FIAT SCUDO M DIESEL 2.2 D 150 Primo Van

When it comes to feel-good cars, there's not much that can touch Maserati's beautifully elegant Quattroporte. Jonathan Crouch looks at the current version.

Ten Second Review

The Quattroporte was always a special Maserati model; in effect a sportscar dressed up as a big saloon where its rivals were big saloons dressed up as sportscars. The current version - an improved version of the sixth-generation model is the best thing Maserati has yet brought us in the top luxury saloon segment, but it needs to be good to keep up with the competition.

Background

Maserati as a brand is going places. The company's Levante SUV is racking up some decent sales numbers and the car we look at here, the Quattroporte luxury sports saloon, has been a steady seller for the brand in its first half decade on sale. The Quattroporte first appeared on Maserati's books way back in 1963 and was always a bit of a quirky niche player here in the UK until the introduction of the achingly gorgeous fifth-generation model in 2004. Here was a car that had the power to seduce buyers from their BMW M models and Mercedes AMG specials into something altogether more sensuous. That progress was continued by the MK6 model and looks set to progress further here with this current version.

Driving Experience

As ever, this is a saloon that drives like a sports coupe. If you want silent cosseting, you should have visited a Lexus dealer. There's a firm ride, an urgent engine note and a machine that's fantastic fun to hustle through a set of bends. With diesel power now spurned by Maserati, most UK buyers order their cars with the most affordable 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, a 359PS unit that fitted to the base 'GT' variant can take you to 62mph in 5.5s en route to 166mph. If you simply must have your Quattroporte with more power - a point of view we can understand - the mid-range engine is a 430hp version of that same 3.0 V6, which is fitted to the 'Modena' model and makes 62mph in 5.0s en route to 179mph. The 3.0-litre engine is also developed to work with all-wheel drive but sadly not for right-hand drive markets. Apparently the steering column would foul the driveshaft plane. Want more under your right boot? Try the 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 that's fitted to the top 'Trofeo' version and is good for 530PS. This is closely related to a Ferrari design, although the Ferrari engine is said to feature a cross-plane crank for more power but slightly less torque. Power for all Quattroporte models is directed through a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Design and Build

At the front, there's a light and grille arrangement reminiscent of the brand's Levante luxury SUV. The lower nose section is linked to the grille with aerodynamic inspired splits. The back is styled with two side pockets that focus the attention on the exhausts. An aggressive black piano spoiler completes the rear view. Inside, there's a smart touchscreen infotainment system and buyers also get front and rear sports eats with sculptured profiles, plus a sports steering wheel, which can be ordered in carbon fibre or full leather. There's high gloss Piano Black wood trim on the dashboard, aluminium gearshift paddles and stainless steel sport pedals to complete the effect. Measuring over 5.2m from tip to tail, this Quattroporte certainly isn't a small car. Indeed, it could appeal to the chauffeur market as well as to buyers who just want pedal the thing themselves. You can specify a two-seat rear bench with a central divider, or a three-seater that splits and folds to extend the 530-litre boot.

Market and Model

Prices haven't changed much, which means a span that starts at around £90,000 for the entry-level GT which has a 3.0 petrol V6. There are two other trim levels: 'Modena', which uses a 430hp version of that 3.0-litre V6 and costs around £102,000); and 'Trofeo' (which uses a 3.8-litre V8 with 580hp and costs around £130,000. In the last few years with this model, there's been a clear emphasis on improving quality both actual and perceived, with stricter quality procedures in the build process and some high-quality woods and leathers used throughout. Key extra features added include an electronic parking brake, a surround view camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning and Automated Emergency Braking. Many of the major controls are operated by a large central touch screen mounted on the centre console. There's a twin-cowled instrument cluster and traditionalists will be reassured that you still get an analogue clock inset into the dashboard. The Quattroporte will have to do very well to shift some formidable rivals and these cover a wide span, including vehicles such as the Mercedes CLS and BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe right up to cars such as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur. It'll be helped in achieving its targets by a dealer network that's growing fast as well.

Cost of Ownership

Maserati has done what it could to improve the efficiency of this car. To that end, an electrically adjustable Air Shutter has been fitted in the front grille between the air vents and the engine's radiator. The Air Shutter provides optimal control of the engine's fluid temperature and, together with the optimization of the new front and rear bumpers, air conveyor and flat bottom, improves the aerodynamic drag of the car by 10%. It's still pretty thirsty though. The top 3.8-litre V8 'Trofeo' version can only manage 23.1mpg on the combined cycle. Don't expect the V6s to do much better. The evolutionary styling of this Quattroporte will help protect residual values of the old car which weren't as bad as many think.

Summary

Maserati looks to be adhering to a very sensible development plan for this sixth-generation Quattroporte. Not a lot needed doing to the basic styling of the original car, so the exterior design is nicely evolutionary. The interior has been extensively modernised and is reasonably media-savvy - an area which rather dated Quattroportes in the past. Overall, if you add up all the points, you'd probably buy something else in this segment. But if you let your heart rule your head - and we can understand why you would - then this Maserati continues to offer a temptingly different option.

Body Glass

Automatic two speed intermittent front wipers

Front electric windows with one touch facility

Laminated acoustic windscreen

Rain sensitive windscreen wipers

Brakes

Advanced emergency braking system (AEBS)

Anti-lock brake system

Electric parking brake

Electronic brake force distribution (EBFD)

Emergency Brake Assist

ESC

Hill start assist

Bulkhead/Partition

Loadthrough bulkhead/dual front passenger bench seat w underseat storage,foldflat centre seat backrest flat work surface&foldup outside passenger seat

Doors

Offside and nearside sliding side access doors

Painted sliding door rail cover

Twin solid rear doors

Driver Aids

Cruise control and speed limiter

Driver attention alert with driver monitoring camera, level - 4

Electronic power steering (EPS)

Intelligent Speed Assist

Driver Convenience

Lane keeping assist

Rear parking distance sensor

Driver Information

10" digital instrumental cluster

Connectivity via BTA with RCE

Multi-function trip computer

TPMS (Tyre pressure monitoring system)

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable + heated door mirrors

Painted exterior rear view mirror cover - Black

Embellishment Trims

Mistral black dashboard trim with liquid paladium decor strip in mid-section

Engine

22.5 litres AdBlue tank

70L fuel tank

Engine start/stop system

Entertainment

Audio controls mounted on steering wheel

Flexible multi-functional short antenna (200mm)

Two speakers and two tweeters

Exterior Body Features

Black painted side mouldings

Painted decor strips

Painted exterior door handle

Painted front bumpers

Painted rear bumper

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlamps on/off control

Eco LED headlamps with integrated daytime running lights

High beam assist

High level third brake light

Rear fog lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air recirculation facility

Chilled glovebox facility

Manual air conditioning

Interior Features

12V socket in lower glove box (1 only in cabin)

AT shifting by e-Toggle

Fabric upholstery

Height and reach adjustable steering wheel

Interior roof trim

Overhead console with 1 ceiling lamp (dome type and 3 lamps)

TPO plastic flooring

USB socket in cabin (dashboard)

Load Area

Fixed floor mounted load restraint lashing eyes x6

Packs

Dynamic surround view with connected navi pack - Scudo

Safety

Automatic fuel cut-off and door unlocking in event of accident

Door opening warning

Driver and passenger airbags

Height adjustable lap and diagonal inertia reel front seatbelts

Passenger airbag can be deactivated manually

Seatbelt unfastened audible warning and warning light

Seats

Driver's seat armrest

Ergonomic 6-way adjustable driver's seat with reach, rake, height and lumbar adjustment

Security

Dashboard mounted central locking push button and auto locking above 7mph

Immobiliser

Remote control central locking and deadlocking

Remote control ultrasonic security alarm system

Selective door locking

Wheels

Michelin Agilis tyres - 215/60 R17 104H (C class)

Emissions - ICE

CO: N

HC: N

HC+NOx: N

Noise Level dB(A): N

NOx: N

Particles: N

Standard Emissions: EURO 6

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 184

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 163

Engine and Drive Train

Automatic Transmission: 0

Bore: 83.8

Catalytic Convertor: No

CC: 2184

Cooling System: WATER

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Cylinders: 4

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Engine Make: N

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Fuel Type: DIESEL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Manual Transmission: No

Number of Valves: 16

Stroke: 99

Valve gear: DOHC

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC: 0

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 6.2

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 40.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 45.6

General

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Badge Engine CC: 2.2

Badge Power: 150

Based On ID: N

Chassis Engine Number: N

Clutch: SINGLE DRY PLATE

Coin Description: N

Coin Gross Vehicle Weight Code: N

Coin Power Output Code: N

Coin Series: N

Coin Wheelbase Description Code: N

Coin Wheelbase Name Code: N

Did at least one aspect of this vehicles safety give cause for concern?: 0

Exhaust System: CATALYTIC CONVERTER

Front Brakes: VENTILATED DISCS

Front Suspension: MACPHERSON STRUTS

Ghost model for valuation purposes: 0

Hand Brake: REAR

Insurance Group 1: N

Insurance Group 2: N

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 8

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

NCAP Overall Rating - LCV: 4 Star

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

Rear Brakes: DISCS

Rear Suspension: TORSION BEAM

Relative Height: H1

Relative Length: L1

Running Cost League Headings: MEDIUM

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Service Interval Mileage: 30000

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Steering: PAS

This vehicle is classed as a car for VED purposes: 0

Vehicle Homologation Class: N1

Vin/Frame No.: N

Performance

BHP: 150

Engine Power KW: 110

Engine Power RPM: 3500

Engine Torque LBS.FT: 273

Engine Torque MKG: 37.7

Engine Torque NM: 370

Engine Torque RPM: 1500

PS: No

Top Speed: 106

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Alloys?: 0

Automatic Clutch: 0

Plated 3rd Axle: N

Plated 4th Axle: N

Space Saver?: 0

Tyre Make: Michelin

Tyre Size Front: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Rear: 215/60 R17

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Style: N

Wheel Type: 17" STEEL

Vehicle Dimensions

Front Overhang: 901

Height: 1904

Length: 4980

Load Deck Height: 613

Load Height: 1397

Load Length: 3674

Load Space Width Between Wheel Arches: 1258

Load Width: 1628

Lower Rear Door Width: 1282

Rear Door Height: 1220

Rear Overhang: 802

Side Load Door Height: 1241

Side Load Door Width: 935

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 12

Wheelbase: 3275

Width (excluding mirrors): 1924

Width (including mirrors): 2204

Weight and Capacities

Boot Capacity Saloons: N

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 69

Gross Train Weight: 5000

Gross Vehicle Weight: 3100

Load Space Volume: 5.8

Luggage Capacity - 2nd Row Seats Removed: N

Luggage Capacity - 2nd Row Seats Up: N

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Down: N

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Removed: N

Luggage Capacity - 3rd Row Seats Up: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): N

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Minimum Kerbweight: 1774

No. of Seats: 3

Payload: 1326

Plated 2nd Axle: 1800

Plated Front Axle: 1500

Body Glass

Fixed left and right side 2nd row window

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Load Area

9mm coated anti-slip wooden load floor with aluminium rails

Packs

Winter pack - Scudo

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Cinema black

Metallic - Colosseo grey II

Metallic - Maestro grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Gelato white

Towing

Heavy duty removable towbar with ball and hook includes 13 connectors plug

Trim - Cloth

Fabric - Curtiba grey

Wheels - Alloys

17" Curve alloy wheel

Wheels - Spare

Black steel rim full size spare wheel