Since its startup, Porsche has had only a handful of models in its stable. Even with the addition of the Cayenne SUV and the Panamera four-door GT, the Stuttgart marque boasts just five models in its lineup - a diminutive figure compared to German automotive powerhouses such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz, which have no less than 10 different models each.
So imagine the buzz and excitement when the Stuttgart marque announced an upcoming sixth model.
The same amount of controversies, perhaps, was ignited when we knew it wasn't going to be a 'true blue' sports car, but rather an SUV.
But with an expected solid growth in the SUV segment (Porsche predicts 3.4 percent every year for the next decade), it isn't hard to understand Porsche's decision.
The Macan (which means 'Tiger' in Indonesian's native speak) is a compact SUV that sits below the Cayenne. It is based loosely on the Audi Q5 and shares a third of its components, while the rest are heavily tweaked or brand new.
Exterior
On the outside, the Macan does not share any part or component with its Q5 cousin. And as much as Porsche wants it to be the most sporting in its segment, the Macan isn't overly sporty by any standard.
So imagine the buzz and excitement when the Stuttgart marque announced an upcoming sixth model.
The same amount of controversies, perhaps, was ignited when we knew it wasn't going to be a 'true blue' sports car, but rather an SUV.
But with an expected solid growth in the SUV segment (Porsche predicts 3.4 percent every year for the next decade), it isn't hard to understand Porsche's decision.
The Macan (which means 'Tiger' in Indonesian's native speak) is a compact SUV that sits below the Cayenne. It is based loosely on the Audi Q5 and shares a third of its components, while the rest are heavily tweaked or brand new.
Exterior
On the outside, the Macan does not share any part or component with its Q5 cousin. And as much as Porsche wants it to be the most sporting in its segment, the Macan isn't overly sporty by any standard.
Measuring 4,699mm in length, 1,923mm in width and standing at 1,624mm, the Macan is 147mm shorter, 16mm narrower and sits 81mm closer to the ground than its bigger Cayenne brother. And judging from the figures alone, you can straight away tell that the Macan has a sportier proportion.
We have seen SUV designs gone wild (such as the Maserati Kubang and the Lamborghini Urus), but the Macan is nothing quite like them. Instead of being blatantly loud, the Macan looks gentler and is easier on the eye.
The wraparound clamshell bonnet accentuates the width of the car, and is coupled with a gently sloping roof to portray a subtly sporting stance. On the other hand, the rear strengthens the marque's sports carmaking legacy with LED taillights that are similar in design to those on its halo car - the 918 Spyder.
We have seen SUV designs gone wild (such as the Maserati Kubang and the Lamborghini Urus), but the Macan is nothing quite like them. Instead of being blatantly loud, the Macan looks gentler and is easier on the eye.
The wraparound clamshell bonnet accentuates the width of the car, and is coupled with a gently sloping roof to portray a subtly sporting stance. On the other hand, the rear strengthens the marque's sports carmaking legacy with LED taillights that are similar in design to those on its halo car - the 918 Spyder.
Interior
The Macan's sporting genes become more apparent in its cabin. You will have little trouble fitting snugly into the driver's seat, and at its lowest setting, the driving position is almost sports car-like. You sit 70mm lower than in the Cayenne, too.
Of course, those wanting a more aerial view can still do so with the highly adjustable seats. There is also a wide range of options in the Macan, such as sports seats with adjustable side bolsters, which will further enhance the driving experience.
Like more recent Porsches, the floating centre console can also be found in the Macan, and it gives off a cockpit-like feel that is welcoming for any keen drivers.
The Macan's sporting genes become more apparent in its cabin. You will have little trouble fitting snugly into the driver's seat, and at its lowest setting, the driving position is almost sports car-like. You sit 70mm lower than in the Cayenne, too.
Of course, those wanting a more aerial view can still do so with the highly adjustable seats. There is also a wide range of options in the Macan, such as sports seats with adjustable side bolsters, which will further enhance the driving experience.
Like more recent Porsches, the floating centre console can also be found in the Macan, and it gives off a cockpit-like feel that is welcoming for any keen drivers.
The level of trims and attention to details, such as the chromed bits that underline almost every button, do not let down any expectations. There are, however, small exclusions such as the roller-type controls on the new steering wheel which feel a tad tacky.
Predictably, the Macan sports an interior room that is similar to that of the Q5 and will have no problem fitting three full-sized adults at the rear. That said, its boot size is smaller at 500 litres - while the Q5 manages with 540 litres.
Predictably, the Macan sports an interior room that is similar to that of the Q5 and will have no problem fitting three full-sized adults at the rear. That said, its boot size is smaller at 500 litres - while the Q5 manages with 540 litres.
The Drive
The Macan Turbo gets a 3.6-litre V6 that delivers 400bhp and 550Nm of torque. That gives it 60 more horses and 90Nm more torque over the second-in-line Macan S to become the family's flagship (until the Turbo S kicks in at a later date).
That also gives the Macan Turbo a century sprint timing of just 4.8 seconds - a respectable figure considering the car weighs just a little under two tonnes.
The Macan Turbo also comes standard with Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), which allows up to three levels of damping - 'Comfort', 'Sport' and 'Sport Plus'. The Turbo also receives upsized brakes compared to the S and diesel models - from 350mm to 360mm (front) and 330mm to 356mm (rear).
While these 'upgrades' are mere boasting rights on our local shores, they genuinely translate into better real world performance on both the German Autobahn and on the test circuit at the Porsche Leipzig plant.
We were duly impressed with how much more planted the Macan Turbo felt with its chassis tightened in the 'Sport' and 'Sport Plus' modes at speeds north of 200km/h on the highway. The system also keeps the Macan's body roll in check, even through the twisted chicanes and hard corners on the circuit, bestowing the SUV with positive sports car-like handling.
The only minor qualm we had with the Macan was the electric power steering. Although it is sharp and precise, it could do with more weight and feedback.
The other side of the Macan's personality is displayed at the off-road test track. Neither of the obstacles, such as an 80 percent gradient steep ascent or the 35-degree slanted traversing course, managed to stop the Macan in its path. The off-road prowess simply adds to its charm, although we reckon no Macan owners will find the heart to bring it through such an 'ordeal'.
Conclusion
Like a car with multiple personalities, the Macan has proven to be a true athlete - both on and off the beaten tracks.
And while sports cars are the ones that fire up our emotions and leave us wanting, there is little doubt that everyday practicality is still the most sought after by the masses.
And the Macan may have just answered that call.
The other side of the Macan's personality is displayed at the off-road test track. Neither of the obstacles, such as an 80 percent gradient steep ascent or the 35-degree slanted traversing course, managed to stop the Macan in its path. The off-road prowess simply adds to its charm, although we reckon no Macan owners will find the heart to bring it through such an 'ordeal'.
Conclusion
Like a car with multiple personalities, the Macan has proven to be a true athlete - both on and off the beaten tracks.
And while sports cars are the ones that fire up our emotions and leave us wanting, there is little doubt that everyday practicality is still the most sought after by the masses.
And the Macan may have just answered that call.
