Published:
24 March 2014We’re used to Maserati interiors that look gorgeous, but it’s breaking new ground for the marque to find one that, after over a century of trying, actually works reasonably well, too.
Don’t be too diverted by the fine-grain leather seen here unless you’re happy to part with almost £2500 extra for it. Even without it, basic cabin design is sound. The driving position is normal, affected only a little by slightly offset pedals, and while we’d like a little more reach adjustment on the steering wheel, that’s a small gripe rather than a major complaint. The wheel itself is perfectly proportioned, with a thick but firm rim – which is how it should be.
Analogue dials live alongside a digital display with only a certain degree of success, and whether you regard the large 8.4in central touchscreen as a result or a disappointment depends on the direction from which you’re approaching. It’s much poorer than the MMI, iDrive or Comand systems used by Audi, BMW or Mercedes – but compared to anything hitherto used in any other Italian car, it’s close to miraculous.
Forget Maserati’s claim to class-leading front legroom, because it has no value unless you’re 6ft 8in tall. Concentrate instead on the fairly generous head and legroom for four adults – something not a given from Maserati.
Just don’t mistake this for a five-seater; there are three seatbelts in the back, but the middle perch is better at providing amusement value for other occupants than somewhere sensible for anyone to sit for anything other than short hops.
