Porsche Macan test drive
New engines, modern multimedia and bold design. We figure out what has changed in the compact crossover from Zuffenhausen with a planned restyling
It is very difficult to distinguish the updated Macan from its predecessor on the fly. The difference in the exterior is present at the level of nuances: the side air intakes in the front bumper are decorated differently, and the foglights have been moved to LED headlight units, which are now offered as basic equipment.
But walk around the back of the car and you unmistakably identify the restyled version. From now on, like all new Porsche models, the crossover headlights are connected by a strip of LEDs, and the color range has been replenished with four new options.
The most notable change in the Macan's interior is the new PCM (Porsche Communication Management) infotainment system with a 10,9-inch touchscreen display. We have already seen this on the older Cayenne and Panamera of current generations, and more recently on the new 911. In addition to navigation with detailed maps and voice control, the system can communicate with other Porsche vehicles and alert the driver in advance of an accident or road repair.
Due to the huge display of the multimedia complex, the air duct deflectors on the center console became horizontal and moved down, but this did not affect the efficiency of the climate control system in any way. The dashboard remained unchanged, but the steering wheel is now more compact, although it resembles the previous one both in design and in the location of the buttons. By the way, about the buttons. Their number in the Macan has not decreased at all, and all of them are mainly located in the central tunnel.
The powertrain lineup has also undergone changes. The base Macan is equipped with a 2,0-liter "turbo four" with optimized combustion chamber geometry. In the European specification, the engine is equipped with a particulate filter, due to which its power is reduced to 245 horsepower. But a version with such an engine will be delivered to Russia without a particulate filter in the exhaust system, and the power will be the same 252 horsepower.
The Macan S shares the new 3,0-liter V-14 with the Cayenne and Panamera. The engine output increased by a conditional 20 hp. from. and XNUMX Nm, which are almost impossible to feel while driving. But the pressurization system has changed significantly. Instead of two turbochargers, as in the previous engine, the new unit has a single turbine in the collapse of the cylinder block. And this was done not so much to improve technical characteristics as to take care of the environment. Although overclocking to a hundred still decreased by one tenth.
There were no surprises in the chassis. Why change something that already works great? The suspension is traditionally tuned with a large offset towards handling. Oddly enough, this is especially clearly felt on the version with a 2,0-liter engine. At every turn, you sorely lack dynamics - so boldly the compact crossover writes trajectories. Only the powerful V6 can unleash the full potential of the chassis. However, such a balance of power is only valid when driving intensively somewhere in the mountains. After all, the measured urban rhythm allows you to make a choice in favor of a more accessible version without any remorse.
Of course, the Porsche specialists were able to find what to improve in the chassis. In the front suspension, the lower struts are now aluminum, the anti-roll bars have become a little stiffer, and the double-chamber air bellows have changed in volume. But feeling this in real life is even more difficult than capturing the differences in dynamics.
Engineers from Zuffenhausen never tire of proving that the best is not the enemy of the good, but its logical continuation. Despite the price hike, the Macan is still the most affordable Porsche on the market. And for some it is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the legendary brand.
| Body type | Crossover | Crossover |
| Dimensions (length, width, height), mm | 4696/1923/1624 | 4696/1923/1624 |
| Wheelbase, mm | 2807 | 2807 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 190 | 190 |
| Curb weight, kg | 1795 | 1865 |
| engine's type | Petrol, R4, turbocharged | Gasoline, V6, turbocharged |
| Working volume, cubic meters cm | 1984 | 2995 |
| Power, hp with. at rpm | 252 / 5000-6800 | 354 / 5400-6400 |
| Max. cool. moment, Nm at rpm | 370 / 1600-4500 | 480 / 1360-4800 |
| Transmission, drive | Robotic 7-speed full | Robotic 7-speed full |
| Max. speed km / h | 227 | 254 |
| Acceleration 0-100 km / h, s | 6,7 (6,5) * | 5,3 (5,1) * |
| Fuel consumption (city, highway, mixed), l | 9,5/7,3/8,1 | 11,3/7,5/8,9 |
| Price from, $. | 48 457 | 55 864 |
