Up to date, Porsche has sold more than 950 Porsche Cayennes in Singapore - the car that was initially loathed by Porsche purists and fans alike when it first made its debut here in 2003. Of course, the SUV went on to become the sports carmaker's cash cow, thanks to its driving capability and hauling practicality.
Thus, when the Macan was announced some years back, the idea of having a compact SUV was more easily accepted. Interestingly, the Macan was first known as Cajun, which was an indication for Cayenne Junior, and it wasn't until two years back when Porsche decided to name its baby SUV the Macan - a word that means 'Tiger' in the Indonesian language.
Boring history of car names aside, compact SUVs and crossovers seem to be hitting it off well in Singapore. Perhaps it's the sweet spot these cars have with their perfect size inside and out without coming across as being too big, which requires you to extend your neck a little higher every time you try to make a turn at the multi-storey carpark. The BMW has its X3, Range Rover has its Evoque and soon enough, Lexus will have its NX, which is due for launch in the fourth quarter of this year.
Exterior
As you can probably guess or expect, Porsche's idea of a capable compact SUV is a little different from everyone else. From tip to tip, it looks nothing like the bigger Cayenne and the Audi Q5, which it shares the same basic architecture with.
Thus, when the Macan was announced some years back, the idea of having a compact SUV was more easily accepted. Interestingly, the Macan was first known as Cajun, which was an indication for Cayenne Junior, and it wasn't until two years back when Porsche decided to name its baby SUV the Macan - a word that means 'Tiger' in the Indonesian language.
Boring history of car names aside, compact SUVs and crossovers seem to be hitting it off well in Singapore. Perhaps it's the sweet spot these cars have with their perfect size inside and out without coming across as being too big, which requires you to extend your neck a little higher every time you try to make a turn at the multi-storey carpark. The BMW has its X3, Range Rover has its Evoque and soon enough, Lexus will have its NX, which is due for launch in the fourth quarter of this year.
Exterior
As you can probably guess or expect, Porsche's idea of a capable compact SUV is a little different from everyone else. From tip to tip, it looks nothing like the bigger Cayenne and the Audi Q5, which it shares the same basic architecture with.
The fact that Porsche's signature touches are clearly visible such as badges, 918 Spyder-inspired taillights, standard four-point LED daytime running lights and the tapered roofline that clearly reflects the association with the Stuttgart marque, further enhance this point.
At 4,681mm x 1,923mm x 1,624mm (L x W x H), the Macan S that we have here is also a tad longer, slimmer and shorter than the Audi Q5, which probably explains its tight and taut looks. It's also better looking than most in its segment (with the Evoque being the only exception), with curves at the right places that will catch even the attention of Porsche pessimists.
Unlike other performance compact SUVs, the Macan S doesn't show off its potential prowess on the outside, which will easily attract buyers who can appreciate less is more. While the Macan S comes with rather small 18-inch wheels as standard, the test car that you see here is equipped with a set of befittingly bold and beautiful size 20 shoes, which fill up the arches nicely.
At 4,681mm x 1,923mm x 1,624mm (L x W x H), the Macan S that we have here is also a tad longer, slimmer and shorter than the Audi Q5, which probably explains its tight and taut looks. It's also better looking than most in its segment (with the Evoque being the only exception), with curves at the right places that will catch even the attention of Porsche pessimists.
Unlike other performance compact SUVs, the Macan S doesn't show off its potential prowess on the outside, which will easily attract buyers who can appreciate less is more. While the Macan S comes with rather small 18-inch wheels as standard, the test car that you see here is equipped with a set of befittingly bold and beautiful size 20 shoes, which fill up the arches nicely.
Interior
The Porsche tradition continues inside the Macan. Supple leather fills the cabin while fit and finish is of the highest standard. While we reckon luxury Japanese carmaker Lexus is still the best in business when it comes to interior quality and comfort, Porsche certainly comes close.
Not only is the fully adjustable electric driver seat comfortable with its ideal back support, it allows for a high seating position, which comes in handy for a pint-sized writer like this one. From the driver's seat, you get a clear view ahead, too, further boosting your confidence when it comes to awkward corners and tight bends.
Another 918 Spyder-inspired feature is the multi-functional driver-centric steering wheel. Behind it, like all Porsche cars of late, the tachometer continues to take centre stage in the instrument cluster.
The Porsche tradition continues inside the Macan. Supple leather fills the cabin while fit and finish is of the highest standard. While we reckon luxury Japanese carmaker Lexus is still the best in business when it comes to interior quality and comfort, Porsche certainly comes close.
Not only is the fully adjustable electric driver seat comfortable with its ideal back support, it allows for a high seating position, which comes in handy for a pint-sized writer like this one. From the driver's seat, you get a clear view ahead, too, further boosting your confidence when it comes to awkward corners and tight bends.
Another 918 Spyder-inspired feature is the multi-functional driver-centric steering wheel. Behind it, like all Porsche cars of late, the tachometer continues to take centre stage in the instrument cluster.
Predictably, an array of buttons and controls fill the centre console, allowing the driver to choose its driving modes (Normal, Sport and Sport Plus), damper stiffness as well as the usual air-conditioning temperature and fan speed.
Space wise, the Macan doesn't disappoint. The wheelbase of 2,807mm, which is longer than the attractive Range Rover Evoque, the Volvo XC60 and the Lexus RX, allows for three adults at the back with ample head and legroom. Arguably, with five on board, shoulder space could be a bit of a problem at the back.
Where the Macan loses out to the Audi Q5 is its boot space. At 500 litres, it's 40 litres smaller than its distant cousin. On the other hand, it's merely 170 litres smaller than the bigger and beefier Cayenne. Knock down the rear seats and the boot converts itself into a transporter, making the Macan an ideal car for quick runs to IKEA.
Space wise, the Macan doesn't disappoint. The wheelbase of 2,807mm, which is longer than the attractive Range Rover Evoque, the Volvo XC60 and the Lexus RX, allows for three adults at the back with ample head and legroom. Arguably, with five on board, shoulder space could be a bit of a problem at the back.
Where the Macan loses out to the Audi Q5 is its boot space. At 500 litres, it's 40 litres smaller than its distant cousin. On the other hand, it's merely 170 litres smaller than the bigger and beefier Cayenne. Knock down the rear seats and the boot converts itself into a transporter, making the Macan an ideal car for quick runs to IKEA.
Drivetrain
Let's address the elephant in the room, which is also probably what other publications have already yakked about.
Firstly, the Macan S is easily the most agile and aggressive in its class and the 340 horses and 460Nm of torque see to that. The moment you crank up the car, its intentions are obvious. Thus, you get the choice of pulling away from the pack if you want to or just hang back and drive in a gentlemanly manner whenever you want to take it easy.
Secondly, the seven-speed PDK gearbox is a joy to behold. Shifts are crisp and precise every time, all the time - which also makes meddling with the paddle shifters so much fun and addictive. Flick the gearbox to 'M' (for manual) mode, floor the accelerator and squeeze the right paddle shifter at the 7,000rpm redline and the Macan S shifts up with gusto and immediacy, accompanied by a snarling soundtrack from the quad exhausts.
But what we reckon deserves emphasis is the steering. It's so well-weighted, precise and communicative it's hard not to be impressed. Every directional change, even the slightest, constantly sends feedback to you, highlighting whatever the tyres are up to and whatever the tarmac has in store for you.
Let's address the elephant in the room, which is also probably what other publications have already yakked about.
Firstly, the Macan S is easily the most agile and aggressive in its class and the 340 horses and 460Nm of torque see to that. The moment you crank up the car, its intentions are obvious. Thus, you get the choice of pulling away from the pack if you want to or just hang back and drive in a gentlemanly manner whenever you want to take it easy.
Secondly, the seven-speed PDK gearbox is a joy to behold. Shifts are crisp and precise every time, all the time - which also makes meddling with the paddle shifters so much fun and addictive. Flick the gearbox to 'M' (for manual) mode, floor the accelerator and squeeze the right paddle shifter at the 7,000rpm redline and the Macan S shifts up with gusto and immediacy, accompanied by a snarling soundtrack from the quad exhausts.
But what we reckon deserves emphasis is the steering. It's so well-weighted, precise and communicative it's hard not to be impressed. Every directional change, even the slightest, constantly sends feedback to you, highlighting whatever the tyres are up to and whatever the tarmac has in store for you.
Admittedly, you'll be steering something that weighs close to 1.9 tonnes and you feel it when you push the car into a corner hard. But on the hindsight, body roll is kept in check, which is quite a feat considering its body type.
Conclusion
Combine all these above mentioned pointers and you've got yourself a role model of a car. Not only does the Macan S set standards for looks inside and out, it also sets the bar high for driving ability and handling.
You can expect to see quite a number of Macans on the road soon because some 280 orders have been made since its launch. According to Porsche Asia Pacific, buyers will be able to get their hands on the car by the end of this year. But that's if you order now.
Conclusion
Combine all these above mentioned pointers and you've got yourself a role model of a car. Not only does the Macan S set standards for looks inside and out, it also sets the bar high for driving ability and handling.
You can expect to see quite a number of Macans on the road soon because some 280 orders have been made since its launch. According to Porsche Asia Pacific, buyers will be able to get their hands on the car by the end of this year. But that's if you order now.
