| Aziz Idris |
THE all-new Porsche Macan unveiled in Shanghai recently has now been significantly enhanced in terms of its design, comfort, connectivity and driving dynamics, allowing the mini-SUV to remain the sporty flagship in its segment.
As expected from Stuttgart, the design of the new Porsche Macan represents a ‘light tidy-up’ more than a sweeping redesign, though Porsche said it’s carried over elements of the 911 and 918 design to make the Macan look a little sportier.
The front end of the Macan has been meticulously re-worked so that it now appears even wider, while the comprehensive overhaul at the rear builds on the sleek design of the predecessor model.
The three-part, three-dimensional LED light strip represents another typical Porsche design element at the rear.
The four-point design of the brake lights also reflects the brand’s identity.
One of most striking innovations inside the mini-SUV include the 11-inch touchscreen of the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM), re-designed and re-positioned air vents and the GT sports steering wheel familiar from the 911 (optional) with its integrated driving mode switch and ‘sports response button’.
Other technologies available are the Traffic Jam Assist function for the adaptive cruise control, partially automating functions such as acceleration, braking and steering when in traffic below 60km/h as well as an ioniser to improve air quality.
According to Porsche, the new Macan is able to consolidate its exceptional status as a sports car in the compact SUV segment by “fine-tuning of the chassis delivers enhanced neutrality while maintaining stability and improving comfort”.
Although unusual for the SUV segment, Porsche reveals that the Macan features mixed tyres with different widths on the front and rear axles. “As with Porsche sports cars, this arrangement enables the driver to take full advantage of the intelligent, all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) when it comes to driving dynamics.”