NEWS3 | MotorBar

Nissan’s 370Z Roadster
roars in...

THE WAIT IS OVER, the Roadster is here and the 370Z line-up is even more exciting than ever. While the quality, performance and thrills of Nissan's much-loved Coupe have already made it a hit with sports car fans, the 370Z range is now complete following the arrival of the stunning Roadster version.

Anyone wanting the ultimate wind-in-the-hair performance will have a choice of two trim levels — the standard 370Z Roadster or the GT Pack. Crucially, all models come with the same 324bhp 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine which is at the heart of every 370Z.

Even standard Roadster models come equipped with newly-designed 18-inch alloy wheels, electrically-adjustable seats, an engine start/stop button, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel-mounted controls and Bi Xenon headlamps. Upgrade to the GT Pack and the list of standard kit grows to include black suede and leather seats, an 8-speaker BOSE audio system, 19-inch forged alloy wheels and cruise control.

Nissan 370Z

Not previously available on the Roadster in Europe, an advanced 7-speed automatic gearbox is offered alongside the conventional 6-speed manual transmission. GT Pack models also benefit as standard from SynchroRev Match — the world's first synchronised downshift rev matching manual transmission — while buyers of all variants can enjoy the Nissan's acclaimed rear-wheel drive chassis.

Best of all, this can all be experienced with the roof down. The one motion closed-to-open movement takes around 20 seconds and a specially developed full body-colour hard tonneau cover helps to eliminate wind turbulence at speed. Standard on GT Pack models, the 370Z's newly-developed seats are air conditioned, allowing chilled ventilation through their netted material so that both the driver and passenger can keep cool with the roof down no matter what the weather. What's more, the seats also make winter top-down driving a pleasure as they can also push out hot air to keep you warm.

Prices start at Ł29,900 for the 370Z Roadster and rise to Ł36,150 for the Roadster GT Pack with SatNav.

High Street retailer Debenhams launches Divorce Gift List...

DEBENHAMS HAS JUST ANNOUNCED the launch of the very first Divorce Gift List Service. While the first day back after the Christmas holidays (Monday 4 January 2010) was found to be the most common date for couples to decide to divorce and seek legal assistance, approximately two weeks later sees the first step in the separation process — filing the divorce petition.

The launch of the Divorce Gift List Service comes with the increase in popularity of 'congratulations on your divorce' greetings cards and divorce celebration parties complete with divorce cake, famously held by celebrities such as Jordan, Gail Porter and Heather Mills.

Peter Moore, Head of Retail Services at Debenhams said: "With so many couples now living together before they marry, the Wedding Gift List concept is now regarded as more of an upgrade service, rather than stocking up the first home with the basics. However, a divorce means that one partner will be leaving the marital home and therefore be left without any essentials in their new house."

Items expected to be popular features on the Divorce Gift List include cookware, cutlery, crockery, glasses, bedlinen, towels, small electrical goods such as toasters and microwaves as well as non-iron shirts, large plasma screen TVs and computer games.

Peter Moore adds: "Divorcing can be an expensive time and registering for a Divorce Gift List means that family and friends can help the newly-separated begin their new life."

Debenhams has been running a Wedding Gift List service for over 10 years and now holds 12 per cent of the market share. On average, couples include 120 items on their gift list, totalling Ł1,500. The most popular items requested are televisions, iPods, honeymoons, china, small electricals and, more recently, charitable donations.

Whilst the average age of couples registering for a list is 30 years old, 40 per cent of weddings are second timers. As well as the Divorce Gift List, Debenhams can also set up lists for anniversaries and birthdays. New for 2010 is free delivery for all Gift List services.

A Divorce Gift List can be registered in store or online. The customer will then be emailed a unique password to enable them to manage their list online. To create a list, a Specialist Adviser will book an appointment lasting around two hours. During the appointment, the customer can discuss the products and where to find them and then will be given a hand-held scanner to add products to the list. Cards are available so family and friends will know the list is held at Debenhams. A Divorce Gift List can include Giftcards as well as charitable donations.

Beautiful Villa with Grotto in Puglia...

ESSENTIAL ITALY Italy are delighted to add this fantastic villa — with amazing grotto — in Puglia to their portfolio for 2010. Villa San Michele's original building dates back to 1300 and has been newly renovated in a fabulous mix of antique and contemporary furnishings which gives a very special feel throughout the property.

This Masseria sits in an impressive five acres of land with the grounds planted with indigenous trees providing wonderful harvests of almonds, olives, walnuts, mulberries, figs and lemons. The swimming pool is approximately 40 meters from the house along with sunbeds and an external shower — the perfect place to while away the day in the warm Pugliese sunshine.

Hidden in the extensive grounds is a large natural limestone grotto, which is an impressive 52 metres deep. There is some evidence that the cave has been occupied by humans since Neolithic times and it is known that the cave was inhabited from the 7th century AD by Byzantine monks who had escaped persecution in Constantinople. Descending into the first part of the stalactite covered grotto is a large altar hewn out of the solid rock complete with a fresco of the Virgin, which studies have shown to be the oldest in the province of Brindisi, dating from the 8th century AD. Directly above the altar is a well-preserved fresco of Christ and another of San Michele, both of which date from the 11th century.

Throughout the Villa San Michele, the original stonewalls have been carefully exposed giving a wonderfully organic atmosphere. Entry is into a large hallway with a beautiful vaulted ceiling and an open fireplace. A spacious and comfortable sitting room with a truly impressive double-height vaulted ceiling provides ample space to relax! Leading off the lounge is a large vaulted 'Cantina' — originally used as a store room but now an open-plan dining area and kitchen with outside doors leading to the al fresco dining area with a wood-burning oven and barbeque.

Sleeps 8 | 4 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms | Ł2440 - Ł4270 per week | Location: nearest beach 'Diana Marina' 21kms, Ostuni 11kms, Martina Franca 19km, Alberbello 34km, Bari airport 94kms, Brindisi airport 42kms.

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