Maserati MC20 Cielo review

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The Maserati MC20 Cielo is what happens when you slice the roof off the ‘standard’ MC20 Italian supercar. Here is what both versions are like, having driven them in the UK.

Maserati may not be synonymous with supercars, that is Ferrari’s domain, yet here we are testing the convertible version of the MC20. One of the prettiest supercars to grace my eyes in years – a bold statement given how common they have become.

The mid-engined MC20 Cielo, Italian for sky, certainly has the firepower to live up to its lofty name. Its 3.0-litre V6 develops 621bhp at 7,500rpm and 750Nm of torque from 3,000rpm. 0 to 62mph is said to come and go in 2.9 seconds, which feels believable.

What stands out most, however, is that the MC20 Cielo is basically as taut as its roofed-up sibling. You can thank the carbon fibre tub for that, which reduces the impact of removing roof panels so that you can have the wind in your hair.

Which, almost anyone who shells out the minimum £235,000 asking price, is extremely likely, especially as the MC20 Cielo has a special glass panel that can go from clear to opaque. As if by magic (but really electrochromic science).

On the road, the Maserati MC20 Cielo is surprisingly civilised. Yes, it actually shook my Sony A7R II so hard I had to get it repaired but through the seat there is a hint of compliance and suppleness. Well, enough to make UK country roads tolerable.

With the eight-speed automatic changing gear somewhat keenly even in its laziest setting, brisk progress is easy. So easy, in fact, that it feels strangely tameable. Less sharp than a McLaren and less direct than a Ferrari, but still feisty and involving. Given its absurd price, I was expecting something more, well, special.

To be fair, these roads were not conducive to speed (nor is the law when you have 621bhp). Nor was it enjoyable inching forward, millimetre by millimetre, to get past a tractor. Thankfully, the mirrors and profile of the car lends itself to these unfortunate manoeuvres.

I suspect that on a track or more open roads would see the MC20 Cielo come alive. It is also not so fair to judge on a singular drive, as you miss out on that moment when you get home you look back on your pride and joy. Performance is only a small part of the formula though it is delivered convincingly.

Just never expect to go particularly far as the MC20 Cielo is no grand tourer. Cabin space and boot space are limiting factors to the point you will need to hire a support vehicle and staff to try and keep up behind you. Which they never will unless you put them in another Cielo. This thing, like its coupe sibling, is brutally rapid.

Comfort is decent too though the cabin is perhaps not as opulent as I expected at this price point. There is a hint of stardom, but the overall feel is that of function over frills. A good thing in terms of everyday useage, but less memorable.

Honestly, it is more of the fault of the test area that I did not gel with the Maserati MC20 Cielo and MC20 as much as I hoped. Though I have been on short test drives and fallen in love with a car so perhaps part of the blame lies with the car.

On a longer route with less tractors and more of a chance to stretch the MC20 Cielo’s legs, I have no doubt I would start to succumb to its charms. It is a Ferrari rival in more ways than you expect and far prettier. You will also likely see very few, helping justify that eye-watering price tag.

Maserati MC20 Cielo specs

• 3.0-litre V6 90-degree
• 630hp (621bhp) at 7,500rpm
• 750Nm at 3,000 to 5,500rpm
• 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds
• 202mph (325kmh) top speed
• 390mm x 36mm carbon ceramic front discs
• 4,669mm (length) x 2,178mm (width) x 1,224mm (height)
• Combined fuel consumption: 24.6mpg
• Combined cycle CO2 emissions: 261g/km
• Eight-speed DCT gearbox