Suave and sophisticated

Maserati has been renowned for producing masterpieces of style, sophistication and unparalleled refinement. Its latest model and its first four-seater convertible has become a hit with discerning drivers of both sexes. GulfWeekly's Editor Stan Szecowka and sales manager Susan Tealby put it to the test.

HIS STORY

The whole island has been going Italian crazy in recent days what with rare portraits from the Renaissance period proudly going on display in the national museum and celebrated chefs conjuring up feasts and putting on culinary displays at various locations.

And, could there be a better way to arrive at tomorrow's grand Italian Ball at the Diplomat than behind the steering wheel of one of the country's celebrated Maserati masterpieces? I doubt it.

The GrandCabrio oozes class and sophistication and there is only one way to travel in a convertible and that is with the soft top down, soaking in the sun's spring rays and listening to the unmistakable growl of the mighty V8 engine.

It was a perfect day. The overcast clouds of recent weeks disappeared instantly, perhaps too ashamed to cast a shadow over the gleaming black beast.

There's a button inside to press to remove the roof or reinstate it but far cooler is to simply leave the key turned in the door for a short time and watch it swiftly fall into place.

Four-seat convertibles offer the luxury of space and convenience. The front seats even move forward electronically to give easy access to the rear seats.

I quickly run through the options; the good lady wife Kathryn and I could pick up our friends and take them to the Venice Opera Night at the Cultural Hall on Friday evening, I could drop the children off at horse-riding and football training on Saturday and my golf bag would probably fit snugly on to those rear seats too for Tuesday morning's round at the Royal Golf Club.

Back to reality though, this baby (definitely a boy's toy, in my opinion) had to be back in the showroom by 5pm. But it still left me time to enjoy a leisurely drive (and a couple of sprints - just to feel those throaty roaring vibrations) to the Al Areen Palace & Spa for lunch.

The car handles magnificently. Instant reaction on the accelerator and the large brake pedal provided a solid response. The handling characteristics can be altered by selecting the sport mode which produces a more rigid ride.

The luxurious red and cream leather interior looks stylish and the driver's seat was easily adjustable. In the glossy Maserati brochure it proclaims the GrandCabrio as 'sleek and sporty from the outside, comfortable and luxurious from the inside'. Too true, it's the marque's pasta de rŽsistance!

HER STORY

AS I jumped into this amazing looking vehicle, I noticed how sporty it felt, yet how spacious ... together with the fact that it was not as low slung as your normal sports car.

It had an aerodynamic look, built for speed, but with the added advantage of rear seats and all the comfort and luxury you would expect from a marque such as Maserati.

I also liked the small spoked, leather-covered steering wheel and the 'manual looking' gear stick. The controls were extremely easy to use and conveniently placed.

This is very classy with the elegance of a leather and wood interior. Once I set off, it was such an easy car to drive, yet with so much power. I could have driven it quite happily all day. However, the editor was champing at the bit for a drive, so I had to let him have a go.

I also loved the fact that on a Bahrain winter's day, we could travel with the top down. However, once we decided to put the top up, it was a breeze at the push of a button and very quick.

The Maserati GranCabrio is a very smooth drive with harder suspension you would expect from a sports car, which I like, and it corners beautifully at high speeds making it a very safe drive.

As an avid music lover (music career in a past life), I also loved the Bose surround sound system, for me an essential part of driving. As we had the top down, you could hear the roar of the powerful engine as I took off at the traffic lights.

I felt that from a woman driver's point of view, that the size, power and ease of driving was fantastic and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. Another good point is the car's driving sensors. It is equipped with rear parking sensors, which helps manoeuvring in restricted spaces. Ladies, as you know, this is an integral part of parking in Bahrain!

As a past sports car owner, together with my company car in New Zealand being a Porsche Boxter, I can strongly recommend this car to women who like me, like a powerful sporty motor, with all the advantages of a saloon but with exceptional looks and drivability.