Car test R0042 July 2000

FIRST 3200 GT DRIVE

AT A GLANCE

considering size, price and rivals Controls/displays µµ¡¡¡ Handling/steering µµµ¡¡ Comfort µµµ¡¡ Space/practicality µµµµ¡

THE 3200 GT RANGE body 2-door sports coupé trim levels one only engine petrol: 3.2 V8 370bhp/362 lb ft drive rear-wheel drive, 6-speed manual auto option 5-speed electronic notable features twin turbochargers, air conditioning, electric front seats (memory extra), leather, normal/sport suspension, traction control. Options: alarm, cruise control

LIKES AND GRIPES HE GIUGIARO-STYLED 3200 GT grip and brisk steering. The brakes would lack of temperament at low speed Tis the first genuinely new Maserati be impressive, too, if it weren’t for the easily tailored driving position since the Biturbo of the early 1980s, disconcertingly long pedal travel before shapely individual back seats and is built in Modena under ’s they bite in earnest. “what is it?” rarity value watchful eye. While the Prancing Horse Inside, the climate-controlled cabin is parent company concentrates on ultra elegantly trimmed with leather and no spare wheel, just an aerosol inflator high-performance sports cars, its alcantara suede. Headroom is just driveline shunt - automatic better trident-toting protégé concerns itself with adequate for six-footers and the driving limited rearward vision the more elegant and conservative position can be electronically adjusted to reflections in instruments motorway mile-eating gran turismo models. suit most tastes. The cushions could be a Not that there’s anything conservative little larger, however, and the pedals are a about the coupé’s performance, thanks to bit too close together for size 10s. its gorgeous-sounding 3.2-litre twin-turbo Surprisingly, considering the coupé’s that pumps out a mighty flowing fastback styling, this is actually a 370bhp. Mated to a positive-cum-notchy genuine four-seater – just, and provided six-speed gearbox and a weighty, neither the passengers nor the journey is firm-biting clutch, it slingshots the Maser too long. Trying to shoehorn four lots of from 0 to 60mph in just under 5sec and luggage into the sensibly shaped boot isn’t (they say) will scorch on to 174mph. We on, though. couldn’t confirm these figures on just a In September, the car's warranty is brief test drive, but it does feel startlingly being extended from two to three years, or quick beyond 2500 revs. 60,000 miles. At present there are just 16 Acceleration is, in fact, decidedly abrupt dealers in the UK. VITAL STATISTICS (cm) because the drive-by-wire throttle lacks length x width (exc mirrors) 451x182 fine progression – this also makes it easy front - legroom 84-108 to stall the engine. The automatic model VERDICT - headroom (no sunroof) 89-93 proves helpful in providing a more rear - typical legroom 83 cushioned driveline and eliminates the The 3200 GT has all the right grand - typical kneeroom 60 longish reach for the gear lever. It has an touring car credentials, so more's the - headroom 86 altogether more genial nature. pity that it's flawed by several - hiproom 126 We couldn’t feel any difference between mechanical shortcomings (the load space (all seats in use) the suspension’s normal and sports throttle and brakes, for example) that (litres/cu ft) 245/8.6 settings. Around town the ride is detract from what is otherwise an load length 35-60 uncomfortably firm and thumpy – the ultra admirable car. Until the rough edges load width 101-127 low-profile tyres don’t help – but once the are smoothed away, the more affable load sill (inside/outside) 14/63 car’s up to speed on the open road, the automatic will remain our favourite of boot height 45 driver appreciates the taut feel, tenacious the two models available.

© The Automobile Association Limited 2000