Porsche Macan 2017 Review

What’s it all about?
Here’s the show-stopper: Not only is the latest Macan model the new entry-level SUV from Porsche, it’s the cheapest new Porsche you can get behind the wheel of full-stop. In fact, the new four-cylinder Macan undercuts its more powerful siblings by the not insubstantial amount of $15,000…but trust me, there’s nothing cheap about this ride.

Stepping away from the flat boxer four of tradition, this four-pot Macan is powered by a 185kW/370Nm 2.0-litre inline four sourced from parent company Volkswagen Group. It’s matched to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (like all Macans) and joins ranks of the current six-cylinder Macan line-up which includes S, S Diesel, GTS and Turbo variants. Porsche’s top-selling SUV just got more attainable.

How much will it cost?
With a starting price of $80,110, the cheapest Macan still lives in luxury car territory and attracts the associated taxes. Your drive away price will be chasing $90K, before you explore the word of costly options on offer.

Our test vehicle is fitted with the sports exhaust system ($5,390), metallic paint ($1,990), comfort lighting package ($720) and upgraded 19-inch Macan design wheels ($710), for a total price of $88,920 plus on road costs.

Your new Macan comes with Porsche’s three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and three years roadside assistance. Service intervals are recommended at 15,000km or every twelve months (whichever comes first).

Why should I buy it?
The new Macan is lighter (down 95kg), cheaper (around $15k), greener (CO2 of 172g/100km) and more economical (7.4L/100km) than its elder six-cylinder siblings.
Numbers are good: Zero to 100km/h in 6.7sec and a top speed of 229km/h. Then there’s the package. The Porsche Macan oozes German opulence and thoughtful details, with all the expected bells and whistle except – cue sad, entitled face - heated seats.

On demand, the turbo-petrol engine gives a glorious kick, exploiting every bit of power at hand. Matched to a seven-speed dual clutch transmission, it’s a joyous combination with which you’re spoilt tootling around 40km/h school zones.

Punching along the freeway, the Macan is composed, quiet and effortless. It brings power comparable to willing rivals, but faces some scrutiny when compared dollar for dollar - undercut by both Mercedes-Benz GLC 250 and Audi’s Q5.

When is it available in Australia?
The Porsche Macan is available in Australia now. However, if history is anything to go by, you’ll need to be either quick and/or patient to get one.

Who will it appeal to?
Other than pricey options, there’s little to complain about here - the Macan is a flexible, generous-sized medium SUV with a wicked turbo-petrol engine.

So, what else does the Macan has over its rivals? That would be the Porsche pedigree and, to be frank, none of BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz can elicit the same brand envy as the coveted Stuttgart badge.

On more measurable matters, the Macan has room for five and boot space fitting of a family load (500L-1500L), the popular Porsche bridging a gap between performance and practicality, making it very appealing to the young family set who need that SUV flexibility.

Behind the wheel, the sporty cabin envelopes you in luxury. Buttons and dials for days impress, as do premium materials. Perhaps the best feel is the steering – it’s crisp and communicative. Technology is comprehensive and the fun factor is high. A better (louder) exhaust note would be fitting.

Outward visibility is a bit of a concern, but it’s aided by a reversing camera, front and rear sensors and lane departure warning.

Rated to tow up to 2000kg braked, the Macan stakes a claim as a capable workhorse, too.

Where does it fit?
The prestige medium-size SUV segment features the usual suspects – Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC – both of which, arguably, offer better value for money. The just released third-generation BMW X3 emerges as a strong candidate, while the arrival of the new Land Rover Discovery presents an accomplished player – albeit yielding from vastly different heritage. The pomp and practicality are on par.

Addressing several needs of the modern family in transition – space, practicality, performance and passion - it’s easy to see why the Porsche Macan is in demand. It’s the SUV for which I’d happily abandon my sedan stronghold.

So, what do we think?
If your foray into the world of Porsche vehicles is a stretch, the Macan is worth it. This is an entry-level SUV like few others, with performance pedigree at its heart. The product of a lot of things done exceptionally well, the new addition to the Macan range will undoubtedly grow the nameplate’s sales domination for the German brand. I hope Porsche can keep up with the orders.

2017 Porsche Macan pricing and specifications:
Price: $80,110 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 185kW/370Nm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 7.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 172g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>> Porsche Macan to go all-electric
>> Quickest Macan yet
>> Medium Prestige SUV Comparison Test