$160k for Porsche's first hybrid

Porsche is waving the value banner with the new Cayenne models due to go on sale in Australia on July 24.

Although prices of existing variants have crept up minimally with the new SUV, the company claims $12,000 or thereabouts of extra value -- including standard equipment and technological improvements -- has been built in.

Porsche says the new Cayenne will offer "higher levels of standard equipment, sportier performance than before and fuel saving reductions of up to 23 per cent."

The new Cayenne will kick off with a manufacturer's list price of $103,500 -- before dealer and government charges are added -- for the petrol V6 model ($102,500 previously), topping out with the V8-engined Turbo model at $239,900 ($237,200 previously).

On the way, there is a new S Hybrid V6 version with European Driving Cycle figure of 8.2L/100km that is priced at $159,900 -- a $12,000 premium over the $147,900 Cayenne S V8 (previously $146,900) on which it is based. The S Hybrid claims a CO2 output of 193g/km.

The new V6 turbodiesel variant, at $104,500 (previously $103,700), is only $1000 above the V6 petrol model.

Porsche claims improved efficiencies over the outgoing model via a new eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, a reduced-weight all-wheel drive system and weight reductions of as much as 180kg.

This is despite a bigger interior and higher standards of safety.

Introduction of the new Cayenne range will begin with the S V8, V8 Turbo and V6 S Hybrid, with V6 petrol and diesel models arriving in late August.

Prices 2010 Porsche Cayenne:

- V6 petrol  $103,500
- V6 diesel  $104,500
- S V8  $147,900
- S Hybrid V6  $159,900
- Turbo V8 $239,900

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