Power & Performance

Not only is the new Porsche Macan a real looker, it is fast, family-friendly and rapid in its responses, writes Paul Agnew. Photography: Andy Tighe

A bucket list. Have you got one? Basically it’s all about the experiences you would most like to achieve during your lifetime. Just draw up your choices and pick ‘em off one by one.

You certainly don’t have to be Jack Nicholson or Morgan Freeman – stars of the famous 2007 film of the same name – to indulge. Your bucket list is about you and what you fancy.

Like owning a Porsche.

Yes, there are other high-end cars out there, but there is just something extra special about the Porsche portfolio.

Take the new Macan S, as I did just the other day. Not take as in stealing, take as in out for a test drive.

And what a joyous moment that was! Having ‘tested’ many a Porsche over the recent past, you’d think the novelty might wear thin. Absolutely not.

First of all, this model is a real looker – shimmering in pride of place on the outside forecourt in a stunning Miami Blue with panoramic glass roof, privacy glass, side window trims in High Gloss Black and sportdesign side skirts. Not to mention the all-important Porsche logo in Matt Black, sports tailpipes and 20-inch Macan S wheels in Vesuvius Grey.

The striking main body colour is perfectly at ease with the stark black – this is a car for which the phrase ‘head-turner’ was coined.

Inside, the fun and the quality goes on, starting with the sumptuous black leather and Crayon contrast stitching.

You’ve got 18-way front adaptive sports seats with memory package, heated GT sports steering wheel, compass/sport chrono dial in white, the Porsche crest on headrests and the model logo on the centre console armrest.

There’s a quirky white rev counter instrument dial (I particularly liked that), illuminated door sill guards in brushed aluminium and smartphone compartment with wireless charging.

Oh, and a BOSE surround sound system, tinted LED taillights, automatically dimming interior/exterior mirrors, reversing camera, power steering plus. Heard enough yet?

And as for the drive – well, everything you might expect in terms of power and performance and so easy in terms of gear change, steering and gadget understanding.

All-wheel drive, with a three-litre petrol engine and an output of 380hp this is one meaty motor, achieving 0-62mph in six seconds and a top speed of 144 mph.

The GTS variant is even more impressive in terms of poke and speed, delivering a relentless performance including 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, a top speed of 169 mph and a maximum torque of 550Nm

One car magazine called the Macan the Porsche of the People, an SUV with the soul and engineering of a sports car.

You might expect it to be fast and family-friendly and it is. More of a surprise is that it is very nearly race-ready in its responses.

Want to go off-road? No problem at all – and the same applies whether you are going on the school run or loading up and heading for the Med on a summer road trip.

If you have a bucket list and already own a Macan, then you will be fully aware of the many plusses. But the varied and subtle changes to this latest model make it even more desirable.

The infotainment centre is super sophisticated with key elements including 10.9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, 14-speaker sound, wi-fi hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio and built-in navigation.

And, as with the gears, steering etcetera, the infotainment offering is very easy on the eye, brain and hands. There is also much more camera-driven safety kit as standard.

The Porsche Macan S is truly a thing of genuine beauty. This is the car all of its rivals aspire to be.

Porsche Centre Preston
Watery Lane, Preston PR2 1QJ
01772 911911
porschepreston.co.uk

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