Maserati Spyder

Bridging a gap between the likes of Alfa Romeo's Spider and ultra-pricey Ferrari drop-tops, the Maserati will have few problems attracting lovers of Italian roadsters. Waiting lists are now measured in months rather than weeks - but Auto Express has jumped the queue to be first behind the wheel before its launch next year.

Expected to cost around £65,000, the Spyder enters a market that's currently dominated by the likes of the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Jaguar XKR Convertible. The two-seat machine is also under pressure from less costly rivals such as the soft-top edition of BMW's M3. Rising above such com-petition is obviously going to be a tall order, but on top of this the Spyder is charged with leading the company's return to the US.

Challenges don't get much tougher than this in the automotive world, but Maserati has worked hard on ensuring that this beautifully styled machine is up to the task. Although based on the 3200 GT coupe, the new Spyder has its own chassis, which is both shorter and in parts stiffer than its tin-topped brother's. There's also a brand new 4.2-litre V8 engine and the chance to specify a six-speed Formula One-style gearbox borrowed from Ferrari.

Cars fitted with the semi-automatic boxes will be badged as the Spyder Cambiocorsa, rather than the Spyder GT, which will continue to feature a six-speed manual shift. It's the Cambio-corsa edition that we drove, and once we had finished admiring the swooping bodywork and settled in behind the wheel, it was clear we were in for a treat. While the driving position initially feels a little high, and the windscreen surround close to your head, there's more than enough adjustment in the power-operated leather-trimmed seats. When the windows are up and the top down, low-speed driving through town is impressively refined. Although the roar of nearby trucks is still noticeable, wind turbulence is kept to a minimum.

The steering feels light and quick to respond, while at low revs the semi-automatic shifts ratios relatively seamlessly. The clutchless gearbox needs some getting used to, however. Unless you concentrate hard on driving the car smoothly, you'll spend your time kangarooing away from the line and putting up with rough changes.

As the city gives way to countryside, you can make more use of the all-new V8 engine. In addition to being docile around town, the 390bhp unit is impressively torquey. Revving beyond a heady 7,000rpm, it's also one of the best-sounding powerplants in its class. Capable of propelling the car to a top speed of 175mph, it's certainly among the fastest, too. Thanks to an automatic start system, which allows the driver to make the quickest possible getaway, the Maserati is able to sprint from 0-60mph in less than five seconds. As the corners get more demanding, it's clear that the Spyder is a very rewarding car to drive. The steering is light yet precise, while the huge amount of grip at the front wheels lets you carry a great deal of speed through bends.

The brakes seem well equipped to cope with all the rigours of a tight and twisting stretch of tarmac, remaining fade-free during our test drive. Uneven road surfaces do little to unsettle the car, and thanks to gadgetry that automatically alters the suspension damper rates, ride quality remains good.

Head out on to the motorway and the Spyder quickly proves itself to be an able GT. Its comfortable ride and effortless engine mean that long journeys pose few problems. Refinement is good with the roof in position, but we were disappointed to discover that the rear windscreen is plastic.

Minor complaints such as this aside, we can confirm that the Spyder is an extremely competent machine and, more importantly, boasts character by the bucket load. With such a strong and entertaining personality, plus good looks, it's difficult to imagine how it could fail to establish itself convincingly.

Maserati's future has never looked brighter, and the all-new Spyder is sure to be a success. The engine is impressive, the suspension capable and the Cambiocorsa's semi-automatic gearbox engaging. These ingredients create a car with a much stronger character than its rivals.

At a glance

* Maserati Spyder on sale next year at an estimated £65,000

* All-new chassis as well as a revised suspension system

* Powered by a new 390bhp 4.2-litre V8 engine