The more urgent engine and modern interior make the evolution of the Macan series more than just the sum of its components.
What do we love
Excellent performance, even from the basics of Macan, from the updated engine
Seven-speed Dual-clutch gearbox is a hardcore
Dynamic proficiency
Disadvantages
Options, options, options... Some projects really should be standard
Key areas lack security technology
Second row is still narrow
Introduction
If Porsche knows how to do one thing well, it is evolution. For seven years, Porsche has been fine-tuning and refining its product range, with each improvement — usually — improvement to the variety.
Now, it’s the German automaker’s turn, the Porsche Macan, a midsize SUV, which has undergone minor facelifts, major heart transplants and technical improvements to keep the 2014 debut model fresh.
The streamlined 2022 Porsche Macan series includes only three variants, and the Turbo model is removed from Porsche's mid-size SUV lineup. This makes the Macan GTS the halo car of the series, it's a halo; let's talk about it later.
The series starts with the same name Macan, and sells for $84,800 plus road costs, making it the most affordable new Porsche on the market, and it's a long way to go.
The mid-range Macan S sells for $105,800, while the new top-tier Macan GTS costs $129,800, plus road driving, it’s the most affordable performance-focused Porsche on the market, arguably the sports car for those with thoughts.
On the surface, the updated (this is a facelift, not a brand new model) Macan series looks a lot like the model it replaces. The appearance changes are subtle, with the revised grille and new air intakes ahead of the headlines. On the sides, the Macan’s “blades” are subtle tweaked to make them more visible and to lower the stance and profile of the SUV on the road. There is a similar story in
, the biggest change is the touch-sensitive buttons on the center console (instead of mechanical buttons and switches), just like Macan's flight command system.
However, the biggest change in 2022 comes from the hood, and the redesigned engine provides more power and torque within the Macan range.
entry-level model is equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, but several key areas - fuel injection, timing chain, piston ring - have been modified and adjusted, eventually producing a power and torque shock of 10kW/30Nm, now at 195kW and 400Nm.
Mid-range Macan S has abandoned the single-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 in favor of the heroic 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that is shared in the wider Porsche catalog. Power and torque increased by 20kW and 40Nm to 280kW and 520Nm – the same as the previous Macan GTS.
It's the same engine under the nose of the improved Macan GTS, although performance is improved more – 44kW and 30Nm compared to the GTS model it replaces. The output is now rated at 324kW and 550Nm, the same as the ones offered by the now discontinued Macan Turbo. There is no doubt that the Macan GTS is the new hero of the series. There is no large-scale change in the Macan after the update of
Inside
There is no large-scale change in the update of Macan, which looks familiar to anyone sitting in the outgoing model. Just like their exterior, the design changes inside are subtle, from the hero section of the new multi-function steering wheel ported from the Porsche 911.
tiller feels thick and sturdy in your hand, just like you would like the Porsche wheels. It's also very clean in design, with only a minimal amount of buttons to keep your mind moving around.
The more powerful S and GTS models also have a Manetinno style dial for selecting the drive mode. It doesn't have a base model with touch-sensitive buttons on the new digital array of the center console.
The new, thicker gear lever is located in the glossy black touch panel control center, which houses a range of controls for various vehicle functions.It replaces switches and toggle analog arrays that look and feel overworked in older Macans.
Three-zone climate control is standard throughout the range, as is the leather seating decor, and the GTS alone gets a rating from what Porsche calls the “Race-Tex” kit, which adds micro-suede plug-ins to the seats, armrests and central storage bins.
front seats provide exquisite support – the Macan GTS comes with electric support – and the driving position conceals the Macan SUV proportions, giving the feeling of being trapped in a sports car. The power adjustable seats combined with the power adjustable steering wheel ensure a perfect driving position.
driver display combines the charm of the old world and the digital information of the new era. The traditional speedo and tacho analog dials are enhanced by a single digital dial that switches a lot of driving data, including fuel consumption, tire pressure and satellite navigation. The GTS' central tachometer is in a lively red. It looks sharp, too. There is also a digital speed reading.
second row remains the same, which is very nervous for adult passengers. Even after my 173cm frame driving position, there wasn't a lot of leg or head room there.
trunk space is not top-notch, with Porsche quoting 488 liters for entry-level Macan and 453 liters for Macan S and GTS variants. With the second row closed, these capacity expanded to 1503 liters (Macan) and 1468 liters (S and GTS). In context, the Macan’s subcutaneous twin Audi Q5 offers a 550L.
Space-saving spare tire is located under the trunk floor.
Infotainment and Connection
The new 10.9-inch touch screen is equipped with Porsche’s communication management infotainment system, which is still well designed and intuitive to use, although the system is one generation earlier than some of the newer Porsche models.
Satellite Navigation is standard across the entire range, with DAB+ radio, Bluetooth phone connection, Wi-Fi hotspots and Apple CarPlay as well. No Android Auto. Apparently, Porsche drivers don't use Google-based phones.
Satellite Navigation Map is very good, with clear and easy to understand directions and instructions combined with neat and clear graphics.
Apple CarPlay should run seamlessly and can be quickly launched on startup.
14 Speaker Premium Bose sound system is standard on the S and GTS variants, and the entry-level Macan comes with a 10-speaker conventional sound system.
has four USB-C points, two in the central storage box, and the other two in the rear center console.
If there is a font usage award, Porsche will win, its infotainment fonts are clean, elegant, well-designed and, most importantly, easy to read. Sometimes, the highlight is the attention to detail. Small things are important.
safety and technology
Porsche Macan series has not passed the test of Australian safety agency ANCAP. Although it comes with blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist and front and rear parking sensors, it misses key technologies such as rear intersection alarms and automatic emergency braking, and is not even an option. In this era, this is below the standard.
Adaptive Cruise Control is also included only as a $1,620 option, and even on top-spec Macan GTS, technology often finds standard in more affordable cars and SUVs. Regular cruise control is standard throughout the range. A set of six airbags covers two rows of occupants.
worth the money
in terms of price alone, Porsche Macan is convincing. It is by far the most affordable Porsche in the country, and it is an ideal entry point for those who want to put a "Porsche" badge on the hood. Even the high-power Macan GTS offers itself a good case to undercut similar performance SUVs like the Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 in a considerable way.
But, just like the Porsche way, the choice can quickly lower the attractive initial price.Our three test cars at the time of launch offer options worth $10,470 (Macan), $26,130 (Macan S) and $23,380 (Macan GTS) respectively, some of which really should be standard on this end of the market. $790 Seat Heating? $1620 Adaptive Cruise Control? Um.
Porsche offers a standard three-year unlimited kilometer warranty for Macan, which is slim in today's automotive industry, with five-year warranty becoming increasingly the norm.
requires regular maintenance every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers (whichever arrives first). Repair costs are not the point, however, Macan demands a healthy dollar to keep it fresh.
The regular maintenance requirements for the first five years are US$695, US$995, US$695, US$1,750 and US$695. That’s $4831 in the five years before taking into account some consumables like brake fluid, spark plugs and air filters. That's not cheap.
The power increase of the new Macan has brought about an increase in fuel consumption across the entire range. Porsche claims that in the combined cycle, the Macan is 9.3 liters per 100 km (added by 0.4 liters), the Macan S (added by 0.6 liters) is 10.2 liters/100 km and the GTS is 10.3 liters/100 km (added by 0.7 liters).
Our startup cycle involves some intense driving interspersed on the highway, showing as 10.8 liters/100 km (Macan), 12.8 liters/100 km (Macan S) and 12.1 liters/100 km (Macan GTS). All Macans require high-quality 98 RON lead-free petrol. The fuel tank capacity is 75 liters.
Driving
Even in the most humble decorations, the Porsche Macan's road driving ability is impressive. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is powerful but not manic, and its 195kW and 400Nm are enough for most applications.
Porsche claims a sprint time of 0-100 km/h of 6.2 seconds, which feels good, and the turbo quad provides a lot of rest.
seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission powers all four wheels, and there is no doubt that Porsche’s dual-clutch iteration is a cookie with sharp shifts and a hard-to-like intuition. Shifting is seamless, whether using shift paddles mounted on the steering wheel or letting Macan use its own device.
On the road, the basic Macan shows excellent behavior. It is mounted on a passive damper (the adaptive damper is the $2180 option for the base Macan), but that doesn't reduce ride quality, and the Macan's grip and collision absorption are excellent. Passing it enthusiastically to some corners, the chassis has a good sense of balance while the steering feels precise and engaging.
It lacks some more powerful sibling auditory theatres, but we'll risk taking risks for a large number of buyers on this end of this range, which is totally OK.
Macan S improves drama, with the 2.9-liter V6 roaring, both pleasant and performance-enhancing. Porsche claims the mid-range Macan’s 0-100 km/h sprint time is 4.6 seconds, and it’s easy to see that this is a fast mid-size SUV. The acceleration from stationary rated outputs is linear and predictable, while in motion, just right torque is highlighted, the Macan S rushes forward eagerly in a sophisticated and carefree way, while the intensity of the exhaust tone is also increasing.
Seven-speed dual clutch is the same as the Macan base model – sharp, intuitive and willing to keep the engine revs, even in automatic mode if the situation requires it. Some narrow tarmac road highlights its sporty nature, and the Macan S is happy to rush out of the corner exit at speed, and your license will be cancelled if you keep moving forward for more than a few seconds.
Unlike the entry-level Macan, the Macan S uses a standard adaptive adaptive shock absorber that becomes harder when you drive through Sport and Sport+. However, even in the most sturdy environments, the ride is still very comfortable, without showing the harshness that manufacturers sometimes adjust to their most aggressive settings, but provides a dynamic response that inspires confidence.
steering is also very straightforward and sharp, and the Macan S can even respond accurately and predictably to the smallest input.The weight is also good, adding a sense of sportiness.
It really makes you question what the Macan GTS is for. However, the issue was quickly dismissed after driving the new Halo Macan for just a few minutes. The
Macan GTS is more powerful than the S, offering the same 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 at 324kW and 550Nm. Like its stables, the GTS' V6 is combined with Porsche's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission drive to all four wheels.
Porsche says that after being connected, the GTS will complete a 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds. This is quite fast, faster than the 4.5 seconds claimed by the deleted Macan Turbo.
For context, this is only 0.3 seconds slower than the Porsche Cayman GTS coupe , which not only comes with a larger 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine, but also costs about $50,000 more than the Macan GTS. Additionally, the Macan GTS hit the benchmark 100km/h by 0.1 seconds faster than the Cayman S, while the Cayman S costs about $15,000 more than the Macan GTS.
Suddenly, the sports car prospects of thoughtful people have a clear SUV-shaped flavor.
Of course, straight-line performance is not everything, and the good news is that the Macan GTS performs impeccably under high-intensity driving. The 4.3-second claim is monetary and when the angle is needed, it translates into a surge in speed.
The sleek seven-speed dual clutch works its role, just like it is within the wider Macan range, with sharp shifts and intuitiveness under hard-to-don’t like. The engine spins happily under vibrant driving, eager to extract maximum kilowatts and Newton meters. The exhaust pipes also rang, a noisy murmur accompanied by downshifts and a delicious burst and buzzing sound of over-limited time.
Its participation was not long ago SUVs, even high-performance SUVs, could not imagine.
Under the wheels, the Macan GTS benefits from Porsche’s adaptive air suspension, which offers three settings and optionally lower ride heights (10mm lower). The result is a well-balanced and steady SUV that is able to actively corner with reduced body roll.
However, it is in the most sporty environment, and the Macan GTS is starting to feel a little more stable than its Macan and Macan S. It's not bulky, but there is a noticeable absence of smaller bumps and bumps in the Macans' adaptive damper setup, reducing the range.
The adjustable driving height is conducive to more dynamic driving. While 10mm may not sound like a lot, how the shift in the center of gravity can have an impact is extraordinary. In the lower setup, the Macan GTS is happy to stay flat and calm without a trace of body roll. It feels like a popular incubator with a good classification. You can also drive like you if you want.
Conclusion
It's hard not to like the Porsche Macan, even at the entry level, it's a fascinating and fun chariot. It can be said that this is what most people need, and the Stuttgart badge on the front nose is enough, even if the performance is not exactly like a sports car.
It combines quite a bit of practicality with a engaging driving experience, which is a compelling proposition.
But... For those who can expand on the more powerful Macan S and GTS models, the rewards are great, getting real sports car performance from a bag, and being able to do school runs or weekly shopping without sweating.
Especially the Macan GTS, we dare say, it's all the sports car/SUVs people once needed, with extremely fast performance and a confident and refined road style.
The downside is that the option list may add up quickly, and the lack of advanced safety technology in more affordable cars and SUVs is the brick in the bouquet field. But the temptation of the most affordable performance-focused Porsche in the garage will undoubtedly alleviate the concerns of a large number of buyers.
