Porsche Macan 2019: Road test review

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The broad spread of strong mid-range torque delivers responsive performance that is ideal for everyday driving.

There is not a great deal of difference in the comfort and convenience features – the extra money covers mainly mechanical and cosmetic equipment. The S gets a bigger engine, brakes and wheels, as well as an active suspension management system. Both are coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch-style automatic transmission and employ Porsche’s Traction Management active all-wheel-drive system with a button-operated off-road mode.

In a recent mid-life update, subtle stying changes have smartened up the appearance, and improvements made to the comfort, connectivity, lighting and driving dynamics. An extensive range of options and packs provide plenty of choice to further personalise the look and on-road ability – at a price. The diesel version was discontinued late last year.

The Macan cabin has Porsche’s typical premium look and feel, with leather trim, comfortable front sports seats (14-way electrically adjustable) and a well laid-out cockpit-style presentation dominated by an excellent new 10.9-inch touchscreen which is part of the new Porsche Communication Management system. Standard equipment follows the luxury car theme, but there are a few expected items disappointingly missing. For example, lane-departure warning and eight airbags, including side airbags in the rear, are standard, but the all-important autonomous emergency braking, which can be found on some of the most basic small cars, is only available when you option the $2410 Adaptive Cruise Control with Porsche Active Safe system.

As a practical medium-size SUV, the space is not abundant but the Macan comfortably seats four adults and will accommodate five at a squeeze. Tall adults may also find the rear head and leg room a bit tight. There’s a good-size luggage compartment with the 40/20/40 split-fold rear seat providing extra versatility.

While the 2.0-litre base Macan variant doesn’t quite have the exhilarating performance of its V6-powered S sibling and other sporting-focused Porsche models, it’s still surprisingly sprightly for a four-cylinder medium-size SUV. Peak torque of 370Nm is available from 1600rpm through to 4500rpm, and combined with the responsive seven-speed automatic, provides strong, flexible performance that’s enjoyable and ideal for everyday driving. A sport mode button on the centre console sharpens up the gearshift response for a more enthusiastic drive, but at the expense of some fuel economy. 

Strangely, with the update, the official ADR fuel consumption and CO2 emissions have increased. The consumption has jumped from 7.4L/100km to 8.9L/100km and CO2 emissions have climbed from 172g/km to 204g/km. Over combined city and highway use, our test vehicle was thirstier, averaging 11.8L/100km. As with many premium models, the petrol required is premium-grade 98 RON. 

The Macan is an engaging drive, with the new model’s chassis, suspension and braking system upgrades adding to the agility and surefooted roadholding. In typical sports-car fashion, different-sized tyres are fitted front and rear and are designed to work in combination with Porsche’s sophisticated intelligent all-wheel-drive system for improved driving dynamics. The steering on our test car had a precise, appropriately weighted feel but it was fitted with the Power Steering Plus option which provides speed-sensitive power assistance to reduce steering effort during manoeuvring and at low speeds. Once again, another $650.  

Not only is Macan one of the sportiest drives in the segment, its ride comfort has not been compromised. Body movement is nicely controlled with very little roll for an SUV, even when driven quickly on winding country roads. At the same time, the compliant suspension soaks up most bumps with ease, while the cabin remains quiet and well isolated from general road noise. 

The verdict

The Macan is a comfortable-riding premium mid-size SUV that is involving and enjoyable to drive, rather than breathtakingly quick.