Every manufacturer in the automotive industry hopes their product will be a success, but to say that the Porsche Macan is a success would be something of an understatement. As of writing this there is an 8 month waiting list for the car and secondhand examples are selling for a substantial premium. Why is it so popular? Well, Porsche combined their desirable badge with the fastest growing market segment. We grabbed the keys to the ultimate 2016 Porsche Macan Turbo to find out what all of the fuss is about.
It is a handsome machine isn’t it? There is something proportionally correct about the Macan that makes it pleasing to the eye. An athletic stance characterised by short overhangs and a sloping roofline shows this SUV to be primed for action. Large alloy wheels fill the arches whilst black detailing contrasts our white test car. Intricate light clusters build the premium perception. This being the Turbo model, those deep intakes are not just for display.
The Porsche Macan Turbo interior is more spacious than its compact SUV proportions would have you believe. The rear bench accommodates two adults, although the middle occupant does have to deal with the transmission hump. A sporty three pronged steering wheel is offered to you whilst you are sat in the well bolstered drivers seat. You are placed lower in the chassis than most SUVs and this immediately makes the Macan feel like more of a performance machine than competitors. Our test car has the optional carbon fibre pack which added intricate carbon trim. Boot space is a respectable 500 litres but can expand to 1,500 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Whilst the 2016 Porsche Macan Turbo does have 394 BHP and will do 0-62 MPH in just 4.6 seconds, setting off is actually a rather civilised affair. The motion is smooth, the cabin refined, and an overall sense of effortless tranquility sets in. It is clear that despite this Macan’s high performance nature, Porsche wanted to retain that everyday usability. Obviously this isn’t the softest riding Macan in the range but overall comfort is good. The 7 speed PDK gearbox is an excellent piece of engineering and is very capable of choosing an appropriate ratio without faffing around. On the motorway the cars 550Nm of torque means that overtaking is as effortless as breathing. A bit of road noise enters the otherwise quiet cabin whilst this car gets through these types of journeys without breaking a sweat. So, general day to day life is accommodated for rather well, but what happens when you turn the Macan Turbo up to 11 and show it some interesting roads? Step on the right pedal and it leaps into action with the ferocity of a cheetah on an unsuspecting gazelle. All wheel drive delivers all of that performance potential to the ground ensuring that none of it is wasted. After a sedate drive this intoxicating turn of pace reveals a broad range of abilities. Upon corner turn-in the Macan provides plenty of grip, but also a nose that is keen to kiss apexes. There is very little in the way of body roll and the whole experience feels athletic and unlike a traditional SUV. You feel plugged-in to what is happening beneath you, it is a sensation more akin to a sports car. Once it has disposed of the corner it once again uses the 3.6 litre twin-turbocharged engine to slingshot you down the road to the soundtrack of six cylinders in a V formation. Manually taking control of cog swapping via the steering wheel mounted paddles further highlights just how good this gearbox is, relinquishing instantaneous responses to inputs. It is a joy to drive vigorously, as ever car wearing a Porsche badge should be.
The 2016 Porsche Macan Turbo is not only synapse singeing when it comes to outright performance, it is also presents an everyday proposition. Some rivals offer more practicality, get better fuel economy, or are maybe cheaper. But none offer the thrills of this Macan Turbo when driven in anger. Starting at £62,540 it isn’t cheap, but neither was a flight on Concorde.
