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Porsche Macan S Diesel review: sports car dynamics and desirability at 45mpg

All the performance and driving experience you’d expect from a Porsche, in a sensibly sized diesel SUV.
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Porsche Macan

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16 May 2014

 

Porsche_Macan_review
The Macan goes like stink – 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds – and handles like a sports car, but it’s a capable SUV too

What’s hot?

  • Yes, the Macan looks like a scaled-down Cayenne, but the low, wide, coupe-like shape with its aggressive nose seems to work better with the Q5-platform’s shorter dimensions.
  • Design cues such as the slim, 3D rear lights mean you’ll not confuse this Porsche SUV with its big brother. 
  • With its mixture of leather and metal trim, the Macan’s attractive, high quality interior is more than a match for the £43k list price. The 918 Spyder steering wheel is particularly nice to hold.
    Porsche_Macan_review
    The interior is up there with the very best – feels all of the £43k price tag
  • It might be powered by a 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, but with 258bhp, the performance is more than a match for the sporting brand.
  • If the refined, revvy nature of this engine doesn’t impress, the huge torque right from low down the rev-range will. The seven-speed PDK transmission is slick and smooth too.
  • With its rear wheel drive bias and on optional air suspension, the Macan handles more like a sports car than a compact SUV. The electromechanical steering is well-weighted, with this Porsche demonstrating impressive grip, poise and virtually no body roll in corners. 
  • Although we didn’t get to try the Macan in the rough, we’re assured that it is as capable off-road as it is on it.
  • This Porsche is a tall compact SUV, but even on our review car’s optional 20-inch wheels and air suspension, the ride was impressively refined and comfortable.
  • The Macan Diesel S falls into the 27% company car tax band for 2014/15.
  • The Macan Diesel is an agile performer, but despite all that power, it is still capable of 46.3mpg on the Combined cycle.

 

Porsche_Macan
The diesel buys you 45mpg, but don’t expect it to be a cheap company car to run

What’s not?

  • It may be the sportiest diesel Compact SUV, but rivals have more rear legroom than the Macan.
  • If headroom is a priority, then avoid the panoramic sunroof option.
  • The boot is practically shaped, but with 500 litres, the Porsche isn’t the class-leader. However, it does have a standard split/fold rear seat, which when down increases this to 1500 litres of space.
  • Standard equipment includes a DAB radio, climate control and leather trim. However, it’s disappointing that you have to pay extra for equipment such as Bluetooth and cruise control, which are standard on cheaper rivals.
  • The diesel Macan is capable of over 40mpg, but the Porsche is expensive to buy and the 159g/km emissions means it is not going to be the most efficient company car to run.

 

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Matt Morton

Matt Morton

Matt Morton is an automotive content writer for Business Car Manager

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