With the unveiling
of the Levante almost three years ago, Maserati entered the SUV segment for the
first time. The Italian car firm’s answer to the Porsche Cayenne, Mercedes-Benz
GLE duo and BMW X5 and X6 did expand the brand’s portfolio into a lucrative
market, though sales didn’t meet expectations.
While its main
rivals all have smaller SUVs to cater to their clients’ needs, Maserati is left
without such a contender. However, such a model has already been sketched –
only not by the automaker, but by rendering artist Vito Possidente.
The Karif, as it is
named, has a very dynamic exterior design. At the front, it carries the car
brand’s signature grille, flanked by a couple of fog lamps, which sit under the
slim headlights. An aggressively styled front apron, hood, wide fenders,
curvaceous rear end, sloping roofline and large wheels complete the design.
A compact crossover
by Maserati would enter a much wider market segment, rivaling the likes of the
Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLC Coupe, BMW X3 and X4, and Porsche Macan. Whether it
would be able to convince enough buyers is a different story altogether, but
given that consumers still flock to SUVs, we wouldn’t be surprised if Maserati
eventually made such vehicle. Especially since sister company Alfa Romeo
already has the Stelvio on the market, which could be used to underpin a
smaller Maserati SUV.
