Launched in 2004, the absence of side and curtain airbags on the 612 is disappointing. Driver and passenger front airbags are at least standard, as is an electronic stability system and both the steel brakes and alternative carbon ceramic setup come with anti-lock and electronic brakeforce distribution. The advanced aluminium space frame chassis is likely to offer good protection in an accident.

With genuine room for four adults the 612 was always going to score well here. It’s just a shame that the tiny 240-litre boot (80-litres smaller than in the 599 GTB) means your passengers won’t be able to bring any luggage with them. The good visibility does make this a more usable car than a mid-engined supercar but its size, particularly the two metre width, can be intimidating on narrow B roads and urban streets.

Rear parking sensors are standard plus you can pay extra to have a reversing camera – but front sensors are only optional and it’s not easy to see the end of that nose when parking.