Maserati's compact four door breaks cover

Maserati’s new compact sedan, the Ghibli, has broken cover before its official debut at this month’s Shanghai Motor Show.

Sitting under its big brother Quattroporte, the sleek, rear-wheel drive, four-seater is scheduled to launch due in Australia and New Zealand in early 2014, with a choice of two turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engines, as well as a V6 turbo-diesel.

An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and in selected markets, the new ‘Q4’ all-wheel drive system will be offered.