Driving Maserati’s top seller, the Grecale SUV, now representing 75 per cent of the Italian sports manufacturers sales. In three models from $135,700 drive-away, starting with the GT, the Modena, then the flagship Trofeo, Italian for Trophy, which I’m driving today. The styling a little non-descript, perhaps lacking the flare you expect from Maserati but it’s all about performance, this really is a real wolf in sheep’s clothing. Powered by a 3.0-litre turbo V6, a detuned version of Maserati’s MC20 supercar. Not surprisingly, 0 to 100km. takes just 3.8-seconds. Lower Grecale grades offer three drive modes, Comfort, GT and Sport, the Trofeo adds Corsa mode and also gains height adjustable adaptive air suspension, an electronic diff lock and larger brakes. Step into the Grecale Trofeo and your met with a beautifully executed and finished interior. As you’d expect for $206,000 it breathes luxury in a very classy way with premium leather, carbon-fibre elements and 14-way power seats – simply fabulous instrumentation and centre screen with great functionality but the push button gear selection is awkward and fiddly. Aside from this and a three-year warranty I came away from the Maserati Grecale Trofeo with nothing but admiration for its performance – I’ll explain in my next segment.

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