The Italian reputation of finely fusing form, functionality and personality in presentable packages is an attribute that has been marketed as part of its national design DNA.
At times, some aspects of the functionality may be forsaken for form, but generally, the overall appreciation of Italian design and matching performance is classical poetry in emotion.
The Maserati Grecale GT flows into this design thinking, presenting an SUV that is more pleasing to the eye than most.
With gentle lines and a sense of purposeful poise behind its strong trident logo, the outward appearance is one that invites more exploration.
Within this well proportioned exterior is a cosy yet well thought-out interior.
Maserati hasn’t quite jumped into the larger-the-screen-the-better competition. An adequately sized ultra high-definition display still holds many of the functional bits and bobs you’ll need to fiddle with to make this a personalised vehicle.
An equally large air-con control pad makes sure you get the air that you wish.
Connecting To The Living Room
The living room on wheels concept is the aspirational benchmark of Maserati cars. And it gets closer to that ideal with the Grecale.
Comfortable seats with adequate legroom in the back for taller passengers match an interior that is understated with highlights that would be associated to a pricier car. Currently, the entry-level Grecale GT is going for *$280K without the jumpy COE price added (never know where that needle will land).
Connectivity is key in most of today’s cars, and the Grecale GT easily links up with the smartphone’s operating system. The Android auto operating system allows for even greater customisation. Via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, users can access the apps wirelessly. Thoughtful features — voice control doesn’t require pressing any activation buttons — make for a more seamless integration between home and the road.
An old-fashioned dashboard clock keeps time while harbouring a modern movement that switches functions — compass, G-force and pedal power; some of them a bit superfluous but something that could occupy a younger front-seat passenger for some time.
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Sound Quality
The scratchy surface of the Sonus faber sound system grille is a good example of the form and function argument. It certainly adds texture to the interior which also has leather, wood and digital ambient lighting. The prickly holes in the grille are mathematically calculated and punctured for the best sound delivery of 860 watts through the 14 speakers. The Italian company has been making sound systems for over 40 years.
The Grecale as a sound room on the move works well. The music can be controlled to deliver an ideal listening environment. If the music moves you, the Grecale GT moves in the same spirit.
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Moving Emotion
The Grecale GT doesn’t have the rocking movements many SUVs suffer from due to their sheer bulk. Standing at 1.67m and a sloping front, the Grecale GT slices through any resistance.
Smooth, swift and controlled, the well-balanced Grecale GT takes you to 100kmh in 5.6 seconds (under four seconds in the top-of-the-line Trofeo model), its mild hybrid 2-litre powertrain delivers effortlessly as it offers power on tap, its wide track and low profile helping to keep out unwanted influences.
Enough of the engine sound can be heard in the cabin, though never too loud as to drown out any chatter or the music.
The multi-function steering wheel has most of what you’ll need at hand in stylish buttons and levers.
The Maserati-owned and developed Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) controls all the vehicle dynamics. Available in three variants, it maximises traction and performance, adjusting to your driving style and the road.
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For the mood you’re in, there are three driving modes — Comfort (great for day-to-day running around without compromising on feel), GT which maps a slightly more aggressive acceleration, and Sport where maximum engine boost is on offer and the exhaust valves are always open.
There is also the Off-road option, for when you’d like to take the Grecale off the beaten track. The height of the car is adjusted and the rev limiter activated.
As an all-rounder, with looks to match, the Maserati Grecale GT is quite the complete package.
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MASERATI GRECALE GT RATING
Styling: 8.5/10
Interior: 9/10
Connectivity: 8.5/10
Ride: 9/10
Handling: 8.5/10
Power: 8.5/10
Overall: 8.5/10
*Please reconfirm price with dealer.
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