Car Statistics: Maserati - Quattroporte Series 04 (4 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

Instantly recognisable and unlike anything else on the road - it's elegant, looks wonderfully Italian and has real presence. Details like the chrome vents set into the front wings are a little OTT - they're an old Maser feature - but the overall effect is indisputably striking.

Handling (4 stars)

The chassis serves up lots of grip and the well-weighted steering keeps the driver informed as to what's going on. Not quite as accomplished as a BMW 7 Series, but more fun.

Comfort (3 stars)

The well finished cabin is generally comfortable - though the seats aren't so great on veryu long journeys - and it's quiet, the engine's exotic V8 burble just right.

Quality (3 stars)

It feels far better assembled than Maseratis used to (not a huge achievement in itself), but some of the interior plastic quality, and some general detailing, isn't worthy of a car of this price.

Performance (4 stars)

The 4.2 litre V8 engine delivers very strong urge and a wonderful soundtrack - and there's no 155 mph limiter to slow your progress on an Autobahn either. Despite the new transmission, moving off from rest can be jerky

Roominess (3 stars)

The cabin is decently sized for four occupants but the boot is tiny for a car in this segment.

Costs (3 stars)

Insurance, servicing and fuel economy are all on the chilling side of high, but the Quattrporte holds its value very well.

Value (3 stars)

It has strong performance and provides decent standard equipment ,but the Quattroporte is more expensive than far more complete rivals like the Mercedes S500.

Stereo (2 stars)

The standard audio system works well, but the CD stacker is awkward to use, though not as challenging as the Sat Nav, with its fiddly controls and poor graphics