skyline 350GT (Japan model)

Stylish, sporty, comfortable - and cheap (in Japan at least)

I have run the Japan domestic market version of the G37, a Skyline 350GT Type S, for 18 months and 15,000km now (low mileages a consequence of living in Tokyo). It is the 3.5 litre, 5 speed auto which was sold in the US as the G35 but replaced (in Japan too) with the 3.7l 7-speed, which I've also driven. The main advantage of that is lower revs at motorway speeds; the 5-speed turns 2,400rpm at 100km/h, though it's pretty quiet.

Looks - the main reason I bought it. Mine is the equivalent of 'S' versions overseas, so has 18" rims, (plus limited slip diff, bigger brakes, and paddle shift), which look better than the 17". I think it's a much better looking car than the C-class and 3 series, though came out in late '06 so only has a year or two more to run now and the latest facelift is frankly, not very different from the original and looks no better either.

Drive - pretty reminiscent of a 3 series. BMW-style organ-pedal accelerator, perfectly weighted; steering fairly meaty, but communicative - again quite BMW-like; and brakes not over-sensitive and easy to modulate. Handling first-class. Too fast to fully enjoy on public roads, especially in Japan. Really takes off above 4,000 RPM but plenty of low-end torque for getting into gaps in traffic. Autobox with downshift rev-matching and paddle shift makes it a pleasure to shift yourself on winding roads; otherwise just leave the car to it and things are mostly jerk-free, apart from a downshift programmed to occur from fourth to third as you slow to 40km/h, especially if it coincides with wanting to re-accelerate. Mostly though, the best autobox I've driven. Torque converter is in lock-up much of the time, so quite direct acceleration too.

Interior - mine is Japan domestic, which means half-leather and cloth trim, and aluminium trim pieces (which work better than wood). The ergonomics are first class - you can do a lot from the steering wheel buttons alone, voice control works, while commonly used controls - aircon temp, volume, hazard lights are all in easy very reach. Climate control, stereo with hard-disk CD ripping, touch screen navigation system, Bluetooth handsfree to iPhone (for music and calls) - all just works, brilliantly. I can sit fairly comfortably behind myself (6ft) in the back (and have sat in the back for long journeys without problem), and the boot takes two very large suitcases plus a load of smaller bags. It also took four adults' and a small child's luggage for a week's holiday, which was quite impressive. There is a ski hatch but not even the option of folding seats, unfortunately.

Dealer/maintenance - on a 2 yr maintenance pre-paid pack, which includes 6-monthly oil change and two 12-month inspections (they know how to take care of cars properly in Japan). Total was about 300 quid, and I've not been asked to contribute anything extra - but that's because it's a Nissan in Japan, not a 'premium brand' Infiniti. It has not required any warranty work or repairs; occasionally a screenwasher jet gets blocked up, but that's it, despite a life so far of mostly short runs from cold.

Fuel economy - there had to be a downside. I'd say 17mpg in Tokyo traffic (20km/h average speed, or worse - i.e. lots of waiting at traffic lights, irrespective of how busy the road is), but as good as 33mpg on a long motorway run (100-120km/h). My overall average (probably 50:50 of these two driving types) is probably 23mpg, but you'd do better on UK roads and with the 7sp gearbox now available. My low mileage means fuel cost is about the same as my annual insurance bill, so it does not bother me.

Value for money - 90% of a 335i, without the reliability issues or the image of being a 'BMW driver' - and better still mine, bought at 6mths as an ex-demonstrator, was Y2.6m (list about Y4m) versus Y6.9m for a 335i (and still Y4.45m for the 4-cylinder 320i). I expect to be able to sell it after 2.5 yrs of use for around Y1m, but I suspect I'll be holding on to it.

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