CUSTOMER deliveries have not yet begun, but Nissan's 350Z Roadster has already won its first European accolade.

It was awarded the "Cabriolet of the Year" gong at the Geneva Motor Show.

The jury of international automotive journalists voted unanimously for the 350Z Roadster in recognition of its performance and design.

Since 1994, the "Cabriolet Committee" has awarded this honour at the opening of the Geneva Motor Show.

So far, Nissan's 350Z has scooped 42 different awards.

Of those, 12 have been in Europe and 19 in the United States.

First deliveries of the Roadster will begin to customers later this month across Europe.

The 350Z Roadster is a two-seater convertible, powered by the same 3.

5-litre V6 engine that is found in the Coup.

It produces 280PS of power, which is channelled to the rear wheels via a sixspeed manual gearbox.

The car's electric folding soft-top mechanism either lowers or raises the roof in 20 seconds.