The Macan is unmistakably a Porsche. With the Audi Q5-based platform underpinning the Macan, it is arguably the most attractive non-sports car in the Porsche line-up. Compact looking and more well-proportioned than the bigger Cayenne, the Macan has a sporty appearance that one would demand of this brand. The clamshell bonnet and lights are inspired by the Porsche Cayman.
If the horizontal blades under the indicators give the front a sporty look, the rear is set off by neatly executed, deep-set wraparound tail lamps. The lamps have a contoured, 3D effect. Rather handsome in its appearance, the Macan is stunning inside with a bank of chrome-trimmed switches running down the transmission tunnel. The cockpit is driver-centric, typical of a Porsche. The plastics, leathers and trim materials are first class.
More a sports car than an SUV
Feeling more like a sports car than an SUV, the high dashboard and low seat ensure that the steering wheel juts right out. On offer are the Porsche’s familiar five-dial set-up and high centre console. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to use. It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The electrically adjustable leather seats are optional, and very comfortable.
The Bose sound system, also optional, sounds superb. Offering space good enough to accommodate two tall passengers at the rear, the Macan does not feel cramped ever. Attention however is on the driver. The boot is large and beneath it is the space saver spare tyre.
Does a top speed of 229kmph
Weighing 1770kg, the compact luxury SUV is powered by a 252PS 2-litre four-cylinder direct injection turbocharged petrol engine. Power delivery is smooth and linear. The turbo lag is minimal. Far from being underpowered, the Macan feels fast. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that Porsche terms as PDK complements the engine characteristics to make the Macan not only fast, but also fun to drive.
The PDK does not offer a Sport Mode, there’s only a manual shift option. Such intelligent is the transmission that it automatically adapts to the driver’s throttle inputs. Push the pedal hard, and the gearbox holds lower gears and lets the engine rev. Lift the foot off the pedal, and the PDK quickly changes its demeanour. It quickly settles into calmer and lower shift points. The execution is simply perfect.
The optional Sport Chrono package includes a dash-mounted clock, and an extra drive mode called Sport Plus. A part of it is the launch control. The package has the car behaving as if it is on steroids. It takes off rather violently. Capable of clocking 0 to 100kmph in under seven seconds even without the launch control, the Macan does a top speed of 229kmph. Displaying an impressive ability to accelerate briskly, the driving experience is sensational.
Dynamic abilities
A practical off-roader that begs to be driven, the Macan has a steering system that responds with sports car-like alacrity. The steering feel is impressive for an electromechanical unit. Despite the high ground clearance, the compact SUV drives like a sports car!
The ride may have a firm edge to it, the handling is where the fun is. Direction changes are quickly executed, and the all-wheel drive system produces a tenacious grip. Cornering at speeds like a true sports car, the Macan mighty impresses with its dynamic abilities. For an SUV that is super capable, the brakes do a good job of shedding speed. The pedal has a firm and progressive feel about it. Though it takes some effort, the result is again quite impressive.
Verdict
A sports car in the form of a compact SUV, the Macan R4 demolishes any inhibition about performance that a four-cylinder 2-litre engine can deliver, and rather quickly.
Priced upwards of Rs 76.8 lakh ex-showroom Maharashtra depending on the wide range of options that one chooses from, the Macan R4 is a thoroughly enjoyable automobile to pilot. The performance is strong, and the dynamic ability is even more impressive.
