Insurance Group: 50
MPG: 21.6
CO2: 299
0-62 Mph: 3.8 secs
BHP: 490 BHP
Range: 371 miles
PROS: The California is a fantastic looking car and has some seriously impressive performance credentials. Sounds good too.
CONS: Although the California is billed as a four-seater, Ferrari are not fooling anyone and only the seriously vertically challenged are going to get comfortable in the back of this car. It's not cheap either.
This stunning car powers its way from 0-62 mph in just 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 193mph.
The 4.3-litre V8 engine delivers these impressive figures by offering 460bhp at 7750 rpm with torque figures of 357 lb-ft at 5000 rpm. The handling is superb and precise even though the California feels bulkier to drive than you'd expect. The traction and stability control settings are adjusted by the now customary 'mannetino' switch which allows you to control the amount of help you get off the electronics. Be warned though, turning the traction control off is not for the faint-hearted...
As a Ferrari, the external looks of the model are striking and bold. The car looks fab with or without the roof up and the photographs don't really do it justice - you have to see this car in the metal to appreciate just how good looking it is.
The Cali comes with all the creature comforts you could realistically expect, including power steering, central locking, stability control, alloy wheels, climate control, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, a metallic paint finish, rear parking sensors, leather seats, a CD compatible stereo, Bluetooth connectivity and a sat nav system.
The car also offers MP3 connectivity as standard – something which the larger 599 fails to deliver.
The cabin is fairly roomy despite the lack of space in the rear seats. Considering the car’s class, the boot is adequately sized with the capacity varying from 240-340 litres depending on whether the rear seats are up or down.
The California feels well put together and should prove to be reliable, with a four year/unlimited mileage warranty offering further peace of mind.
In terms of safety and security, the inclusion of an advanced traction control and stability system helps to keep drivers firmly on track - just don't expect the car to remain easy to drive if you turn the electronic overlord off. In the event that you do get into trouble there are a number of airbags fitted as standard.
Thieves will be deterred by a standard alarm and immobiliser along with a clever satellite tracking programme which monitors the car's position.
Priced at £146,960 the Ferrari California is the cheapest way into the Ferrari brand and is easily the most useable car that they currently sell.
High running costs, combined with poor green credentials, make it expensive to maintain and both road tax and insurance will be very high indeed. The poor fuel economy means refuelling will be frequent and expensive too.
Luckily, the popularity of this model means it is unlikely to suffer from depreciation and in this respect the Ferrari California offers good value for money.
The California offers true Ferrari thrills with a healthy dose of practicality. Although it's not going to work as a family runaround, the California is a Ferrari that you could use every day.
You might want to read reviews for other Supercars that you can then compare to the Ferrari California. Here are some popular Ferrari California alternatives:
