Nissan GT-R review

Even the entry-level GT-R comes with six airbags, keyless start, 20in wheels, LED headlights and parking sensors all round as standard, as well as an infotainment system with eleven speakers, DAB radio and SD-based satellite navigation. It’s exactly the kind of generous kit offering commonly used to keep a car like this attractive as it gets a bit long-in-the-tooth.

The step-up to mid-level trim looks a bit expensive, given that it only buys Recaro sports seats and a few other bits of cabin trim. The ‘Prestige’ version is offered with extended black, red, ivory or tan leather for a more luxurious flavour, while the ‘Track Edition’ comes with forged wheels, a reinforced body, track-focused suspension and a carbonfibre spoiler.

The range-topping Nismo edition benefits from carbonfibre-backed Recaro seats, Alcantara upholstery, a carbonfibre Nismo body kit, carbonfibre body panels, a carbonfibre wing and splitter, forged 20in Rays alloy wheels, Bilstein suspension, more efficient turbochargers and carbon-ceramic brakes. It represents the ultimate version of the GT-R, but if you want one on your drive, you’ll pay for the privilege – it costs more than an Audi R8, McLaren GT or Ferrari Roma. 

At least residual values on the car should be competitive; it’s expected to retain around 50 per cent of its showroom value after three years and 36,000 miles. That’s comparable with the rate of depreciation of an Audi R8 or McLaren GT. 

The GT-R’s complicated twin-clutch gearbox and four-wheel drive system are both a bit more needy than you may expect them to be; servicing is due every 12 months or 9000 miles. Also, bear in mind that track use and driving with the car’s electronic stability controls disengaged invalidates Nissan’s factory warranty until an appointment can be made for a full vehicle inspection, according to the car’s handbook.

The GT-R didn’t feature in our latest 2020 What Car? Reliability Survey, but Nissan as a brand performed woefully. Indeed, the Japanese manufacturer came 27th in the overall league table (of 31 manufacturers). 

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