[Taboleo] Maserati's New Car After 7 Years... Driving Forward with a 'Strong Heart'

Test Drive of Mid-Size SUV Grecale Modena
Basic Car Features Like Driving Performance and Soundproofing Met
Added Features Disappointing

"You don't need a Maserati or Ferrari key, I am the body"

This is a part of the lyrics from the song 'La Song' released by singer BC in 2014. Through this song, I became familiar with the Maserati brand. Even four years later, Maserati appears in song lyrics. In Changmo and Superbee's 'Maserati & Porsche,' they say, "Maserati & black Porsche, you two, which one will you choose?"

[Taboleo] Maserati's New Car After 7 Years... Driving Forward with a 'Strong Heart'

Maserati Grecale Modena
[Photo by Maserati]

Like this, Maserati has often appeared in song lyrics as a brand that singers boast about their wealth with or a car they desire to own. However, since 2018, it has become hard to find Maserati in songs or on the streets. According to statistics from the Korea Imported Automobile Association, Maserati sold 1,660 units in 2018 and 1,260 units in 2019. Starting from 2020 (932 units), sales dropped below 1,000 units, and last year, only 554 units were sold. The reason people did not buy was due to the delayed introduction of new models. Sedan models like the Ghibli and Quattroporte have had no full redesigns for 10 years since their 2013 release. The mid-large sports utility vehicle (SUV) Levante has also seen no significant exterior changes since its 2016 launch.

Maserati Grecale Modena Rear [Photo by Maserati]

A 'rain of relief' appeared for Maserati without new cars. It is the mid-size SUV Grecale. Grecale means 'strong northeast wind of the Mediterranean.' Maserati explains that it will be an innovative model that pushes everything forward. After test-driving the mid-trim Modena for five days, it was clear that it is indeed an attractive vehicle that 'pushes forward.' However, it was disappointing that improvements to existing Maserati shortcomings (such as auto hold and HUD installation) were not properly addressed.

What kind of charm does it have?

It has the basics of a car. Driving and sound insulation were excellent. First, the 330-horsepower engine output changes according to the situation. When you want a comfortable drive, it is not suffocating, and when you want to speed, there is no lack. Also, there was concern that the fewer engine cylinders (inline 4-cylinder) compared to other competitors (Porsche Macan has a 6-cylinder 375 horsepower) might lack power or driving feel, but that was a 'groundless worry.' The Grecale has four driving modes: Comfort, GT, Sport, and Off-road (Corsa mode is exclusive to Trofeo). When driving in the city in Comfort mode, it is so quiet and comfortable that you might wonder, 'Is this really a 330-horsepower car?' Suspension stiffness decreases, and the steering becomes softer. The shifting is gradual, so even if you press the accelerator hard, it does not surge forward abruptly. The air suspension does a great job when going over speed bumps or curves. From going up to coming down the bump, the air suspension absorbs both vibration and noise.

Maserati Grecale Modena Interior
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

The GT mode is designed to add acceleration to Comfort. It is 'perfect' for uncongested arterial roads or highways. On the other hand, Sport mode increases the previously quiet engine sound and maximizes acceleration performance. The ground clearance also lowers, giving a faster feeling even at the same speed.

The Grecale focuses on openness and comfort through features such as a glass roof, windows, and seat grooves.
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

Sound insulation was also good. The double-glazed glass (optional) filtered noise well, so engine and outside noise were hardly heard even at speeds over 100 km/h. The seat feel was neither too soft nor too hard. It supports the waist well while providing comfort. The glass roof is wide, and the rear seat windows are large, giving rear passengers a sense of openness. Knee space was increased by making a small hole in the front seat, securing more legroom.

Grecale Modena trunk. The right side shows the view when the rear seats are folded down.
[Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@]

What are the drawbacks?

Driving convenience features were lacking. First, T-map Auto installed instead of the stock navigation was not easy to connect, so T-map was used via Android Auto. The auto hold function was also disappointing. When braking to stop, only the engine turns off. It was also regrettable that the driving assistance system lacked a central lane-keeping function.