Naza Italia has launched its second sports utility vehicle (SUV) dubbed the Maserati Grecale GT with a mild 48V hybrid system.
Named after a strong Mediterranean North-East wind (Grecale), this SUV is positioned below the larger Levante and has been priced at RM598,000 including local duties and taxes except on-the-road fees, insurance and additional options.
While it gets accompanied by a three-year unlimited-mileage warranty, customers will have a plethora of colour options for choice including the signature Bronzo Opaco while Bianco (solid white), Bianco Astro (Metallic Grey) and Blue Intenso (Metallic Blue) were also on hand for viewing during its launch.
Utilising the Italian luxury carmaker’s Giorgio platform – the same platform used by the Alfa Romeo Stelvio and the fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee, the introduction of the Grecale means the Porsche Macan now faces some competition.
Having a 2,901mm wheelbase, the Grecale measures in at 4,846mm-long, 1,948mm-wide and 1,670mm-tall – helping to provide 535 litres of boot space which can be transformed into a flat loading platform by folding the rear 60:40-split rear backrests at the press of a button that’s located in the boot – all while a hidden cargo box resides beneath it.
The Grecale GT Hybrid is characterised by its low and imposing grille, highly fluidic and meandering body features, LED headlights and daytime runners as well as rear LED “boomerang” taillights inspired by the Giugiaro 3200 GT.
Armed with a turbocharged 2.0-litre (1,995cc) four-cylinder engine that’s been married to a 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG), it also comes fitted with an e-Booster that works in tandem with the turbocharger to help sustain the engine’s power output from low to high engine speeds – especially so when in Sport mode. An in-house developed Vehicle Dynamic Control Module (VDCM) is available as an optional extra to help ensure propulsion is always readily available.
The VDCM helps this SUV continuously adjust to the road and driving style by making vertical, lateral and longitudinal adjustments to maximise traction and performance.
The direct-injected engine has a rated output of 300hp at 5,750rpm and 450Nm of torque from 2,000 to 4,000rpm with four drive modes of Comfort, GT, Sport and Off-Road acting as standard inclusions.
All that gets managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission from German transmission maker ZF for the all-wheel drive system that comes equipped with an open mechanical rear differential. An optional self-locking limited slip differential is also available.
This allows the Grecale to sprint from 0-100kph in 5.6 seconds while sprinting from a standstill to 200kph will take 23.7 seconds. Its top speed resides at 240kph.
Along with power, the Grecale is able to sip 8.7 to 9.2 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined cycle from its 64-litre fuel tank.
The front suspension uses a Quadrilateral setup with a virtual steering axle while the rear is of the more conventional multilink setup for this 1,870kg (kerb) mid-sized SUV.
Both front and rear suspensions can be added with an optional active shock absorption system and optional air springs.
Rolling on standard-issued 19-inch wheels fitted with 235/55 series tyres, a set of larger 20-inch wheels with 255/45 series tyres is also available as an optional extra.
Regardless of wheel choice, they partially obscure the 350mm (front) and 330mm (rear) discs that get abused by front four-piston Brembo callipers and rear mono-pistoned Continental callipers.
Inside, the cabin sports a digital clock for the first time and masquerades as an analogue timepiece while seated atop the Saffiano leather-wrapped dashboard in the centre – much like a gem.
The clock comes with additional functions such as a G-force meter and compass while also providing a digital response to voice commands.
The leather seats are accompanied by a combination of burnished inserts that occupy the centre console and door panels that have been characterised by an unusual laser processing that re-interprets an iconic design by jewellery and watchmaker Maglia Milano.
The steering wheel with aluminium paddle-shifters is also upholstered in leather while a more sophisticated greige or bold black with contrasting stitching is available as an added option.
Although the driver has been bestowed upon a large 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with an optional heads-up display, another 12.3-inch touchscreen takes centre stage on the dashboard – below the clock and air vents, with another 8.8-inch touchscreen below for the tri-zone automatic climate controls.
The “stacked” displays house the Maserati Intelligent Assistant (MIA) – the company’s latest infotainment system built on Google’s Android Automotive operating system and fires up the 14 or optional 21-speaker Sonus Faber 3D sound system developed specifically for this Italian SUV thoroughbred.
The MIA provides occupants with connectivity options via Maserati Connect as well as the ability to set five different user profiles, preferred vehicle settings, provides two smartphones with Bluetooth connectivity, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay and access to the Maserati Connect telematics system.
Splitting the two dashboard screens are the touch-activated gear selectors.
At the rear, passengers are also provided with a touchscreen nestled in their centre console which allows them to adjust their climate settings.
“Following the preview of the Maserati Grecale Trofeo in Malaysia in June last year, Naza Italia is proud to introduce the 2023 Grecale in GT Hybrid version today. We are pleased to present this engine variant option for our customers in Malaysia, who continue to find excitement and desirability in the Grecale”, said Naza Italia chief operating officer Farid Sulaiman.
