Ghibli diesel test drive in Autocar last week

[Rwc13]

Agreed P. I don't know of a recent Maserati that could realistically be argued to be best in class. They all have their design and build weaknesses, and are outperformed by direct competitors. However, because of the style and the noise and the history of the brand we live with this and love them despite it.

For me, the **** of the both the GS and GT is the weakest design element. So perhaps Maserati are just running true to form with the Ghibli

Anyway, picked mine up today and am thoroughly enjoying it so far, fake exhaust note and all.

 

[Parisien]

Yup....the retroscope is a useful tool....here's hoping it works out swimmingly


P

 

[Parisien]

As ever guys....and to repeat myself....we are all our own men......who cares what the masses think!!

P

 

[dem maser]

A diesel ghibli for under 30k and ill prob have one

 

[BJL]

BJ, I read your assessment and I think you make some valid points however, that doesnt mean I agree with your summary. I didn't feel it was cheaply built and the 'low revving truck engine' is, in my worthless opinion, on a par with my old BM 330D. Bearing in mind that Autocar once described the 330D as the best all round car you could buy that is, IMO, a good first attempt. Perhaps you aren't used to driving such everyday soot pumps on a daily basis but I am and I thought it was on a par with the Germans. We are all entitled to our own opinion, but at least you have taken the time to look at it and drive it which means I respect yours. I guess a diesel Ghibli won't be for everybody, but no car is. Time will tell.

I do most sincerely hope you are right and we can look back on the current crop with respect for the thinking behind them if not affection.
Maseratis have always been flawed in one way or another and in a perverse twist the Ghibli and the QP V1 are probably the least flawed to date. Ironic to say the least.
I drive a Range Rover diesel as a daily and we run two Navaras plus a new Ford truck with a 2.2 150 bhp diesel that compared to the Navaras is a cracking soot pump.....

 

[Wattie]

A diesel ghibli for under 30k and ill prob have one

When they're under 30k the old QP's and GTS will be a lot lot cheaper and I think I know which you'll take then.
Cheers Wattie

 

[BennyD]

I do, the Ghibli diesel. I don't need two V8 petrols and petrol won't be getting cheaper anytime soon.

 

[dem maser]

with benny on this....depending on the "other" car I have the ghibli diesel will be the one...if I don't have another car then yes a sporty 4.7 QP

 

[BennyD]

I'll never be selling the spyder so I'll need a decent commuter, and the Ghibli D will be a very nice place to be on the way to work.

 

[Rwc13]

It was...........

 

[bigbob]

I'll never be selling the spyder so I'll need a decent commuter, and the Ghibli D will be a very nice place to be on the way to work.

That's right, it's aimed at a very different marketplace. In that context very nice. Indeed we should only henceforth discuss the Ghibli Diesel as a daily driver as previously we had been missing the point of it.

 

[BennyD]

I wholeheartedly agree. I certainly wouldn't buy one as Sunday toy but for when I'm not in the spyder it will do very nicely.

 

[Rags]

I have seen both in the flesh. There is a world of difference in the flesh, both outside and inside. But you have to see it and touch it and drive it to form an informed view IMHO. I will be interested to hear your views in a few weeks when you have done so.

I have had a few GTSs as well as QPs and GSs so I certainly appreciate their looks and qualities as traditional Maseratis.

Ok i finally had the chance to see one. Better in the flesh but I am still not too enamoured with how it looks especially in the side and rear profile. However the interior is definitely a lot better than I expected looking at the pics. In fact I quite liked at and it did feel quality.

I still wouldn't buy one but can see its charm in the market segment it sits in.

 

[Rwc13]

Glad it has surpassed your expectations in some respects. Shame you didn't get to drive it too. With the benefit of a couple of thousand miles in it, I have to say it really is very good. On the Snake Pass on Monday with no traffic ahead of us all the way to Sheffield, it was simply awesome. Not just my opinion, but the opinion of my petrolhead passenger. Reminded me of my duo-select Quattroporte in terms of how easy it was to drive fast. The chassis has such great balance and composure.

 

[bigbob]

Good news, I should be driving one soon. Does yours have Skyhook and what sized wheels?

 

[Rwc13]

No, standard suspension and 20" wheels. I understand the feedback to Maserati has been that it's hard to tell the difference between standard and skyhook, and even between Skyhook comfort and Sports modes...

 

[Wattie]

Interesting thread, many different opinions. I've just read Car mags comparison with the BMW 5 and it faired pretty well. If they can sort out some niggles and perhaps give it a boost of power it could be a real threat and viable choice option. The author really enjoyed the "fun" aspect to it.
Cheers Wattie

 

[bigbob]

No, standard suspension and 20" wheels. I understand the feedback to Maserati has been that it's hard to tell the difference between standard and skyhook, and even between Skyhook comfort and Sports modes...

I can only comment on the Ghibli if I drive one with skyhook but on my GranTurismo there is a huge difference between the two suspension settings. Sure on a smooth motorway you do not notice it but on twisty roads or surface changes, it is very clear.

 

[richardstrudwick]

I can only comment on the Ghibli if I drive one with skyhook but on my GranTurismo there is a huge difference between the two suspension settings. Sure on a smooth motorway you do not notice it but on twisty roads or surface changes, it is very clear.

bigbob you are right, I have it on the Ghibli and there is a big difference. However I wouldn't personally have it again as I never use it.

 

[bigbob]

bigbob you are right, I have it on the Ghibli and there is a big difference. However I wouldn't personally have it again as I never use it.

Interesting. A small point but you do use it as it's always on but, I guess, you are saying you do not press the Sport button to firm it up?