Porsche is the world’s most successful sports car company, with over 272 000 unit sales globally in 2020. Their best-sellers are currently the
Cayenne and
Macan SUVs, which is understandable, given the world’s obsession with anything
SUV these days. With the launch of the updated
Macan III in
South Africa,
Porsche is signalling an interesting development in its journey forward. More on that later. First, about the car itself.
The
Macan was first introduced to the world in 2014 and became an instant hit with fans of the
Porsche brand. Mind you, these are many of the same people who had initially rejected the
Cayenne in 2002, but subsequently adopted it as their own. In fact, since 2014 over 600 000 new
Cayenne have been sold worldwide. Many new buyers into the
Porsche brand come in via one of these two
SUVs. And so when tinkering with success, one must be quite careful not to fix what proverbially, “ain’t broken”.
And so the car’s looks are readily recognisable, even though changes have been made. These include a new front end with a 3D diffuser, new nose, a redesigned rear end, standard LED headlights with
Porsche Dynamic Light System, bigger wheels that range from 19 to 21 inches in diameter, as well as seven new wheel designs. The
Macan can be ordered with a choice of 14 exterior colours, depending on which model is preferred. Speaking of models, there are three on sale;
Macan,
Macan S and
Macan GTS. There is no
Macan Turbo in this round.
Entry into the new
Macan reveals a new centre console with much fewer buttons to push. Instead,
Porsche has brought its latest infotainment solutions into the car, with a 27.7cm HD touch screen to access all sorts of features, including Apple Carplay, satellite navigation, online apps and performance information. It feels well-put together, with solid surfaces, quality stitching and leather/ Alcantara/ alloy surfaces that blend in together in harmony. Buyers can choose between a number of leather and upholstery packages, some of which are in different colours. Fitted for the driver is the new multifunction GT sports steering wheel found in the
911 and
Panamera ranges.
The Macan can be ordered with three models as previously said. At the entry point is the Macan with a 2.0-litre turbo engine producing 195kW and 400Nm of torque. Porsche says average fuel consumption is around 10.7 litres per 100km. Its 0 – 100km/h time can be down to 6.2 seconds, with top speed of 232km/h. Higher up is the middle child in the form of the Macan S. That has a 2.9-litre biturbo V6 making 280kW and 520Nm, a 0 – 100km/h time of 4.8 seconds, top speed of 259km/h and average fuel usage of 11.7 litres per 100km. Top of the range is the new Macan GTS whose 2.9-litre V6 produces some 324kW, 550Nm and a 0 – 100km/h time of 4.5 seconds. The GTS can be pushed until a top speed of 272km/h.
All three models come standard with a 7-speed double clutch PDK transmission, Porsche Traction Management (PTM): active all-wheel drive with electronically regulated, map-controlled multi-plate clutch, variable torque distribution between front and rear axle. The GTS also gets the Sports Air Suspension.
Porsche will be introducing an all-electric version of the
Macan in the next couple of years. In countries like
South Africa it will be sold alongside the petrol version. Compact, agile, quick and yet comfortable, the car is going to continue being a success story in this country, especially when one considers these aggressive prices
Porsche SA is launching with.
