And if you go for a four-wheel-drive model, you benefit from a huge amount of grip.
In terms of the engines, the entry-level turbocharged 2.9-litre petrol engine will be more than enough for most buyers. It produces 325bhp, does 0-62 in 5.7 seconds, and can be specified with four-wheel-drive.
The 4S model tops power up to 434bhp and does 0-62 in 4.4 seconds, while the Turbo model adds a crushing eight-pot 4.0-litre engine. This bad boy develops 524bhp, and does 0-62 in less than 4.0 seconds, not stopping until 190mph. Those seem like crazy numbers for a car that’s billed as a Hatchback, but adding the Sport Chrono package boosts them even more.
Running costs will naturally be unforgiving. The 2.9-litre petrol engine is the cheapest model to buy outright, and rents 37mpg while emitting 178g/km of CO2. From there, the numbers plummet sharply. But with such bombastic performance on offer, that was to be expected.
That said, the Turbo is the most expensive to run, and it can return 30.1mpg, which seems reasonable.
Inside, you’re greeted by a truly beautiful cabin. It’s well-appointed, the seats are comfortable and the evergreen design is timeless. The rev counter has been switched back to analogue in a nod to days gone by, while the dash gets two new high-res digital dials.
However, the controls overall are a tad fiddly for our liking. The central air vent, for example, is configured by an awkward menu system.
There is a short and a long wheelbase available, with the latter offering enormous interior space. Those in the front will especially benefit from the sheer amount of legroom on offer, but comfort is good throughout.
It’s actually remarkable that a car that can keep going until 190mpg is so practical.
Rear seated passengers are treated well. But if you want to really spoil them, the £3,039 all-round ventilated massaging seats are worth adding. The boot, meanwhile, measures 495-litres, which is competitive for this class. Fold the rear seats, and you can extend it to 1,304-litres.
Price:
Maserati – £70,800 – £116,800
Porsche – £71,000 – £146,500