Porsche Macan, sporty DNA
The first compact SUV from Porsche combines driving enjoyment, performance in terms of braking and acceleration, undeniable engine power, genuine agility and ultra-precise steering. Not forgetting comfort... By Laetitia Rossi
After Tokyo and Los Angeles, the Porsche Cayenne’s little brother made a widely noticed entrance at the Geneva Motor Show. Twelve years after the shock created by King Cayenne, a vehicle no-one believed in, the Macan has a point in common with the Audi Q5 : the platform. It has pretty much the same proportions as its cousin, being about 7 cm longer and less than 3 cm wider. No-one has asked it to be original, simply to embody the quintessence of Porsche heritage. As for its potential with the public, there’s no doubt that interest is there, as witnessed by the unshakable popularity of SUVs over the past decade. Surfing on the trend, the German manufacturer is preparing for a launch this spring, even if some people are wondering : “Isn’t there a risk that the Macan will overshadow the great Cayenne ?”...
Everything about the design conveys the sportiness of this model from the assembly plant in Leipzig : a wide, low profile, an enveloping engine hood and plunging roof. Fitted with a 340-hp twin-turbocharged V6 engine, the S version leaps from zero to 100 km/hr in 5.4 seconds and attains a top speed of 254 km/hr with consumption of 8.7 to 9 litres per 100 km. The Diesel is more economical and environmentally friendly, chalking up around 6.1-6.3 litres per 100 km and emissions of 159-164 g/km. As for the Macan Turbo, the flagship model in the series, it is the most powerful of all compact SUVs. With a 400-hp engine, it accelerates from zero to 100 km/hr in only 4.6 seconds.
The Macan (or “tiger” in Indonesian) relies on the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system. Comfort is materialized by large wheel rims (up to 21 inches), and mixed tyres, 265 mm at the front, 295 mm at the rear. Both driver and passengers nestle snugly in low seats, typical of sports cars. The car’s dynamic lines form rounded shapes, set off at stragetic points by ribbing. A hint of the 911, or even the 918 Spyder ? Especially for the rear 3-dimensional headlights and sideblades on the lower part of the front and rear doors. “Identifiable from the very first glance,” hope the designers, responsible for a clamshell engine hood extending above the wheels and envelopping the opticals, and the ribbing on the front of the car. The bodywork entirely made of aluminium reduces the Macan’s weight and improves its responsiveness.
The interior will be familiar to the brand’s dedicated fans, who will nevertheless notice a few new items, including a multi-function sports steering wheel. The central console features a high-level selector, like those in racing cars. The functions and controls installed here allow for intuitive driving. The off-road mode is activated by simply pressing a button. Luxury reigns supreme, accompanied by a Burmester® High-End Surround Sound-System.
Available from April 5th 2014, the Macan S and Macan S Diesel are priced at 59,873 €, the Turbo at 81,908 €.
