The Maserati GranTurismo

I WAS in the garden centre recently and there, on a rather forlorn display for Father's Day, was a book titled Midlife Crisis Cars.

Normally, I would stop to browse but, on this occasion, waiting outside was what might typically be regarded as just such a car - a Maserati GranTurismo.

My previous Maserati experience was in the late '80s when I tested a Biturbo.

My son wanted to impress his mates by being driven to school in it, but the journey came to an ignominious end 300 yards from the school gates when it died on a roundabout.

So his mates saw him pushing a Maserati instead. Not quite so impressive.

Things are better at Maserati now. The cars go, for a start. And how they go.

Driving the GranTurismo was one of those experiences that mustn't be allowed to pass you by when you get the chance. Even after 37 years in my profession, there are still some cars that get the adrenalin pumping, and this is one of them.

Under the bonnet is a 4.2-litre V8 engine that doesn't need a turbo to make the car thump you in the kidneys any time you press the loud pedal. It's awesome to command and even more awesome to listen to.

Let's face it, these days fast cars are like a good stereo - they take you places by making the right noises.

This Maserati lists at almost £79,000 and the test car's extras lifted it to £85,000, but I have to say the GranTurismo is a thing of real beauty, with carefully sculpted, flowing lines.

It has to be, because, judging by the previous model, it will lose up to 40 per cent of its value in its first year, so you need some wonderful thoughts to ease the pain.

Running it, in terms of feeding the fuel tank at least, is not as painful as it might be. The car was averaging 22mpg and I could live with that.

You don't need to blast everywhere to enjoy it - the pleasure of a car like this is knowing you can blast if you want to.

Instead, it's far better to sit back and soak up the ambience, preferably with the window open to listen to the car as well.

The optional Bose surround-sound stereo was never used, but the window switch was constantly exercised.

The test car's red leather interior suited the occasion admirably and the seats were more comfortable than those in many sports cars.

Even the rear seats were usable for odd occasions.

And there's enough boot space for the shopping!

If you want grown-up Italian passion and style, combined with great handling, this is the way to have it.

For more information, visit www.maserati.com

-Maurice Hardy

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