Maserati Grecale touches down in Mzansi

Prices start from R1.6m for the entry-level GT and are headlined by the 395kW Trofeo model, writes

Maserati SA last week revealed its new Grecale at a glitzy event held at its Bryanston dealership. The Grecale is the second SUV from the brand since the larger Levante, and just as the Macan did for Porsche, the new crossover is poised to play a dual role of pleasing loyalists with a compact, everyday city romper option while enticing relatively affordable entry into Maserati ownership.

With a length of 4,846mm and a 2,901mm wheelbase, the Grecale has a size and space advantage over rivals and claims 44mm more rear legroom than the segment average. Its 570l boot is down by a mere 10l from the larger Levante for enhanced practicality.

It launches in three variants: entry-level GT, mid-tier Modena and high-grade Trofeo.

Inside the cabin is a digital dashboard interface with control by touchscreen, gestures and voice control via Amazon Alexa. Digital touches include a smartwatch-style clock, navigation, drive modes, apps, head-up display and a powerful 21-speaker Sonus Faber audio system.

The entry-level GT is powered by a four-cylinder mild hybrid engine that debuted in the Levante, but with a lesser 223kW. The 0-100km/h sprint takes 5.6 seconds with a 240km/h top speed.

The same mild-hybrid fourcylinder engine is in the Modena model but with 246kW on tap, promising a quicker, 5.3 seconds to 100km/h and a matching 240km/h top speed.

The range-topping Trofeo has a 3.0l V6 petrol twin turbo engine that’s closely related to the Nettuno engine in the MC20 supercar. It delivers a meaty 395kW and 620Nm with a 3.8 second dash from standstill to 100km/h and top speed of 285km/h.

All models come equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. Driving modes across the range include Comfort, GT, Sport and Off-road, tailoring the Grecale’s attitude to match conditions and driver mood.

The Trofeo model benefits from a Corsa mode with launch control.

The first shipments are set to reach SA customers in early January.

The Maserati Grecale comes with a four or five-year extended warranty, and optionally the new Extra10 warranty programme that extends the coverage of power train components — engine, gearbox, transmission — until the car turns 10 years old.

Pricing

● Maserati Grecale GT — R1,650,000

● Maserati Grecale Modena — R1,950,000

● Maserati Grecale Trofeo — R2,550,000