Macan cometh: A show of Porsche in the compact SUV segment

MANILA, Philippines - Here comes another game changer.

Authorized Porsche importer PGA Cars, Inc. recently unveiled the Stuttgart-headquartered carmaker’s newest addition to its portfolio in an exclusive event for clients, guests, and the media at the PGA Cars showroom.

Touted as the first sports car in the SUV segment, the Macan (from the Indonesian word for “tiger”) now supplants its bigger SUV sibling Cayenne as the official entry point into the growing stable of Porsche.

“(The Macan) combines the driving qualities of a Porsche sports car with all the advantages of a compact SUV’s daily usability. This unique combination opens a new opportunity to new group of customers to enter the exclusive world of Porsche,” said PGA Cars managing director Roberto Coyiuto III, in a release.

At the Macan’s regional launch in Kaoshiung, Taiwan sometime back, Porsche Asia Pacific’s sales and marketing training manager Daniel Kalai volunteered that the vehicle takes inspiration from the 918 Spyder—particularly its rear-lamp assembly and steering wheel—which features ergonomically positioned shift paddles and additional multi-function buttons.

Those already familiar with the Cayenne would be interested to know that the Macan stands 75mm squatter, is 57mm narrower, and measures 165mm shorter. Despite its crossover physical dimensions, passengers in the back should have more than enough legroom, and the trunk is actually spacious.

A sporty gait and profile naturally comes for the Macan—a pleasant consequence of its smaller size. Kalai continued that one could even sense a visual kinship with the illustrious 911. A flat and broad outline plus a wraparound bonnet and gently sloping roofline help to accentuate the Macan’s sportiness.

The Macan S and Turbo variants were initially launched, but local buyers will soon have their pick from among four Macan flavors—which will include the Macan 2.0 and diesel variants.

The Macan S features a 3.0-liter V6 bi-turbo engine delivering 340hp, and an active all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, map-controlled multi-plate clutch. “This all-wheel drive is fitted on all Macan models. A seven-speed double-clutch transmission transfers power as required and almost without any interruption in tractive force, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 5.4 seconds. The vehicle reaches a top speed of 254 kph, and its fuel consumption figures are between nine and 8.7 liters per 100 kilometer (11.1 to 11.5 km/liter),” reported the event release.

Meanwhile, the Macan Turbo is the top model in the lineup—equipped with a robust 3.6-liter V6 bi-turbo good for 400hp and “catapults the vehicle from zero to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds.” Top speed is 266 kph, and the Macan Turbo “delivers fuel consumption figures of between just 9.2 and 8.9 liters per 100 kilometer (10.9 to 11.2 km/liter).”

The Macan is chockfull of high-tech goodies geared towards safety, performance, and even a green footprint. A start-stop functionality shuts off the engine at speeds of two kph or lower to conserve fuel, and automatically restarts once the brake pedal is released. The feature may be disengaged, so drivers are still given their druthers.

A new coasting feature allows the vehicle to glide on neutral as the driver lifts his foot off the gas while at speed. The seven-speed Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) decouples the engaged gear to realize fuel savings of up to a liter per 100 kilometers. The Macan also boasts compliance to Euro 6 emissions standards.

When a handful of Philippine motoring scribes got behind the wheel of a Macan in Taiwan, we discovered effortless yet spirited driving. Even when taking corners at speed, the Macan felt safe and secure with the PTV (Porsche Torque Vectoring) Plus in command. When braking aggressively on turns, brake pressure is applied to the inside rear wheel even as additional rotational pulse is distributed to the outer rear wheel. It provides direct steering action while increasing cornering dynamics and driving stability. Meanwhile, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system allows the driver to tailor the damping according to conditions.

At the launch event, German Ambassador to the Philippines Thomas Ossowski said in a speech that the Macan launch pleasantly coincides with the celebration of 60 years of German and Philippine diplomatic relations.

One can confidently say that the Porsche Macan will be another sterling ambassador for Germany—this time bringing tidings of sterling performance and all the Porsche goodness people have come to expect.

For more information, call Porsche Center Philippines at 727-03-81 to 85 or visit its showroom at 201 EDSA Mandaluyong City.