Enter the Z8 via the offside expecting to drive, and you’ll be disappointed. Right-hand-drive demand isn’t so strong so all cars will be left-hookers.
The basic driving position is good with plenty of electrical seat adjustment, but only reach adjustment for the steering wheel. You can’t fault the Z8 for pure effect inside though. The body-coloured dash has a high-quality sheen and the centrally mounted instruments manage a near-perfect blend of legibility and design flair. All the switches bar the heated seat buttons are unique to the Z8, and the car feels mighty special as a result.
The cabin looks good, but it isn’t particularly user-friendly. When you want to check road or engine speed you have to take your eyes off the road completely – sunshine reflections dance all over the screen and are always a distraction. There aren’t many cubbies to store stuff in but the boot is a decent size.
There’s plenty of head room with the hood up and noise insulation is good, but put the hood down and occupants will feel a little on show because the seating position is quite high. Motorway cruising is a practical proposition, as long as you don’t go over 90mph and then you’ll be exposed to quite a bit of buffeting.
This car is expensive to buy and run. You pay £28k more than you would for M5 – which is better to drive – and then you have to factor in a sizeable fuel bill. We managed only 7mpg on our test track, but on our economy run we achieved 25.6mpg. The 73-litre tank gives a maximum touring range of 410 miles, but we didn’t get anywhere near that figure on our runs.
