£60k Macan

[daro911]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/porsche/macan/first-drives/porsche-macan-turbo-first-drive-review

The Porsche Macan, a smaller sibling to the Cayenne, aims to carve out a more lucrative slice of the market for itself when sales begin in April. It's driven here in range-topping Turbo form.

First impressions on first viewing the Macan are of its relatively moderate size. The dimensions vary slightly between models, but the Turbo tested here is 4699mm long, 1923mm wide and 1624mm high. That makes it 146mm shorter, 17mm narrower and 76mm lower than the second-generation Cayenne.

Whereas the Cayenne shares its underpinnings with the Volkswagen Touareg, the Macan is based around a modified version of the high-strength steel platform that underpins the Audi Q5. The two share a 2807mm wheelbase "" 88mm shorter than the Cayenne's "" but they have little else in common.

The Macan receives its own mechanical hardware, consisting of specially tuned or unique engines, new gearboxes and a revised version of the Cayenne's multi-plate-clutch four-wheel drive system. The Macan's MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension is also described as unique, with track widths that are up by 35mm at the front and 36mm at the rear over the Q5's.

The Macan's bold styling takes a number of cues from the second-generation Cayenne, including a rather bluff front end that varies in look depending on engine. A large clamshell-style bonnet aids engine bay cooling and features oval-shaped cut-outs for the headlights, plus sides that run all the way down to the front bumpers.

Predictably, the interior has an upmarket feel. The look again draws heavily on the Cayenne, but subtle changes help set the Macan apart, including a multi-function steering wheel similar to the 918 Spyder's. The rest is familiar, with a three-dial binnacle, touchscreen multimedia system and a high-set middle console housing a sea of switches. It looks cluttered, but the ergonomics are excellent.

The early Macan line-up will offer the choice of three V6 engines. Included is a Porsche-developed twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol unit delivering 335bhp and 339lb ft in the Macan S and an Audi-sourced 3.0-litre turbodiesel with 254bhp and 427lb ft in the Macan Diesel S.

This Turbo is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.6-litre petrol engine that is described as being all new, although a naturally aspirated version of the same unit has appeared in the Panamera. Here, it produces 394bhp at 6000rpm and 405lb ft from 1350rpm.

What is it like?
Pleasingly smooth, with an engine that pulls well from the front, is potent through the mid-range and accepting of high gears at low speeds.

There's some low-end lag, but the new V6 is terrifically energetic on boost. With a short-stroke design, the engine also revs with great conviction for a forced-induction unit, rushing up to 6700rpm without feeling remotely breathless before hitting the limiter.

It is just a pity that the new V6 sounds so characterless no matter which driving mode "" Standard, Sport or Sport Plus "" is chosen. There is an entertaining burble to the exhaust, but it is more often than not drowned out by excessive induction blare. You wouldn't call it bland, but the noise is rather insipid.

The engine impresses, but it's the standard seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox that really shows its class. It is fast, smooth and intuitive and has the ability to perfectly match revs on downshifts. The four-wheel drive system directs torque to the rear wheels and, when the conditions call for it, to the fronts, giving the Macan a distinctly rear-drive bias.

Despite a kerb weight of 1925kg, the Macan Turbo driven here can hit 62mph from rest in a claimed 4.6sec and 100mph in 10.9sec. Porsche doesn't limit the top speed of its production models, and the same is true of this SUV, which is claimed to reach 165mph. Even so, this most powerful of Macans is also relatively economical. Official figures claim 31.7mpg combined. Driven briskly over a mix of urban streets, autobahns and country roads, we returned an indicated 25.8mpg.

The defining aspect of the Macan Turbo, however, is its handling. If there is a more fluid and engaging SUV, I've yet to drive it. Sitting on firm yet forgiving steel-sprung suspension, this SUV delivers an unusually high level of interaction and exceptional dynamic qualities.

You can fling the Macan Turbo down a back road at a decent clip and it responds beautifully, offering generous feel and a good deal of feedback through wonderfully weighted and engaging electro-mechanical steering. The overall agility and poise is outstanding for a car of this weight.

Away from winding roads, the Macan possesses terrific high-speed stability all the way up to its claimed top speed.

The Macan Turbo's on-road excellence goes a long way towards redefining class standards, and the "˜sports utility vehicle' tag was never applied as fittingly as it is here. It is not so much a junior Cayenne as a high-riding Cayman in sheer handling proficiency.

The brakes are no less remarkable. There is a firm but progressive feel to the pedal, allowing you to confidently tip in the stoppers all the way to the point where the anti-lock begins to cycle. Not that the Macan Turbo is exclusively sporting.

It is unlikely that many Macan buyers will venture far off-road, if at all, but a brief run in deep snow revealed that it is quite useful away from the asphalt. An off-road button allows you to alter the threshold of the traction and stability control systems as well as the four-wheel drive and optional torque-vectoring systems.

Porsche claims approach and departure angles of 24.8deg and 23.6deg respectively for the Turbo, while nominal ground clearance is put at 198mm and ramp angle is 17.1deg. The optional air suspension extends each of these values.

Should I buy one?
If you fancy a sporty SUV which can handle the occassional trip off-road, then absolutely.

Despite the odd flaw, it is hard not to get wrapped up in the overall brilliance of the new Macan Turbo. Granted, it is no bargain, but when an SUV is this good, it's easy to believe that it will succeed. If the Macan Diesel and Diesel S are anywhere near as engaging, it won't be long before the Cayenne is supplanted as the fastest-selling Porsche of all time.

Porsche Macan Turbo (Sport Chrono)

Price £59,300; 0-62mph 4.6sec; Top speed 165mph; Economy 31.7mpg (combined); CO2 208g/km; Kerb weight 1925kg; Engine type V6, 3604cc, turbocharged, petrol; Installation Front, longitudinal, 4WD; Power 394bhp at 6000rpm; Torque 405lb ft at 1350rpm; Gearbox 7-spd dual clutch automatic

 

[daro911]

PORSCHE MACAN: REVIEW

Love it or hate it the Porsche Macan is going to be everywhere - here's why


There is an incongruity in the way the Macan Turbo enters corners keenly and exits them on a quarter turn of corrective lock, and also in the car-like seating position within the cabin, to the distance between backside and road surface. Porsche's new SUV feels like a four-wheel drive hot hatch; the road is just a little bit further away.

Having raised ride height CoG then lowered - eh?

Having raised ride height CoG then lowered - eh?Those first impressions, gathered on a slippery test track at Porsche's Leipzig manufacturing facility, were very positive indeed. On any occasion that a manufacturer claims its new product to be a luxury car, and a sports car, and an off-roader, and a family wagon, the immediate suspicion is that it is actually none of those things to any satisfying degree, but instead a compromised mess. Call it professional cynicism.

'Compromised mess' is certainly not a criticism that could be reasonably levelled at the Macan, but the clear reality is that no one machine can engage on circuit and plug through deep mud; Porsche or not it'll inevitably be less capable in one area that the other. The Turbo, it quickly became apparent, was more accomplished on track than any car of this type has any right to be, but its off-roading capabilities were junior at best; some slippery mud, a few wet rocks, and incline here and there, but nothing any more serious than that. The Macan's off-road abilities are, quite understandably, token, but its circuit and on-road behaviour are both very impressive.

Mirror mirror on the wall ... actually don't bother
Mirror mirror on the wall ... actually don't botherBrace yourself

Sharing its platform with Audi's Q5 - but with two-thirds of components either modified or replaced entirely - the Macan introduces Porsche to a whole new sector of the market, just as the bigger Cayenne did 12 years ago. Given that car's phenomenal success (more than 80,000 sold in 2013 alone), a smaller and more affordable second SUV model has long been an inevitability. Indeed, according to Porsche's predictions, the small SUV sector will soon be the world's fastest growing.

Three models will be available at launch, all with turbocharged V6 engines. The entry-level model, for now, is the S, available with either a petrol or diesel engine, both costing £43,400. The petrol model gets 340hp from a 3.0-litre twin turbo motor, the diesel 258hp from its single turbo V6. The range-topping Turbo, driven here, is powered by a 400hp, twin turbocharged 3.6-litre V6, costing £59,300.

All models come fitted with Porsche's twin-clutch PDK gearbox and all are four-wheel drive, too. Power is sent to the rear axle in normal conditions, but depending on prevailing grip levels the four-wheel drive system can send 100 per cent of torque to the front axle. Brilliantly, but perhaps entirely unnecessarily, petrol Macans are dry-sumped for a lower centre of gravity. Gesture or not, it's a good example of Porsche's resolve to not risk its dynamic reputation.

Like it or not this is Porsche's income stream

Like it or not this is Porsche's income streamAll the gear

The most athletic of all Macans will be a Turbo with Porsche Torque Vectoring and Sports Chrono; Porsche Active Suspension Management is standard on this model. Rather surprisingly, Porsche's early figures suggest that only 30-35 per cent of Macans sold in Europe will be diesel models. On that basis the notion of a truly sporting SUV is one that seems to have captured the buyers' imaginations, but one does suspect the diesel will ultimately become the big seller. Also surprising is Porsche's assertion that 50,000 Macans will be sold each year, given that the more expensive Cayenne sold significantly better than that last year. Again, one suspects the Macan will quite soon become Porsche's volume model.

With that in mind, the issue of exclusivity comes to the fore. Porsche's trade depends on its perceived exclusivity, and with 50,000 or more additional Porsche models hitting the roads each year, is that exclusivity not at risk? The Porsche executives insist not, because even if the Macan is a huge sales hit, they argue, no more than three in every 1,000 cars sold worldwide will wear a Porsche crest. That may be, but how will proud 911 owners feel about seeing countless little Porsche SUVs knocking about, particularly if the business case for a four-cylinder version with - whisper it - front-wheel drive becomes too tempting to resist? This Macan model line will demand some very astute management.

Familiar look here; some cheaper bits though

Familiar look here; some cheaper bits thoughThe test track at Porsche's Leipzig factory is around 2.5km in length with bends modelled, we're told, on the iconic corners of the best circuits in the world. Laguna Seca's Corkscrew is recreated fairly convincingly, as is Spa's old Bus Stop Chicane, but any likeness to the Parabolica or a Lesmo at Monza just seems coincidental. Anyway, it's on this short circuit that the Macan Turbo first showed its dynamic fortitude. The slippery conditions seemed to play into its hands because it was soon evident that the Macan is agile and brake-adjustable on turn in, that it keeps its masses tightly in check even in quick direction changes, that it can readily be coaxed into exiting tighter corners in a delicious four-wheel drift - in the wet, at least. It was superb fun with very little of the wallow or imprecision you'd reasonably expect of a chunky SUV.

Tyre you out
The electrically-assisted steering, it should be noted, was rather aloof and remote in terms of feedback, but at least under- and oversteer points could be felt through the chassis. If those slippery conditions suited the Macan itself so too did they suit Porsche, for all the test cars were fitted with Michelin mud and snow tyres, which, one suspects, would have made the car feel squidgy and vague on a bone dry track.

Not exactly spacious back here either
Not exactly spacious back here eitherIndeed, a handful of laps with a chap named Rohrl at the wheel once the surface had dried out did highlight how this rubber lacks the stability of a good summer tyre. It also revealed how benign the Macan is in normal conditions; it wouldn't take on any rear-led attitude under power, and it settled into slight understeer immediately after turn in. With better grip, the chassis could load up further and the body would roll and lean more as a result.

The other significant point about those mud and snow tyres is that it was they that did afford the Macan its modest off-road ability. On the summer tyres that will surely tread most UK cars, track and road performance may be improved further, but off-road capacity will be diminished to almost nothing. It's worth noting, lastly, that only those models fitted with optional air springs are able to lift their ride heights by 40mm.

Token ability here but road where heart lies

Token ability here but road where heart liesSo to the open road. The Turbo feels sprightly in a straight line and the twin turbocharged engine has huge breadth, but it isn't thumpingly fast as we've come to expect of Turbo-badged Porsches. The PDK transmission worked very well on the road, as it did on track, while the ride on optional air springs and winter tyres - rather than mud and snow tyres - was settled and compliant on smooth German roads.

On the dry back roads around Leipzig, which were quite unrepresentative of the uniquely demanding country roads we know and love in the UK, the Turbo did grip well and carry speed, but so too did it roll and lean like a tall car, even in its firmest suspension setting. Quick over a stretch of road and composed for an SUV it may be, but the Macan never has the immediate response and precision of a hot hatch or a sports saloon. Dry conditions revealed that first impression to be a little wayward.

The inescapable truth, headed your way

The inescapable truth, headed your wayStrength in numbers?
The Macan's cabin is familiar from any other modern Porsche, but the quality of fit and finish, as well as some of the plastics, does fall a little way short of the very impressive Panamera. A six-footer will feel a little cramped when sat behind a tall driver, but otherwise cabin space is pretty good. The Macan is also quite clearly a Porsche in its styling; the raised front wings, the rakish roofline, the flared shoulders over the rear wheels. The taillights are also rather successful and they will feature on future models.

At £59,300, the Macan Turbo faces very stiff opposition outside of the SUV realm; there's nothing to directly rival it like-for-like. A new BMW M3, for instance, won't be much less practical, while any number of larger super saloons could be had for just a shade more outlay.

This may be by default as much as any brilliance on Porsche's part, but the Macan Turbo is surely the best small sporting SUV that there has ever been. What it isn't, though, is an SUV that does away entirely with the need for the sports car.

Meanwhile, Müller also confirmed GTS and Turbo S variants of the new Macan are in the pipeline.

PORSCHE MACAN TURBO
Engine: V6, twin turbocharged, 3,604cc
Transmission: Seven-speed twin-clutch PDK, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 400hp@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 406lb ft@1,350-4,500rpm
0-62mph: 4.8sec
Top speed: 165mph
Weight: 1925kg
MPG: 31.7mpg (claimed)
CO2: 208g/km
Price: £59,300

 

[rob.kellock]

ORIGINAL: article said


At £59,300, the Macan Turbo faces very stiff opposition outside of the SUV realm; there's nothing to directly rival it like-for-like. A new BMW M3, for instance, won't be much less practical, while any number of larger super saloons could be had for just a shade more outlay.

It's not exactly a million miles away from this though with £15k change in your pocket?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/sq5

Is it the end of Porsche as we know it or just the beginning?

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: rob.kellock

ORIGINAL: article said


At £59,300, the Macan Turbo faces very stiff opposition outside of the SUV realm; there's nothing to directly rival it like-for-like. A new BMW M3, for instance, won't be much less practical, while any number of larger super saloons could be had for just a shade more outlay.

It's not exactly a million miles away from this though with £15k change in your pocket?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/audi/sq5

Is it the end of Porsche as we know it or just the beginning?

It's the New World Order markets demanding big saloons and SUV's from the New Porsche World Order under VAG so if you consider Porsche as the leading sport cars only manufacturer then it's the end of that era for sure[&o]

It's certainly the beginning of their history as part of the massive world conquering VAG empire for better or worse only decades will tell[&o]

 

[colin129]

According to Autocar, the Macan sh*ts on the Evoque and every other competitor.

All the production for the next 12 months is sold out.

 

[dereksharpuk]

Yup. Autocar today states that the Macan is the best small 4x4 in the world - easily. It might be good, but it is not small []

The magazine also states that it is more like a 911 than a Cayenne. I thought that to be a preposterous statement, but I ask someone today who has actually driven it on track and he agreed with Autocar! Amazing. This I will have to see.

Moreover, apparently the Macan 'relegates the Evoke to the rank of the irrelevant also-ran'.

I honestly hope that the Macan is half as good as Autocar make it out to be, for if it is it will be brilliant. If it is as good, then it will be mind blowing.[]

Just as well my order is well and truly in. Pity if yours is not, but you can always buy mine in 14 months time[]

 

[rob.kellock]

I stopped reading Autocar years ago.

If they can't even spell Evoque there's no hope!

Car magazine said "I am still not sure if the Macan Turbo is quite as entertaining and ultimately rewarding as the identically priced full-size Cayenne V8 Diesel S" along with "Macan or Cayenne? The Macan for novelty value, style, dynamics and street cred. But the Turbo is simply too expensive for what it is - check out the Cayenne V8 Diesel S and the 395bhp V8S instead."

Horses for courses etc.

 

[Dylan1]

ORIGINAL: dereksharpuk

Yup. Autocar today states that the Macan is the best small 4x4 in the world - easily. It might be good, but it is not small []

The magazine also states that it is more like a 911 than a Cayenne. I thought that to be a preposterous statement, but I ask someone today who has actually driven it on track and he agreed with Autocar! Amazing. This I will have to see.

Moreover, apparently the Macan 'relegates the Evoke to the rank of the irrelevant also-ran'.

I honestly hope that the Macan is half as good as Autocar make it out to be, for if it is it will be brilliant. If it is as good, then it will be mind blowing.[]

Just as well my order is well and truly in. Pity if yours is not, but you can always buy mine in 14 months time[]

you will never keep it for 14months derek[]

 

[george928s]

I am really sorry if I offend anyone who raves about this "thing" .. but to me it just looks FUGLY.. a terrible unnecessary mutant..
I could never... ever... understand why anyone would want such an unnecessary obese 4x4 beast ?.. other than celebrity footballers in Central London and so on

I am prepared for the predictable flaming

 

[dpoynton]

As my football skills are similar to Brucey's joke telling, and I live in Derbyshire, not London, maybe I'm ok.

[]

D

 

[rob.kellock]

Top lurking there George!

15 months on the forum and your first post!!

I suppose some were equally up in arms when Porsche brought out the front engined V8 of your username back in the day!

Porsche will need to manage its brand very carefully if it is to bring out a 2.0 4 cylinder diesel variant - people won't want to order a £130k 911 turbo from a showroom full of small children bored out of their brains while Mummy chooses what colour her next school run bus should be...

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: george928s

I am really sorry if I offend anyone who raves about this "thing" .. but to me it just looks FUGLY.. a terrible unnecessary mutant..
I could never... ever... understand why anyone would want such an unnecessary obese 4x4 beast ?..

I am prepared for the predictable flaming

The VAG accountants want such a thing because the gorgeous looking not Cayenne & Panamera have probably just bank rolled the books better than any of the other cars we all love that Porsche still make

Bernie moved his circus to where the new money and future is and Porsche are making their cars for the same folks who want a lot of metal for their money as opposed to beauty and 2 seats []

 

[george928s]

Yep , if it has more than 2 full proper adult seats... it aint really a Porsche

but I fear it is going to get silly .. what next... vespas are popular now .. maybe a Porsche moped ?

I just think they need to concentrate a little more on the "core" business .. a thing they are best at

and also attend to the little things .. like ensuring their newer higher-end models don't just burst into flames when you turn on the ignition.....

where did it all go wrong ?

PS .. I bought my namesake because it looks beautiful , and that's all I could afford at the time .. despite that I've always thought it was Porsche evolution at its best

 

[dereksharpuk]

Porsche made tractors, possible before you were both George. Want one?

But I do agree, the brand is becoming diluted which is already affecting residuals. And we read the Porsche will make 200,000 cars next year; the majority will be 4x4s.

I lost £25K on each of my last two 911s in just a year each (more fool me). I now smell the coffee [] The previous Marketing Director at Porsche Cars GB (GT) was concerned about depreciation. I wonder if the present one is.

 

[rob.kellock]

Apologies if a re-post but this is one of the strongest reviews I have ever read.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GD1SV9E-y9Q

Those with orders in for a Macan diesel will be pleased.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: dereksharpuk

I lost £25K on each of my last two 911s in just a year each (more fool me). I now smell the coffee [] The previous Marketing Director at Porsche Cars GB (GT) was concerned about depreciation. I wonder if the present one is.

His only concern is stuffing bums into brand new seats. Residuals will be what they will be and how many historic Porsche owning people have you ever met who have left the brand since residuals became the same level as any other mass producer today[&o]

If you want to protect your cash buy wisely and buy used if you want to tick the boxes and have that brand new car smell for a month then be prepared for a wallet bashing every single time you buy a new Porsche today. 200,000 car p.a. will soon ramp up to 300,000 as the baby Panamera and Q3 based Macan all come to be[]

 

[tiskev]

Well you guys i would like a Macan but having been the first person in the club
To own a Cayenne i will hold my horses and see what real owners think of the new car
Before i jump in.
If owners have the same problems with this newby as they did with their KN's they
Wont be best pleased .
Meantime, possibly through preemptive work, the old girl rolls on .
Who know old Desi might end up a Macan owner.....