Porsche Macan Diesel S PDK 3.0 (A) Review
27 Oct 2014|13,522 views
Diesel engines are often deemed most appropriate for SUVs and MPVs. They are torquey yet more fuel efficient, hence making them the almost perfect fit for bigger, bulkier people carriers.
However, their relatively lower peak power and curtailed rev limits mean they aren't exactly the best choice for sports cars.
Hot from the stove of the renowned sports carmaker, the Macan has won hearts with its dynamic performance and car-like agility. But how will Porsche's new junior SUV fare with a diesel lump?
20-inch rims on the test car are optional extras, but give the Macan a much needed stance and composure
Up close and Personal
Less the 'diesel' badges flanking the front wheel arches, this diesel variant, in fact, looks no different from its stablemates. And like all other Porsches, you'll be able to 'doll up' your car as much as you want (if your budget allows, that is).
However, their relatively lower peak power and curtailed rev limits mean they aren't exactly the best choice for sports cars.
Hot from the stove of the renowned sports carmaker, the Macan has won hearts with its dynamic performance and car-like agility. But how will Porsche's new junior SUV fare with a diesel lump?
Up close and Personal
Less the 'diesel' badges flanking the front wheel arches, this diesel variant, in fact, looks no different from its stablemates. And like all other Porsches, you'll be able to 'doll up' your car as much as you want (if your budget allows, that is).
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But even without 'makeup', the Macan is far from being an 'ugly duckling'. The one-piece clamshell bonnet exudes a sense of dynamism even at standstill. At the same time, the four-point daytime running LEDs, which are fast becoming a distinguishing feature on Porsche models, do wonder to enhance the model's presence.
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The Drive
The engine is often regarded as the car's 'heart and soul', and with a diesel plant the character of the Macan has been altered by quite a bit.
3.0-litre V6 diesel is turbocharged to produce 258bhp - just 24 more than the base 2.0-litre, but makes up with a strong 580Nm of torque
For starters, it is clear that the diesel has lost the 'liveliness' of the higher-revving petrol variants. At the same time, the accompanying sporty exhaust note is also absent, making the whole experience feel more inert and less inspiring.
Thankfully, the Macan S Diesel is still a gem in the handling department. The taut setup ensures that corners can be taken with confidence, although it can be a tad unsettling for the passengers over undulated terrain.
The engine is often regarded as the car's 'heart and soul', and with a diesel plant the character of the Macan has been altered by quite a bit.
For starters, it is clear that the diesel has lost the 'liveliness' of the higher-revving petrol variants. At the same time, the accompanying sporty exhaust note is also absent, making the whole experience feel more inert and less inspiring.
Thankfully, the Macan S Diesel is still a gem in the handling department. The taut setup ensures that corners can be taken with confidence, although it can be a tad unsettling for the passengers over undulated terrain.
With a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, the diesel SUV is also no pushover in terms of performance. The potent torque grants it effortless off-the-line acceleration, accomplishing the 0-100km/h sprint in a sprightly 6.3 seconds.
The slight qualm, however, is that the torque band is relatively narrow, with the V6 felt gasping for breath past the 4,000rpm mark.
Lower rev limit and narrower power band make the Macan S Diesel a less sporty drive
Conclusion
The instinctive car-like handling is still one of the Macan's best traits, and continues to charm in the Macan S Diesel.
However, while the diesel variant is more economical, it loses out in terms of sporty appeal compared to the petrol-driven S and Turbo variants.
The slight qualm, however, is that the torque band is relatively narrow, with the V6 felt gasping for breath past the 4,000rpm mark.
Conclusion
The instinctive car-like handling is still one of the Macan's best traits, and continues to charm in the Macan S Diesel.
However, while the diesel variant is more economical, it loses out in terms of sporty appeal compared to the petrol-driven S and Turbo variants.
Diesel engines are often deemed most appropriate for SUVs and MPVs. They are torquey yet more fuel efficient, hence making them the almost perfect fit for bigger, bulkier people carriers.
However, their relatively lower peak power and curtailed rev limits mean they aren't exactly the best choice for sports cars.
Hot from the stove of the renowned sports carmaker, the Macan has won hearts with its dynamic performance and car-like agility. But how will Porsche's new junior SUV fare with a diesel lump?Up close and Personal
Less the 'diesel' badges flanking the front wheel arches, this diesel variant, in fact, looks no different from its stablemates. And like all other Porsches, you'll be able to 'doll up' your car as much as you want (if your budget allows, that is).
However, their relatively lower peak power and curtailed rev limits mean they aren't exactly the best choice for sports cars.
Hot from the stove of the renowned sports carmaker, the Macan has won hearts with its dynamic performance and car-like agility. But how will Porsche's new junior SUV fare with a diesel lump?Up close and Personal
Less the 'diesel' badges flanking the front wheel arches, this diesel variant, in fact, looks no different from its stablemates. And like all other Porsches, you'll be able to 'doll up' your car as much as you want (if your budget allows, that is).
But even without 'makeup', the Macan is far from being an 'ugly duckling'. The one-piece clamshell bonnet exudes a sense of dynamism even at standstill. At the same time, the four-point daytime running LEDs, which are fast becoming a distinguishing feature on Porsche models, do wonder to enhance the model's presence.
The Drive
The engine is often regarded as the car's 'heart and soul', and with a diesel plant the character of the Macan has been altered by quite a bit.
For starters, it is clear that the diesel has lost the 'liveliness' of the higher-revving petrol variants. At the same time, the accompanying sporty exhaust note is also absent, making the whole experience feel more inert and less inspiring.
Thankfully, the Macan S Diesel is still a gem in the handling department. The taut setup ensures that corners can be taken with confidence, although it can be a tad unsettling for the passengers over undulated terrain.
The engine is often regarded as the car's 'heart and soul', and with a diesel plant the character of the Macan has been altered by quite a bit.
For starters, it is clear that the diesel has lost the 'liveliness' of the higher-revving petrol variants. At the same time, the accompanying sporty exhaust note is also absent, making the whole experience feel more inert and less inspiring.
Thankfully, the Macan S Diesel is still a gem in the handling department. The taut setup ensures that corners can be taken with confidence, although it can be a tad unsettling for the passengers over undulated terrain.
With a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6, the diesel SUV is also no pushover in terms of performance. The potent torque grants it effortless off-the-line acceleration, accomplishing the 0-100km/h sprint in a sprightly 6.3 seconds.
The slight qualm, however, is that the torque band is relatively narrow, with the V6 felt gasping for breath past the 4,000rpm mark.
Conclusion
The instinctive car-like handling is still one of the Macan's best traits, and continues to charm in the Macan S Diesel.
However, while the diesel variant is more economical, it loses out in terms of sporty appeal compared to the petrol-driven S and Turbo variants.
The slight qualm, however, is that the torque band is relatively narrow, with the V6 felt gasping for breath past the 4,000rpm mark.
Conclusion
The instinctive car-like handling is still one of the Macan's best traits, and continues to charm in the Macan S Diesel.
However, while the diesel variant is more economical, it loses out in terms of sporty appeal compared to the petrol-driven S and Turbo variants.
Photos by Low Fai Ming
Car Information
Porsche Macan Diesel S PDK 3.0 (A)
CAT B|Diesel|16.4km/L
Horsepower
190kW (255 bhp)
Torque
580 Nm
Acceleration
6.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Porsche Macan Diesel
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