Thursday 28 Mar 2024
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This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on July 14, 2016.

 

Derived from the Indonesian word for tiger, the Porsche Macan aims to live up to its name that symbolises the agility and prowess of the handsome jungle beast. The new and enhanced entry-level Macan, which was unveiled at the Sepang International Circuit recently, places power and performance at the forefront of its design.

The Macan is powered by a turbocharged two-litre engine and is designed to deliver an impressive acceleration — capable of reaching 100kph in 6.7 seconds or 6.5 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono package. It comes standard with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch transmission and boasts a top speed is 229kph. The Macan delivers 252 hp from 5,000 to 6,800 rpm, an increase of 15hp from its predecessor.

 

Performance and handling

Its powerful 370 Nm of torque available between 1.600 rpm and 4.500 rpm enables fast overtaking manoeuvres. Besides that, an unladen weight of 1,770kg makes it the lightest SUV made by the German manufacturer and this translates into agile handling of the vehicle. 

Dubbed the sports car of the SUV segment, the in-line four-cylinder engine is designed to be particularly sporty and efficient. It operates with up to two bar of boost pressure, charge-air cooling, petrol direct injection and variable valve timing. The VarioCam Plus feature adapts the intake and exhaust camshaft continually and also controls the lift of the exhaust valves. 

In addition to that feature, the Macan is capable of converting its engine power into exceptionally sporty driving dynamics — a characteristic of all Porsche models. This is enabled by the standard Porsche Traction Management active all-wheel drive system in interplay with an agile suspension and precise steering.

 

Detailing and design

One distinguishing feature from its predecessor is the hovering four-point LED daytime running lights which can be further enhanced with the Porsche Dynamic Light System. Other than that, the Macan adopts some of the features of the S models like the comfort seats with electric 14-way adjustment optional feature, the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM), a lane-departure warning system and a powered tailgate. The interior of the SUV is made up of standard leather upholstery.

 

Infotainment and connectivity

The Macan has a whole range of infotainment options to play around with. A high-resolution seven-inch smartphone-like touchscreen with a redesigned user interface is the centrepiece of the PCM system. Apple CarPlay may also be operated by connecting an iPhone to the PCM. The new navigation module, which is activated by voice control, has a high-resolution map display with three-dimensional representation in some regions. 


The new entry-level Porsche Macan’s base price starts from RM 415,000 and it comes with four-year warranty and complimentary service and maintenance package. It includes all applicable duties excluding registration fee, road tax and insurance.

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