THE quintessential Maserati is the Quattroporte.

This big four-door sporting luxury saloon is now in its sixth generation since the name and first model appeared in 1963 and it has carved out a niche, an individual iconic place in the market alongside the more common big Mercedes-Benz and Audi models.

In a golf or polo club the Maserati keyfob stands out on a bar or table, the shape, style and interior sophistication exude individuality in a car park while on the road its performance and economy are dynamically delighting.

There are petrol V6 and V8s in the range as well as our V6 diesel as driven here.

The Quattroporte Diesel certainly brought a smile to my face every time I walked up to it, sat inside and fired up the beefy V6 engine.

It's the same V6 engine and eight-speed automatic/manual transmission as in the smaller Ghibli, and that gives it very good acceleration from rest, through the gears and means its utterly composed and economical even at the legal limit on a motorway.

It gobbles up the miles without stress or strain and there is still a lot in reserve should you need although you notice the engine noise becomes more intrusive at higher revs and in the intermediate gears, but personally I found it a good sound to experience.

The very big wheels and tyres also pick up bad surfaces and while the ride is firm its not uncomfortable, but you can hear how hard the system is working to keep you comfortable.

The big interior and generous seats make the Quattroporte one of the roomiest cars you can buy and also one of the most comfortable with good shape, location and on the front pair the adjustment range is excellent as well.

The oddments room inside and luggage capacity is good for a long journey on business or holiday and the climate control provides excellent environment with good direction output and temperature control, backed up by powered windows.

For the driver you can really enjoy surprisingly sporty handling in such a big car, it securely puts down power, tenaciously grips and has impeccable manners and no serious handling vices.

It's very brisk from standstill and the 600Nm at 2,000rpm really come into their own when overtaking so everything is done quickly and safely.

I usually left the Quattroporte in automatic mode but did try the manual mode on a few occasions and confess I struggled at times to quickly select that side of the gearbox but once in the plain it was flick of the wrist finesse.

The steering communicated very well for such a big car and while the turning circle was reasonable but not tight it was precise at speed without being vague or twitchy.

Secondary controls were all well placed and worked with a satisfying solidity, the instruments were big and clear, and I loved the distinctive classic oval clock in the centre of the fascia.

Visibility was very good to front and sides, headlights were extremely bright and far-reaching, wipers were effective and the rear camera gave a clear view, but there was still a rear three-quarter blindspot.

In the world of luxurious high performance saloons, the Maserati Quattroporte Diesel stands out thanks to its rarity, its style, sheer driving enjoyment and, it's odd to say in such circles, its economy.