Maserati GranTurismo MC Stradale Car Review - April 2012

The handling with the GranTurismo is excellent, with steering that is accurate and is nicely weighted, but a little more feedback would be nice. There is no doubt when driving that the GranTurismo does feel like a big car, but it has plenty of grip when cornering and the stiff sporty suspension means there's very little body movement too. The driving position is fine with a seat and steering wheel that both adjust to suit the individual, but the thick pillars at the front and the side do affect visibility.

This version of the GranTurismo certainly has the best performance figures in the range which really do impress, with the 4.7 litre engine able to achieve acceleration from 0-62mph in only 4.6 seconds. The top speed of 187mph is really begging to be taken away from the limitations of road driving on to the track, and while there is some road noise and engine noise while cruising at motorway speed, the sound when you put your foot down is magnificent.

The GranTurismo has been aggressively styled and really does look like a powerful sports car, with the distinctive large grille at the front end signifying that this is certainly a Maserati. The streamlined shape and bulging wheel arches are also very nice, while the back end is tidy with large tail light clusters and two sets of twin exhausts. Inside the cabin the car is classy and attractive, although the small buttons on the centre console are annoying to use while driving.

The level of equipment included with this version of the GranTurismo is superb, with features such as alloy wheels and leather seats included as standard. Satellite navigation is also installed in every car, while cruise control makes the car a more civilized companion on longer journeys.

One of the main reasons that many people will consider the GranTurismo is that it is more practical than many two seater sports cars, with four seats that really can be comfortable for long journeys. The fact that the boot is very small is however a problem. Maserati doesn't have a particularly good record for reliability, but they are claiming to have simplified the mechanics in their latest generation vehicles which should improve things.

The GranTurismo is also a very safe car to drive, boasting a number of airbags to look after occupants in the front and rear alike should the car become involved in a collision. There are also a number of electronic driving aids that help the driver to keep control of the car, and to avoid getting in to any accidents where possible.

With a list price of £110,045, the MC Stradale is a lot more than the other three options in the GranTurismo range, but it is also the best to drive and is a lot more fun than many rivals.

The running costs for the Maserati are also quite hefty, with the 4.7 litre engine only able to deliver an average 19.6mpg. The insurance costs for the car are also going to be a significant expense, but one plus point is that Maserati cars do hold their value well because of their immense desirability. The car is supplied with a three year unlimited mileage warranty, and also has an impressive breakdown assistance package that will last for the same duration as the warranty.