Maserati’s female side
IT MAY have a reputation as a macho sporty italian brand, but half the buyers of Maserati’s stylishly capable and comfortable new Grecale SUV are expected to be women.
Named after a Mediterranean wind, it has blown across to British shores and i’ve just been driving it here in Maserati’s fifth largest market. i’ve always had a soft spot for the marque and the Grecale covers new ground for it, taking on the likes of the Porsche Macan, Range Rover Velar, Audi Q5 Sportback and BMW X4. it’s impressive, with a commanding view of the road and a smart interior.
Clutter is kept to a minimum thanks to control buttons for drive, park, and reverse set between two central dashboard touchscreens.
At launch there are three trim levels, all linked to an eight- speed automatic transmission but with prominent paddles near the steering wheel for manual override.
The entry level GT at £61,570 is powered by a 300hp 2-litre in-line four-cylinder mild hybrid petrol engine which propels it from rest to 62mph in 5.6 seconds up to top speed of 149 mph.
The sporty mid- range Modena, which i drove mainly, has the same engine set- up, but with enhanced trim and 330hp, 0-62mph in a sprightly 5.3 seconds, priced from £67,180.
i also took a shorter spin in the more powerful, 50kg heavier, top-range Trofeo model costing from £99,700 which features distinctive detailing and a 530hp 3-litre twin turbo V6 Nettuno petrol engine that propels the Grecale from 0 to 62mph in just 3.8 seconds and up to a top speed of 199 mph.
A fully electric Grecale called the Folgore — italian for lightning — will launch here within the year following the arrival of a battery-powered GranTurismo Folgore.
Maserati says the 400v 105kWh high- energy battery equivalent to more than 500 hp will deliver a 310-mile range, and top speed above 125mph.
Maserati, which is now part of the giant Stellantis conglomerate, plans to be fully electric by 2030.