Porsche Macan learns to save fuel on 4 cylinders

The last edition of the compact SUV before electrification shows that a four-cylinder engine also allows a sporty driving style. With drawbacks.

With its new transverse ribs on the front, the Porsche Macan looks more mature and wider than before.

PD

The Macan is a godsend for Porsche. In the highly competitive compact SUV segment, it gives the brand a strong and enduring presence. Since the introduction of the model series, up to August 2021 alone, there have been more than 600,000 deliveries of the little Cayenne brother, which shows so much independence.

It is also interesting that the Macan introduces many first-time buyers to the Porsche brand. According to Porsche, around 80 percent of all Macan buyers are new customers. In addition, the vehicle appeals to more women than any other Porsche model. In China, the proportion of new female customers for the Macan is almost 60 percent.

In its most recent form, the Macan has become even sportier in appearance. The nose is redesigned to emphasize the width of the vehicle. The rear now has a distinctive diffuser, i.e. a structure that directs the air away from under the floor. LED headlights with dynamic light are now installed as standard. Also standard are 19-inch wheels on the basic model, 20-inch on the Macan S and 21-inch on the Macan GTS – all beautifully coordinated.

A four-pipe sports exhaust system is part of the standard package for the basic Macan, as are the 19-inch wheels.

A four-pipe sports exhaust system is part of the standard package for the basic Macan, as are the 19-inch wheels.

PD

The drive is also sportier, although from now on there will no longer be a Macan with the model designation Turbo, which previously represented the top of the series. All new models in the series have four-cylinder turbocharged engines. The basis is the Macan with 265 hp, the middle model is the Macan S with 380 hp, the new top model is now the GTS with 440 hp.

Inside, the Macan has been significantly upgraded, especially from a technical point of view. The display and operating concept now features a new glass-look center console with a touch-sensitive surface. There are also new equipment packages, new materials and new steering wheels derived from the Porsche 911.

The first comparison drives with the Macan entry-level model and the more powerful Macan S show that the car has been refined in terms of sportiness. The 265 hp of the in-line four-cylinder turbo petrol engine mean an increase of 20 hp compared to the previous model and make the Macan appear a little livelier.

In the tight curves of the Norwegian Lofoten routes in particular, the well-balanced chassis is just as beneficial as the torque of 400 Nm, which is available even at low revs of 1800 rpm. Nevertheless, the car is occasionally a bit tough in the gas response under full acceleration.

Inside, too, the Macan now appears more mature.  The center console is touch sensitive.  The disadvantage: You have to look closely to find the keys.

Inside, too, the Macan now appears more mature. The center console is touch sensitive. The disadvantage: You have to look closely to find the keys.

PD

The Macan S, powered by a V6 biturbo, also has 380 hp, 26 hp more than before and now also a beefy torque of 520 Nm. Swiss customers, especially in the mountains, will appreciate the resulting superior driving performance.

Strictly speaking, however, the basic Macan model offers everything Macan customers need, including the well-tuned PDK transmission and the sports exhaust system, at a price of just under 80,000 francs. The Macan S is already 10,000 francs more expensive and, at 11.7 liters per 100 kilometers, also consumes almost a liter more. In today’s world of high petrol prices, this is also relevant for vehicles in this price category.

The chassis looks more refined, the steering also.  This is how the Lofoten trip is fun.

The chassis looks more refined, the steering also. This is how the Lofoten trip is fun.

PD

As a four-cylinder variant, the Porsche Macan is not a sports car, but it does meet all the requirements of a Porsche compact SUV. He speaks visually and has enough power in today’s world. The consumption is still more than 10 liters per 100 kilometers, but 1845 kilograms curb weight just take their toll.

Oh yes, what happened to the diesel engine in the Macan? It’s definitely not in the program anymore. The image of the diesel has been scratched too much, the design with all the additional units and filters is too complex and heavy.

And as is already known, the next Macan will be electrified. There will be a battery-electric drive, but not exclusively. However, this will not be the case until the end of the decade.

Successful refresher: the Porsche Macan is also state-of-the-art as a four-cylinder.

Successful refresher: the Porsche Macan is also state-of-the-art as a four-cylinder.

PD

Porsche Macan (2021)

displacement1984cc
engine typeR4, petrol, turbo
drive/transmissionAWD/PDK7
Maximum power195 kW / 265 hp
Max. Torque400 Nm at 1800-4500 rpm
Length Width Height4.73/1.92/1.62m
Curb weight DIN1845kg
0-100km/h6.4s
EU standard consumption (WLTP)10.8L/100km
CO₂ emission244g/km
energy classG
base price79,600 francs

Porsche sales in Switzerland

2012-2021, by models

source site-111