Yes, the Grecale bears strikingly similar proportions to another handsome Italian SUV; the Stelvio. There is a simple answer for that; within the portfolio of Italian manufacturers, the Maserati team decided on the Giorgio platform of the Stelvio and Giulia to base their new, compact-sized SUV on.
This is by no means a bad thing considering the Giorgio platform offers superb dynamics and driver engagement. The Stelvio is often lauded for its un-SUV-like driving experience and of course, a highly attractive exterior. We can’t comment on the way the Grecale drives, just yet, but the recipe is shaping up to be one of success and the styling of the high-riding model remains unmistakably Maserati.
That is a crucial model for Maserati since the Grecale will expectedly be a volume seller for the Italian brand, taking the fight to its German rivals; the Porsche Macan and BMW X3. With initial appetites whet on its launch evening in Sandton, it may just have what it takes.
Here is a recap of what is on offer. The new Maserati Grecale will be available in three levels of trim. The one on display in Sandton was an entry-level GT model which looks as snazzy as you’d expect the top-of-the-range model to be. Of course, the changes are under the surface with the GT offering a 2,0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol motor with mild hybrid technology rated at 223 kW which means it can achieve a 100 km/h sprint in 5,6 seconds before going onto a top speed of 240 km/h.
In the middle of the range is the Grecale Modena which employs the same displacement, engine configuration and same mild hybrid system tuned to 246 kW which can achieve the 100 km/h sprint 0,3 seconds quicker than its GT counterpart. The top speed on both models remains the same.
At the top of the list is the Grecale Trofeo which has a detuned 3,0-litre Nettuno engine from the MC20 supercar. This 395 kW motor enables the high-riding Maserati to hit 100 km/h in 3,8 seconds before topping out at 285 km/h.
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With the order book already open, the first shipments are expected to arrive in early January. The starting price for Maserati Grecale is R1 650 000 and specced first units will arrive with a starting cost of R1 850 000.
Keyword: Maserati Grecale unveiled to South Africans for the first time