Porsche launched the original Cayenne SUV back in 2002 to something of a cautious, if not entirely sceptical, reception. Doubts back then were whether Porsche’s entry in to the SUV market place, the antithesis of the sports car as some may have argued, signalled the triumph of the marketers and accountants over the engineers, and the erosion of very foundations upon which Ferry Porsche had establish the company.
The short answer to any such doubts proved to be ‘no’. In fact, around the time that the second generation Cayenne began rolling off the Leipzig production line, Porsche had sold 500 000 units, and they’re still counting. It’s this recipe for success that has paved the way for the new Porsche Macan: a far more distilled and intense embodiment of the Porsche DNA within an SUV.
Classed as a compact SUV, the Porsche Macan measures 4 681 mm long, 1 923 mm wide, 1 624 mm high and rides on a 2 807 mm long wheelbase. Visually, it doesn’t look that much smaller than the Cayenne until one glances towards the rear, where the roofline tapers and conceals a 1 500-litre boot (280-litre smaller). There is a significant 220 kg difference between the Macan S and its Cayenne equivalent, however, which is the departure point for the compact SUV’s sporting ability.
The Porsche Macan launches with three models to choose from: Macan S Diesel; Macan S and Macan Turbo. All are turbocharged V6 engines, the two S models being 3.0-litres in capacity, while the Turbo uses a slightly larger 3.6-litre unit.
Each engine is paired with a 7-speed PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung) transmission, which in this latest guise, is hands-down the quickest and most precise double-clutch transmission I’ve experienced. For example, transitioning to the lowest ratio 1st gear at around 40 km/h when coming to a stop has a barely noticeable effect on the drivetrain. Up shifts are executed in a similar fashion, save for the Sport+ mode which effectively drops the clutch to engage each gear in the fastest possible time and results in a purposeful ‘kick’ in power delivery.
In performance terms, the Macan S Diesel delivers 180 kW of peak power and maximum torque of 580 Nm between 1 750 – 2 500 r/min. The mid-range surge is both effective and satisfying, helping to achieve figures of 0 – 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 230 km/h. Porsche claim average fuel consumption of 6.9 l/100km.
The biturbo 3.0-litre petrol engine powering the Macan S, offers 250 kW and 460 Nm of torque over a wider rev range of 1 450 to 5 000 r/min. Through the Cape’s Overberg region, the Macan S felt at home when tackling the landscape’s long and steep climbs at high speeds, and almost always had a little more to give in response to a demanding right foot. Pilot the Macan S with some measure and Porsche claim it’ll reward you with 9.0 l/100km, or a theoretical range of around 720 km from its 65-litre fuel tank.
The Porsche Macan Turbo was conspicuous in its absence on the local launch, but only because the S models performed so well it left me eager to experience the wizardry of Porsche’s engineers in the Macan flagship. The 3.6-litre biturbo V6 delivers 294 kW and maximum torque of 550 Nm from an impressively low 1 350 r/min through to 4 500 r/min. The extra power of the Turbo model will see it reach 100 km/h from a standing start in just 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 266 km/h. Average fuel consumption is 9.2 l/100km. The Macan Turbo not only features more power, but also larger brakes and a suspension setup with steel springs in conjunction with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management).
The Porsche Macan is available with a choice of three suspension configurations. The first option is a conventional steel-spring setup, followed by the choice of steel-springs in combination with PASM, or a third option of air suspension with levelling system, height adjustment and PASM.
The difference between the steel/PASM and air suspension options is noticeable, with the former proving to be the winner in terms of feedback when pressing on. That said, the air suspension is more compliant and offers more versatility for the Macan owner, as it can raise or lower the ride height by 40 mm for either extra ground clearance or a lower centre of gravity, depending on off-road or performance driving demands.
Regardless of the suspension optioned, the Macan is a well balanced vehicle. The weight is distributed between the front and rear axles in a 53:47 ratio and, with power from the all-wheel drive system being biased towards the rear, together with the engine and transmission balanced over the front axle, the attitude of the car can be adjusted with throttle inputs in true sports car fashion.
The electro-mechanical power steering system from the Porsche 911 has been carried over to the Macan. It offers an incredibly direct response to inputs, especially when paired with the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV Plus), which applies moderate brake pressure to the inside rear wheel during cornering and by so doing improves rotation around the vehicle’s vertical axis. Initially the steering proved a little too quick, but once I became familiar with having to use less steering lock to turn the vehicle, it made cornering less of an effort and inspired confidence at high-speed thanks to a satisfying weight through the wheel.
The cockpit of the Macan shares many similarities with other Porsche models, thereby adding to the sporty character. The multi-function sports steering wheel is standard equipment and inspired by the 918 Spyder. The drivers instrumentation follows the traditional Porsche layout of three round dials with a centrally positioned tachometer and built-in gear indicator. A forward-sloping centre console incorporates a gear selector that rises to meet the driver’s hand in a racing car-like fashion. Controls for important functions such as the climate control, PASM and air suspension systems are also centred in this area.
Despite the visually sloping roof line, rear headroom is ample. The tailgate is electrically operated and provides clear access to the 500-litre boot (expandable to 1 500-litres). Loading can be made even easier with the optional air suspension, as the rear of the car can be lowered by 50 mm at the touch of a button. Optional on all but the Turbo model, where they are standard kit, are sports seats that are 18-way adjustable, while the rear passengers benefit from deeply contoured seats that aid lateral support.
All manner of active and passive safety technologies are incorporated into the Macan. Highlights include Porsche Side Impact Protection System (POSIP) that comprises side airbags in the front seats, curtain airbags across the entire roof frame and the side windows, from the A-pillar to the C-pillar, as well as a side impact protection device in the doors.
A new multi-collision brake system automatically brakes the vehicle following a crash, which reduces the inherent and residual kinetic energy. The system works in collaboration with PSM (Porsche Stability Management) and still allows the braking to be overridden by the driver should acceleration be required. In this way the risk of a secondary collision is avoided, but full control is available to the driver if necessary.
Porsche say, “The new Macan is the sportscar of the compact SUV segment” and first impressions suggest anyone would be hard pressed to argue otherwise. Simply put, no other compact SUV is as convincingly sporty.
| Pricing | |
| Porsche Macan Diesel S | R862 000 |
| Porsche Macan S | R873 000 |
| Porsche Macan Turbo | R1 239 000 |
Pricing includes a 3-year/90 000 km maintenance plan and 24-hour roadside assistance.
