Test drive and dealership frustrations !

[WAB172uk]

After 2 months of trying to get a test drive in the dealers new Macan S demo car, I eventually got to drive it.

Was very impressed, especially with the ride quality. Certainly a more accomplished ride than my current BMW X3 M40i. Couldn't believe the difference. Gearbox was another impressive part compared to the BMW. At times the BMW gets caught between ratios, meaning quite a pause before it figures out what gear it wants to be in. More so when coming to a stop, then needing to drive off quickly again. And trying to overtake something results in quite a delay again. The PDK box was far far superior in this respect. Better in normal mode, but light years ahead when in sport. Paddle shifters are (like most cars) far to small to use. So I'll look to get some new larger ones, like the ones I had fitted to my BMW.

On paper, the BMW puts out 356 bhp, and the Macan 380bhp. So not that much difference. But in reality it felt far stronger and accelerated far harder than the BMW. Would like to try a GTS with 440bhp.

The only negative I found was the seating / peddle position wasn't as good as the BMW. One of the best driving positions in any car I've owned. I found the seating fine, but the peddles have that VAG trait of having the brake peddle slightly too close to the driver, meaning your ankle has to properly twist to hit the brake peddle. Or moving your whole leg. But maybe time with the seating position will make it better in time?

My main gripe is with my dealer. When I ordered the car, I was told the Macan S in the showroom was their new Demo. And once registered on 1st April, I could have it for the day. Lots of emails, a phone call, and promises to get back to me the next day (but never did) I eventually got it. But then nearly didn't.

Arranged a date, and was informed I'd get an email to load my details up. 2 weeks went by, and 3 days away from the test drive, I had to email the dealer to ask if everything was still ok, as no email received. Night before, I get the email. Filled in and sent back.

Get to dealership next morning. I'd arranged for the car the whole day. To be asked "It's just for a couple hours, yeh?". No, it's for the whole day. Which thankfully, they agreed to.

Enjoyed the drive, noted some possible additions I'll like to add to my order, and wanted confirmation that the demo car was on standard suspension, as being so good, I wanted to check it wasn't on air suspension. As I only ordered standard.

Wrote an email to my dealer asking to confirm demo suspension. If they had a Macan in with Carbon dash inserts (as the black looks nice, but is quite reflective) as I may tick that. Wanted to add Auto dimming mirrors (I thought they were standard) and asked if the car is available to option `Hill hold assist` which I couldn't find on the configurator. Absolute zero reply.

I guess they have my order now, so are only interesting with schmoozing the next person who walks through the door.

So .... does anyone on here know if the standard suspension comes with the ride Hight adjustment? Was just low or high. No other setting in between. If Hill hold assist is available as an option? And has anyone got the carbo trim inserts they have a photo of, so I can see what it looks like.

I also asked if folding mirrors when locking was standard feature on the car or optional? The Demo car's mirrors didn't fold when locking, but may be an option in the infotainment system. Anyone know?

After the test drive, I'm really looking forward to collecting my car now. Shame the dealer has no idea when it will get built. Not holding my breath for this year.

 

[Chappelle]

I'm on a Gen 1 so things may well have changed between generations.

First, the complete owners handbook is available as an app. It's clunky to use but it is all there, and you will have plenty of time to swot up on the car before delivery

It is called 'Good to Know' and on the Apple App Store. Previously it was available on the web but Porsche withdrew it

Second, hill hold was standard on my GTS. It works automatically on hills, but a quick stab of the brake pedal on the flat also puts it on. It displays 'Hold' on the dash. With this function the brake lights remain on, if you then use the electronic parking brake the brake lights go out (good to do with queuing cars behind especially at night)

Also my mirrors fold with a long press on the lock button. I wish it could be automatic but doesn't seem to be an option on my Gen 1. A long press also closes the pan roof cover, and optionally I think through menus windows and pan roof.

 

[Chappelle]

Auto Mirror dimming was an option on mine. I have Air suspension and it has 3 ride heights: standard, low and off road (high). Some say it is necessary on the bigger wheels; certainly the ride in mine is excellent compared to my old RS4 (I have 20s with winter tyres and 21s with summer). I'm fairly certain ride height is only with Air suspension

Where are you based? There is a very active forum called macanforums.co.uk. Join PCGB too!

 

[WAB172uk]

Thanks for the response Chappelle.

The Demo car was on 21" wheels, and felt absolutely fine to me. On the test drive I just kept it in low suspension setting. If the Demo wasn't air suspension, then the standard set-up is perfect for me. If it was air, then I think I might have to tick that option.

I didn't go for air suspension, as I've heard thinks can go wrong with it. And as the next Macan will be EV only, I intend to keep this quite a while.

It certainly didn't have hill hold assist. Just the handbrake button. Take your foot off the brake, and it rolled. Will ask dealer about hill hold assist, if he ever responds.

I'll take a look at the app, but good to know the mirrors do fold when locking. Even if you need to hold the button w while. Always prefer them to fold when locking, as you know it's locked.

Might have to drive over to the dealership in the next couple weeks. I don't think the salesman is going to reply to my email. I actually feel like a pest to him, which certainly shouldn't be the case. I'm asking a question, and trying to add options to my order.

 

[Neil1911]

WAB, this forum is woeful, you get quicker and better answers on Macanforums.co.uk! The brake hold IS standard, you just have to give an extra shove on the pedal when on an incline and you'll see the HOLD illuminate on the dash (ACC uses it too) while the folding mirrors are configurable in the menus. It seems that Porsche are always conservative when quoting performance figures so comparisons on BHP and acceleration with other marques in not necessarily "apples to apples". As for the pedals, what's the matter with your left leg? ??
Finally, the dealership just sounds like Sheffield (JCT600) or indeed, most others too, the cars are sold in spite of them, not because of them.

 

[Lancerlot]

WAB, this forum is woeful, you get quicker and better answers on Macanforums.co.uk!

That's a little ingenuous from someone with their first Porsche and subscribing for less than 12 months. []

Last time I looked there were 67 separate technical topics covered in the index posted in the "Technically Speaking" section of the Macan forum including no. 61, "Using hold".

The forum is open to everybody and it's not perfect, however you're contribution has helped augment community knowledge - albeit rather scornfully.

Regards,

Clive

 

[Neil1911]

Clive, didn't mean to cause upset BUT finding those topics requires how many years experience? Let alone the patience! Obvoiusly too much for some, although I'd agree that frequently, in all forums (including Honest John's old Telegraph column) people fire off questions without looking!

 

[WAB172uk]

Thanks for the replies.

Apologies for asking questions that may have already been covered in other posts.

Was a bit of a rant at my local dealer (Teesside) while asking a couple quick questions that they can't be arsed to answer for me.

Cheers

 

[Neil1911]

Thanks for the replies.

Apologies for asking questions that may have already been covered in other posts.

Was a bit of a rant at my local dealer (Teesside) while asking a couple quick questions that they can't be arsed to answer for me.

Cheers

You are not alone so don't worry about it!

 

[WAB172uk]

I'm a member on other car forums, and different forums in the past.

Yes, sometimes people get frustrated that similar questions get asked over and over. But if everyone just asked new questions, then forums tend to dry up. There can only be so many new questions to ask. Plus asking questions (even if repeated) are a good way to get to know other members.

Spoke to my dealer this morning. Was over the road getting my X3 serviced. They have had some build-slots coming through from Porsche. Not mine though. But he did say, things are starting to speed back up with build dates. Asked if I'd booked my experience day? Said I was waiting for my email. Got home and rang Silverstone. Unfortunately the dealer had misspelt my email address, hence no email. But all booked in now. Frustratingly, due to work commitments and pending holidays / mini breaks, its going to be 1st August. Could have got a few dates in-between (need a Monday) but they clashed with other things.

Once I get a build slot, I'll be invited back in to confirm my spec and add / change anything on my order. Also had it confirmed the Demo car was on standard suspension. So I'm very happy with the ride in standard.

 

[Lancerlot]

I'm misunderstood, boo-hoo! [] []
I was answering a suggestion our forum is woeful by pointing out there's a mine of useful information here.
No criticism for asking stuff intended.
Regards,

Clive

 

[HelenGoff]

Never apologise for asking a question. Always better to ask than not. Welcome the PCGB ??.

having owned BMW as well as Porsches i do understand about the pedal position feeling odd. But you do get used to it and you cease to notice it after a while. the one thing I really do miss is the heads up display from my M6. Wish it was at least an option on Porsches.

PDK is far superior the the Tiptronic system Porsche used to use which was a lot like you describe the BMW auto system.


as for the dealerships.. some are better than others (my local BMW garage is awful) sometimes it is worth driving a little further and giving your business to a company that actually care. Having said that times have been rather strange/trying for all of them lately. And many of them have had a lot of staff changes. Its worth taking the time to try to build up a relationship with them.

 

[WAB172uk]

Never apologise for asking a question. Always better to ask than not. Welcome the PCGB ??.

having owned BMW as well as Porsches i do understand about the pedal position feeling odd. But you do get used to it and you cease to notice it after a while. the one thing I really do miss is the heads up display from my M6. Wish it was at least an option on Porsches.

PDK is far superior the the Tiptronic system Porsche used to use which was a lot like you describe the BMW auto system.


as for the dealerships.. some are better than others (my local BMW garage is awful) sometimes it is worth driving a little further and giving your business to a company that actually care. Having said that times have been rather strange/trying for all of them lately. And many of them have had a lot of staff changes. Its worth taking the time to try to build up a relationship with them.

Thanks for the reply. I'm glad it wasn't just me imagining the pedal offset feeling odd.

The salesman who I was dealing with has now left the business, and I have a new salesman, who invited me back in to run through my spec, and make any amendments.

I've now ticked the air suspension, as the demo car did have this fitted. Even though the original salesman wasn't sure ! Ticked a couple other little options too.

I'm now getting a 2023 model car, as they've now stopped all 2022 model cars. I believe production starts July for 2023 models.

But when will my car be built? Who know. Porsche don't yet, and the salesman did say parts are becoming a problem again. I'm not holding my breath for this year. Will end up paying off the X3 M40i, as the PCP deal is up in December. If we get hit by another pandemic (Monkeypox is the buzzword) then I may not see it at all. I was going to sell the X3 now, and wait for the Macan (I have another car) but if it doesn't get built, I'd have got rid of a really good car.