The choice became harder

For the last few years there has been a trend in the big saloon market that has baffled me. It's the introduction of the saloon-coupe. I'm not the biggest fan of the saloons with the sloped rear-end like the A7 or the CLS, because you could spend less money on a less flashier car and then use the rest of the money to buy another car for your child. I expect that the buyer would have a child since those cars are still big saloons. But anyway, this text is not for ranting on those type of cars (or people who buy them) but for the new Maserati Ghibli. 

The Maserati Ghibli is a new car from Maserati which unfortunately falls in the same category as the CLS, not because of its body shape, but because of its similar price tag. The Ghibli comes with two different engines to choose from. A 3.0 L twin turbocharged V6 which puts out 330 hp and 410 hp for the faster S model. It also has - for the first time ever in a Maserati - a V6 turbodiesel. 

Now before we go and say that the legendary Italian manufacturer has sold itself out we have to remember that, if you want Maserati to be around for much longer they have to build something for a larger market. And that means for Maserati to build a smaller car with a bigger market than the Quattroporte but still one that doesn't ruin their badge. Enter the Ghibli.

The diesel is necessary so that it could compete with the German equivalents. But I hope that the people who buy the Ghibli will opt for the twin turbo petrol. I also hope that this car will propel the passionate Italians to build more sports cars in the future.

At first I wasn't happy with the styling, but it has started to grow on me. I like it.

Will we see an estate version? It could be something they're working on right now.

Why not?

If you feel that you finally are in such a financial position that you have money to buy an upper-class family car, then why not be different. If you want to stand out in your choice of car but still be sensible. If you're bored at the sight of a German executive saloon. Then why not buy a Jaguar XF.
It has power, refinement and class. Those attributes do stand true to the Germans (E-class, A6, 5-series) as well, but they lack the excitement of the Jaguar XF. It also costs around the same sort of money as the German equivalents. The Jaguar XF is an all around great car and holds well against the tough competition, even still you don't see the XF as often. I think it is because of the reputation of bad reliability that Jaguar has gathered over the years.
It is time to change that perspective of the British manufacturer. The XF shows that Jaguar can compete with the Germans on every level. It is time for more people to say, "I own a Jaaaaag".

Jaguar XF

Jaguar XF Sportbrake. 

Bugatti Veyron pictures

The Bugatti Veyron

The best car in the world? Don't know but at least it is the fastest production car in the world.