Motor Torque with David Berthon Radio 2GB

I spoke earlier of the Maserati Grecale Trofeo SUV – the flagship of the threemodel Grecale range at $206,000 drive-away. Distinguished over the two lowergrades by four drive modes instead of three, height adjustable adaptive airsuspension, an electronic diff lock and larger brakes. What is surprising by thissomewhat conservatively styled SUV is how it can be driven on a light throttle ina very relaxed manner and the next minute offer a simply staggering performance– long legged it cruises effortlessly yet tap its potent 3.0-litre turbo engine and itsbecomes an absolute driver’s joy, a Maserati as you might imagine –a push itslimits and it hugs the road in a way that inspires confidence – the Trofeo has afourth drive mode called Corsa, a full race mode if you like, which sharpensthrottle and gear shift response, reduces the ride height and tweaks the stabilityand traction control systems for more driver control. The performance elementsof this Maserati SUV are as good as it gets if not better while the interior andtouchscreen are a standout, just so classy with premium leather– yes, theappearance is little subdued, and the gear selection is somewhat awkward, but I’dhave a yellow one in a heartbeat – I just need to find $206,000 which may prove aproblem. Warranty, three-years/unlimited km.
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Driving Maserati’s top seller, the Grecale SUV, now representing 75 per cent ofthe Italian sports manufacturers sales. In three models from $135,700 drive-away,starting with the GT, the Modena, then the flagship Trofeo, Italian for Trophy,which I’m driving today. The styling a little non-descript, perhaps lacking the flareyou expect from Maserati but it’s all about performance, this really is a real wolfin sheep’s clothing. Powered by a 3.0-litre turbo V6, a detuned version ofMaserati’s MC20 supercar. Not surprisingly, 0 to 100km. takes just 3.8-seconds.Lower Grecale grades offer three drive modes, Comfort, GT and Sport, the Trofeoadds Corsa mode and also gains height adjustable adaptive air suspension, anelectronic diff lock and larger brakes. Step into the Grecale Trofeo and your metwith a beautifully executed and finished interior. As you’d expect for $206,000 itbreathes luxury in a very classy way with premium leather, carbon-fibre elementsand 14-way power seats – simply fabulous instrumentation and centre screenwith great functionality but the push button gear selection is awkward and fiddly.Aside from this and a three-year warranty I came away from the Maserati GrecaleTrofeo with nothing but admiration for its performance – I’ll explain in my nextsegment.
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A few months back I complained of the harsh ride quality on Mazda’s new CX-60SUV. I wasn’t on my own with the criticism and after numerous media andcustomer complaints Mazda adopted a production change from last October withsofter rear dampers with owners of vehicles built prior to this date offered theupgrade at no charge through their dealer network. It is understood that somereplacement parts have already arrived, and some customer vehicles havealready received the upgrade with more replacement parts due in the middle ofnext month. The CX-60 is yet to reach its full sales potential so the suspensionfixes can’t come soon enough. This is not the only CX60 running change - Mazdaare also addressing the mapping of the eight-speed automatic transmission toimprove the drive experience with smoother changes at low speeds. I’m DavidBerthon
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A new Honda Accord is due here in a few weeks – the second longest runningautomotive nameplate in Honda history first arrived here in 1977 however inrecent years sales of the longstanding run-out model have dropped to a trickle.The all-new 11 th generation model will feature a more advanced hybrid powertrainto the outgoing petrol/electric drivetrain. Longer, sleeker and with a widerfootprint the new Accord will feature Honda’s first integration of Google servicesand is expected to be more expensive to the current model which is priced at$61,900 drive-away. Honda this week cut prices on its three top-selling SUVs –the HR-V down $1800, the eHEV L Hybrid down $3100 while the relatively new CR-V, the company’s best seller, was reduced by $600. It’s Civic Type R hatch hasalso risen by $1,000.
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