What’s a Macan and how do we eat it?

The new Macan is Porsche’s Cayenne SUV hit by a shrink ray. So far this formula seems to be a hit, as sales of the Macan have been healthy all around the world. Locally, back at the car’s giant, firework-ridden launch at the Indoor Stadium in July, more than 200 units of the car were sold. But as healthy as sales are, we don’t see many people plumping for this little beast: The Macan Turbo.

What’s so Turbo about this one?

Porsche reserves the ‘Turbo’ label for only its quickest, highest-performing machines (911 Turbo, Cayenne Turbo etc) with all-wheel drive for maximum go. Like the Macan S and Panamera S models, the Turbo’s engine is a twin-turbo V6 which is descended from Porsche’s previous 5.0-litre V8, although the Turbo packs an extra 607cc and 60bhp more. Like the S, this power is shuffled slickly through a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch box, then to all four wheels.

Ooh. Nommy…

The 400bhp engine is loud and proud, having a throaty tonal quality that’s rarely present in other V6s and delivers ridiculous pace that makes Porsche’s official figures seem like jokey fabrications. A glance at the torque figures implies just how fast it is, but it’s also the rate of response which is at once shocking and shockingly entertaining.

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But it’s not just a showboat right?

You’re right, it wouldn’t be a ‘real’ Turbo if it didn’t have proper ride and handling to match. The Turbo’s the Macan to pack Porsche’s active suspension system (PASM) as standard, and it does away with bumps that would give other cars spasms. It’s a hallmark of quality that the Macan Turbo does away with speed bumps with a taut snick-snack rarely found anywhere.

That solidness delivers up lots of driver confidence when you turn the wick up, and enables the driver to capitalise on the obviously immense levels of grip the car delivers. It’s hilariously fast, composed and, crucially, involving as well, especially thanks to the good steering and deftness of the chassis.

What if I want to terrify my family on weekends?

Sure, that’s doable. As an X3-sized SUV, the car still has room for five adults and 500-litres of boot space, which is plenty, but less than the 540-litres of the nearest rival, the360bhp Audi SQ 5. Still, the Audi’s $100k cheaper, and whether that’s a plus or minus depends entirely on the mindset of the buyer.

NEED TO KNOW

Engine 3,604cc, 24V, V6, twin-turbo

Power 400bhp at 6000rpm

Torque 550Nm at 1300-4500rpm

Gearbox 7-speed dual-clutch

Top Speed 266km/h (limited)

0-100km/h 4.8 seconds

Fuel efficiency 9.0L/100km

CO2  212 g/km

Price $356,888 without COE