69 MOTORING ROAD TESTS BY MARK SLACK
MASERATI’S STYLE MACHINE MASERATI GHIBLI
Although it sounds a lot of money (it is!) spending nearly £55,000 on a car is not as difficult as one might imagine. Look at some Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz models and even a moderate amount of ticking in the option boxes can easily accelerate to a £50,000+ price tag. While any car with an Audi, BMW or Mercedes Benz moniker on the bonnet is an automotive powerhouse they are rather plentiful, especially lead-in models. So, you might be surprised to hear that one of the
most stylish Italian luxury car makers, with strong links to iconic motoring name Ferrari, can be bought new for similar money. Maserati has been a fixture among the upper echelons of motoring desirability for many years and their stylish Ghibli saloon is on offer from £54,835. Somewhat of a bargain given the package and pedigree of the Maserati name and history. Two petrol engines in two power outputs, and a diesel are on offer. The 350hp and 430 hp petrol units are 3.0 litre twin turbo V6 engines, the turbo diesel is also a 3.0 litre V6 and develops 275 hp. Even in entry level form the Ghibli is a head turner bestowed with generous equipment levels and a level of detail that feels very bespoke. The powerful twin turbo 3.0 litre V6 engine propels the Ghibli past the benchmark 62 mph in 5.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 163 mph. It’s a delight with lots of power and a super soundtrack from the exhaust. Although not a priority with buyers, you would imagine, the fuel consumption is impressive
with a combined figure of 31.7 mpg. On the road the power feeds in smoothly and
IT’S A DELIGHT WITH LOTS OF POWER
AND A SUPER SOUNDTRACK FROM THE EXHAUST.
progressively in a refined and silent manner when in normal mode. The Ghibli remains composed and refined even at high speed and could easily prove a licence loser under inattentive hands. Use the sport mode and the car takes on a whole different persona. There’s an audible growl from the exhausts and with firmer suspension and sharper steering meaning the Ghibli handles impressively across country roads. The Ghibli is an impressive machine with a pedigree matched by few rivals,
performance that equals the best on offer and maximises on style and individuality. All of this at a price point starting at just under £55,000 makes it a surprising and little-known star of luxury performance motoring.
SENSIBLE BUT CLEVER TECHNOLOGY MAZDA 3 2.0-LITRE GT SPORT
Two quick glances – inside and out - might well be enough to put this Mazda high on your list of desirable smaller hatchbacks. Especially if the Mazda 3 you’re looking at comes with £790 worth of ‘soul red crystal metallic paint’. It looks stunning! Mazda was early to discover the pulling power of a fancy red finish (it’s now on its second, even more
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