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When Porsche unveiled its first SUV, the Cayenne, in 2002, many felt the end was nigh for this maker of driver-focused sports cars.
But that SUV would go on to be the firm’s biggest-selling model by some margin, and it was easy to see why. This was a full-sized SUV that handled brilliantly and was built to Porsche’s usual standards, so it was perfect for those who wanted a family-friendly carry-all. The icing on the cake was the ability to tow a heavy trailer or caravan with ease; it was an ideal family car, albeit at a price.
It took more than a decade for a smaller SUV from the brand to arrive, but when it did, the Macan didn’t disappoint; it had the Cayenne’s attributes in a smaller package that was also more affordable – to a point.
Models covered
- • Porsche Macan Mk1 (2014-date) – German brand’s smallest SUV isn’t cheap, but it has a unique blend of talents.
Porsche Macan Mk1
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History
The Macan reached showrooms in summer 2014, with three different models available. The 335bhp Macan S and 254bhp Macan S Diesel both featured turbocharged 3.0-litre V6s and cost £43,300; the £59,300 395bhp 3.6-litre V6 Macan Turbo topped the range.
In October 2015 the 355bhp GTS joined the line-up between the S and the Turbo, and in June 2016 there was a new entry-level model: the 248bhp Macan, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. At the other end of the spectrum was the 434bhp Macan Turbo Performance Pack, the new range-topper from September 2016, at £69,505.
A facelifted Macan went on sale in October 2018 with new colours, tweaked suspension, better infotainment and more driver-assistance systems – but no diesel.
Porsche Macan reviews
Porsche Macan in-depth review
Porsche Macan review
Porsche Macan Diesel S review
Porsche Macan S review
Porsche Macan GTS review
Porsche Macan Turbo review
Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Park review
Which one should I buy?
All Macans come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, dubbed PDK, and Porsche doesn’t do trim levels, so pick your engine and find cars with the options you want.
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Even the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol is quick, while the V6 petrols are seriously fast; the Macan Turbo does 0-62mph in just 4.6 seconds. Macan S Diesels provide the best balance of performance and economy, and these are likely to become more sought after, with the Macan now a petrol-only SUV.
All models get climate control, electrically adjustable front seats, parking sensors, a DAB radio and leather – but not always nav, which is seen as essential by used buyers. It’s also worth finding a car with the optional air suspension because this improves the ride without sacrificing cornering ability.
Alternatives to the Porsche Macan
The Macan faces some pretty talented rivals, including the BMW X3 and X3 M Competition. These don’t have the poise of the Porsche and their cabins don’t feel as special, but the X3 has superb drivetrains, strong build quality and lots of space.
The same applies to the Audi Q5/SQ5 and Mercedes GLC, and you could also consider the Range Rover Evoque; this looks sharp and offers a luxurious interior, but like the Germans, it comes generally in diesel form unless you’re buying almost new.
You could look at a petrol-electric hybrid Lexus NX, too; it’s stylish and has a cast-iron reputation, but is less engaging to drive.
What to look for
Alloy wheels
The Macan, S and S Diesel all come with 18-inch wheels, the Turbo gets 19-inch items, while the GTS features 20-inch rims.
Lights
Although the GTS and Turbo have bright bi-xenon headlights, the Macan, S and S Diesel are fitted with older-school halogen units.
DPFs
Low-mileage diesel models can suffer faults with their particulate filters; some city-living buyers have regretted opting for a diesel Macan.
Sat-nav
The navigation system in pre-facelift models doesn’t cope all that well with postcodes, but the later set-up is much better.
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Interior
You can see where your money’s going as soon as you sit in a Macan. Premium materials are everywhere, even if the cabin looks rather busy because there’s so much kit. Space is decent, too, with room for five adults, although headroom isn’t all that generous in the back – especially if the panoramic roof is fitted. Boot space is below the class best, at 500 litres seats up, or 1,500 with them folded.
Prices
You can buy a nearly new Porsche Macan for between £31,100 and £69,990 on our sister site BuyaCar.
Running costs
The Macan needs servicing every two years or 20,000 miles, alternating between minor and major. The biggest service takes place every 12 years or 120,000 miles, and Porsche centres offer fixed-price servicing.
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A minor service is an oil and filter/pollen filter change and a systems check; major services cover spark plugs on petrol Macans, plus an air filter every 60,000 miles. After the first service, budget £450-£1,125 for petrols and £525-£1,150 for diesels. All engines are chain-driven.
Recalls
The Macan has been subject to three recalls. The first, in May 2014, remedied faulty brake servos on cars built up to the previous month. The second, in November 2015, affected Macan S and Turbo models made before October 2015, which could suffer fuel leaks. The most recent campaign, in March 2017, affected just two cars in which the airbags could fail to deploy correctly.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The Macan hasn’t featured in our Driver Power surveys; it’s even too niche to get into our annual Brands survey. But reviews on carbuyer.co.uk are very positive, giving an average score of 4.1 out of five. Sub-standard sat-nav and insufficient rear-seat space get mentions from owners, but otherwise it’s all good news in terms of build quality, performance, handling and comfort.
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