By Theodore Opara

Porsche’s tireless dedication to innovation and evolution has spawned a new level for the brand which builds on its heritage of luxury performance sports cars. The all-new Macan signifies Porsche’s pioneering steps into the compact SUV segment and is poised to set new standards in the field of driving dynamics and enjoyment, both on and off road.

The Macan deploys the typical sporty handling characteristics which have become synonymous with Porsche. Featuring exceptional acceleration, vast engine power, extreme agility and optimum steering precision, the Macan is set to rewrite the rulebook on outstanding sporting comfort and everyday usability.

The sporty DNA of the Macan, as with all Porsche vehicles, is immediately recognisable in the design. The Sports Utility Vehicle is unrivalled in its flat and broad profile on the road. The wrap-around bonnet and gently sloping roof line accentuate the overall impression of sporty elegance and powerful dynamics. Many of the design elements have been taken from other Porsche sports cars and enhanced for the Macan, making it clear from the very first glance that the Porsche Macan heralds the first sports car in the compact SUV segment.

Two models comprise the Macan product range at market launch. The Macan S is equipped with a 3.0-litre V6 biturbo engine delivering 340 hp and also features an active all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. This all-wheel drive is fitted on all Macan models. From the outset, the Macan will boast the Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) which transfers power as required and almost free of interruption in tractive force.

This enables the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds (or 5.2 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package fitted). The vehicle reaches a top speed of 254 km/h, and its NEDC fuel consumption figures are between 9.0 and 8.7 litres/100 km, which corresponds to a CO2 emissions level of between 212 and 204 g/km.

As the top derivative in the Macan model line, the Macan Turbo is set to be the most powerful vehicle in the compact SUV segment. The 3.6-litre V6 biturbo engine, which is being used in a Porsche model for the very first time, achieves an unrivalled 400 hp and catapults the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. With the Sport Chrono package fitted, this speed can be reached in just 4.6 seconds. Although the top speed is 266 km/h, the Macan Turbo delivers NEDC fuel consumption figures of between just 9.2 and 8.9 litres/100 km, which equates to a CO2 value of between 216 and 208 g/km.

The name Macan comes from the Indonesian word for tiger, a spirit the car truly embodies. Boasting pure Porsche power and assertiveness, the Macan is also a nimble yet tenacious off-roader. The latest stage of evolution of the all-wheel drive – known as Porsche Traction Management (PTM) – has produced one of the world’s most powerful drive systems.  A glance at the performance specifications reveals that the Macan has been designed with agility in mind. Further unmistakable hallmarks of the vehicle include its proportions, design and the mixed tyres on large wheels.

The engines, drive systems and seven-speed PDK bring the vehicle’s characteristics to bear in dynamic and efficient fashion both on and off road, making for a true Porsche driving experience. The driver and passenger seats also feature the low position typical of sports cars.