Driven Magazine – February 2026 – Driven Magazine (1)

This was not a reveal built on spectacle alone, but a measured introduction that reflected how Maserati currently approaches luxury, identity, and design in the increasingly crowded premium mid- size SUV segment. At the centre of the Grecale Cristallo concept is Azzurro Aureo, a new Fuoriserie paint finish explicitly developed for this special edition. It is not a colour that can be summed up in a single glance.

Instead, it reveals itself progressively, responding to light and angle with subtle shifts in tone. The base starts with Maserati blue, then transitions to cooler, lighter hues that evoke alpine skies and snow-covered slopes. Embedded within that blue foundation is a fine golden mica, not there to sparkle but to refract light with restraint and precision. The inspiration comes from Monte Cristallo in the Dolomites, a peak defined by clarity, contrast and the way light interacts with rock and snow.

Maserati has translated that idea into paintwork that feels architectural rather than decorative. The gold flecks hint at achievement and excellence, yet never tip into ostentation. It is a finish designed to be noticed over time, not necessarily at first glance. A dedicated Fuoriserie badge on the front fender confirms its exclusivity, but even that detail remains discreet, in keeping with the overall tone of the Cristallo project.

The Grecale Cristallo does not rewrite the SUV’s silhouette, nor does it need to. The Grecale’s proportions are already well judged, balancing muscular presence with clean, compact surfacing. What the Cristallo does is refine the details. Diamond-cut 21″ CRIO design alloy wheels anchor the body visually and add definition without overpowering the design. Their finish works particularly well with the shifting tones of Azzurro Aureo, reinforcing the theme of light meeting surface.

At the front, body-colour grille inserts replace contrasting elements, creating a more unified face that feels sculpted rather than assembled. These are measured changes, but they matter. Instead of adding visual noise, Maserati has opted for coherence.

Bernie Hellberg Jr, Bryan Kayavhu, Chantal Barton, Ferdi de Vos, Ruben von Steen & Wilhelm Loots PUBLISHER TCB Media (Pty) Ltd P.O. Box 25260, Monument Park, Pretoria, 0105 www.tcbmedia.co.za CEO | Group Motoring Editor Wilhelm Loots Accounts Ilze du Plooy [email protected] PRINT PRESS Business Print Centre, Pretoria DIGITAL PUBLISHING www.freemagazines.co.za Driven magazine is published monthly by TCB Media (Pty) Ltd. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of TCB Media, its subsidiaries or affiliates, their strategic partners or their clients.

Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions. No material (articles or photographs) in this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in whole or in part, in any form by any means electronic or mechanical, including a storage and retrieval system, photocopying or recording without prior written permission of the Publisher. Submissions of articles and photographs for publication are welcomed, but the publisher, while exercising all reasonable care, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.

Please ensure that all material is sent by email to [email protected]. Copyright © 2026. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to TCB Media (Pty) Ltd, and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved. THE INDUSTRY’S NEXT GEAR The South African motor industry entered 2026 on a surprisingly confident note. After a bruising few years, 2025 delivered a return to pre-COVID sales levels, restoring a sense of stability many believed might take far longer to achieve.

Confidence was creeping back into boardrooms, dealer floors and factory lines alike. Then, just as the dust began to settle, January delivered a curveball few could ignore. Nissan’s announcement that it had concluded a deal with Chery Automotive South Africa to take over its 60-year-old Rosslyn manufacturing facility marked one of the most significant industry developments in recent memory.

For months, speculation had swirled around the future of the Pretoria plant, with rumours ranging from a full closure to a sale to an unnamed manufacturer. The reality, when it arrived, was both sobering and cautiously optimistic. There is no escaping the fact that Nissan could no longer justify operating a facility running well below optimal capacity. Global pressures, shifting model strategies and the harsh economics of underutilised production lines all played their part.

This is a short excerpt from the opening of “” by Unknown, quoted for review and introduction purposes. All rights belong to the copyright holders.

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