We review the Nissan 370Z Nismo from price to economy and all its features

THERE are some cars which, when you see them, you make it your life's mission to drive.

That said, there are also models you are happy never to try.

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Nissan creates both. It makes the Micra. OK, the Sway concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show looks a vast improvement on the Micra our grandmas drive to bingo.

But, until now, it has had all the charm of a caravan holiday in Baghdad.

Nissan, however, also produces the 370Z Nismo.

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The Nissan GT-R is widely regarded as one of the best sports cars money can buy, but the money is huge. It costs around £80,000 — silly dosh to you and me (though I have considered trading in my house for one).

But in 2013 the company unveiled its 370Z Nismo, a trackfocused hooligan more at home on mud-strewn B-roads than pootling around town, and turning heads wherever it goes.

It came in at just over the £30,000 mark.

I remember seeing it on the pages of some inferior motoring column somewhere and saying to myself, "I need that car."

Now Nissan has updated its 3.7litre V6 bruiser for 2015, and that was my cue to make a phone call.

But what does Nismo mean? It sounds like a Pokemon character, but is actually Nissan's way of bringing something a little spicier to the range.

It has race technology, peakier power delivery and some sweet, sweet styling.

The Nismo's cleverest feature is the rev-match six-speed gearbox.

Don't ask me how it works, but when you downshift through the gears, the engine blips the revs to make the perfect change with no stuttering and lurching.

It's a racing technique which used to be done using fancy footwork to tweak the accelerator, but now everyone can change gear like a track god.

The original 370Z Nismo was accused of being too noisy and uncomfortable. I never drove it but I do know noise isn't a problem in this car.

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Over bumpy ground you feel every notch and divot — but it's a sports car, what do you expect? The suspension is built for speed and responsiveness, not a six-month trek along the Silk Road. Make no mistake about it, this car is fast.

Its 339bhp is 16bhp more than the regular 370Z, and more than a Porsche Boxter S. It also knocks out 0-60 at about the same speed, at 5.2seconds. And it's ten grand cheaper.

The Nismo looks like it drives — mean and hard.

Inside, it loses my love a little. The dashboard lights up in a dull orange, which seems dated, and the in-car entertainment is basic.

Having said that, the satnav is superb, the best I've ever used.

It effortlessly piloted me away from a two-hour traffic jam in central London. I felt like I was being directed through the ancient rat runs by a black cab driver.

Nissan do it all. For those who hate cars, buy a Micra. For those who adore them (and have pots of cash), buy the GT-R. But for normal, car-loving folks like us, it's the 370Z Nismo all day long. One of the most insanely fun cars you can buy.