Upmarket Italian brand’s second SUV model is intended to take on the Porsche Macan On sale Now Price from £61,570
Dan Jones dan.jones@haymarket.com
DID YOU KNOW that Maserati has a history of naming its cars after air currents? There’s been the Bora, Kamsin, Mistrale and many more, and this latest model in the brand’s stable is named Grecale, after a strong Mediterranean wind that occurs to the south of Malta.
However, while it follows tradition in regard to identity, the Grecale is unlike any previous Maserati. Yes, the firm already offers an SUV, but the Grecale is smaller and cheaper than its Levante stablemate, rivalling the Porsche Macan in a bid to attract a new pool of buyers.
To that end, there’s a choice of two engines and three power outputs, while an electric version is due later this year. So far, we’ve tried the entry-level GT, which gets a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with mild hybrid assistance. It produces 296bhp and can officially sprint from 0-62mph in 5.6sec – quicker than any petrol-powered Audi Q5.
Judged by the near-immediate surge when you plant your foot, we don’t doubt the figures, and you’re unlikely to find it wanting for pace day to day. If you crave still more speed, though, there’s a punchier 325bhp version of the 2.0-engine for the Grecale Modena, while the performance-focused Trofeo comes with a much fruitier 523bhp 3.0-litre V6.
All versions send power to all four wheels through a smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox, although the latter doesn’t change down as swiftly as the Macan’s dual-clutch ’box when you ask for a sudden burst of speed. To get the best response from the engine and gearbox, you’ll want to use the shift paddles behind the steering wheel or select the most aggressive Sport driving mode.
And that’s worth doing, because the Grecale is fairly handy on a twisty road. There’s plenty of grip and its body stays reasonably upright through corners, although its steering doesn’t weight up as naturally as the Macan’s. The pricey Trofeo comes with adaptive air suspension (optional on the others), a sportier driving mode and a limited-slip rear differential that might help to boost its agility and make it more of a match for the Macan.
On a motorway cruise, meanwhile, it very effectively isolates you from wind and road noi
