Motoring News

2022 PORSCHE MACAN

Published

2 years ago

15 September 2022

JeffG

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2022 PORSCHE MACAN

New Macan harks back to the instantly-recognisable Porsche 911 in its shape.

Porsche Macan received a pretty thorough update late in 2021 for the 2022 season. A considerable number of changes were made, this isn’t simply a mild revamp of the car initially released in 2015. It’s virtually all-new in some areas both inside and out.

More details about this in the various sections of this road test that follows this intro.

STYLING

Porsche stylists have worked hard to give their Macan a generic look that harks back to the instantly recognisable Porsche 911. Its nose slopes down nicely, though the radiator grille is a giveaway. The headlights are obviously ultra-modern LED units and make no bones about that as the elements are clear to see.

The tail is obviously not given any reference to the shape of the 911. It’s got a nicely squared-off look that gives it a sporty style while at the same time providing good luggage space.

The side windows carry all the way through at the same level in the lower area as the designers have been smart enough to not go for any upward swooping lines which spoil the view out for shorter rear seat occupants – that is the kids.

INTERIOR

The cabin is fine for most people, but those in the rear may find themselves a bit cramped as there’s not enough legroom if the person in front of them is tall. Obviously the two people in left seats can decide to how to share the seat.

But the person behind the driver may not have enough legroom. This is the sort of thing that has to be discussed by all likely occupants of the of the rear compartment before deciding which car to buy.

Boot space is 488 litres and a pretty impressive 1503 litres when the second-row seats are folded down. The rear seats are set up 40/20/40 so there’s a variety of ways they can be configured.

The boot is very usable with an almost flat floor.

INFOTAINMENT

The Macan has a 10.9-inch infotainment system with wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as digital radio broadcasting.

Our test car had the optional Bose 14-speaker surround-sound system. Quality of sound is excellent and we enjoyed it for the way it reproduced our favourite songs.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

There’s excellent news here. The 2022 Macan is powered by a new-design 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 195 kW of power and up to 400 Nm of torque, the latter spread across a wide range of the rev band that makes it feel strong virtually all the time.

Power is sent through a seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic to all four wheels. There is a bias toward the rear wheels for everyday driving. More about that in the Driving section of this road test review.

ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS

The 2022 Macan we tested is powered by a new-design 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with 195kW of power and up to 400Nm of torque. The latter spread across a wide range of the rev band that makes it feel strong virtually all the time.

As well as the four-cylinder engine we tested there are also the Porsche Macan S and GTS. With a twin-turbo petrol V6 engine with the S having 280kW and 520Nm and the GTS 324kW and 550Nm.

SAFETY

Primary safety – that is, the ability to not have a crash – is excellent. Thanks to the fact this machine has been designed for ‘ordinary’ road users, not just those who love to have a sports machine.

DRIVING

I was comfortable in the driver’s seat, with just the right amount of shaping of the base and rear of the seat to support me when peddling hard around bends. There are multiple adjustments to set it up to your personal preference and you would have to be very fastidious to not find something to suit your personal desires.

The view of the instruments is excellent as this is obviously a machine meant to be driven in a sporting manner. There’s a large central tachometer with a small digital speed readout in its centre. There’s a conventional speedometer on the left, and a digital panel on the right.

On the road it’s a delight to drive with plenty of feel through the steering wheel and the ability to corner hard when take it out onto your favourite driving roads. You know the ones I mean, those roads which invite you to get out of bed just on sunrise, ideally on a Sunday when everyone else is having a lie-in and there’s no one about.

RATINGS

Looks: 9/10

Performance: 8/10

Safety: 9/10

Thirst: 8/10

Practicality: 8/10

Comfort: 7/10

Tech: 8/10

Value: 9/10

AT A GLANCE

MODEL RANGE

Macan 2.0: $89,300

Macan 2.0 T: $92,700

Macan 2.9 S: $112,400

Macan 2.9 GTS: $137,300

Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Porsche dealer for drive-away prices.

SPECIFICATIONS (Porsche Macan 2.0-litre turbo-petrol five-door wagon)

ENGINE:

Capacity: 1.984 litres

Configuration: Four cylinders in line

Maximum Power: 195 kW @ 5000 rpm

Maximum Torque: 400 Nm @ 1800 rpm

Fuel Type: Premium unleaded petrol

Combined Fuel Cycle (ADR 81/02): 9.5 L/100km

CO2 Emissions: 217 g/km

DRIVELINE: Seven-speed dual clutch automatic

DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT AND CAPACITIES:

Length: 4726 mm

Wheelbase: 2807 mm

Width: 1927 mm

Height: 1606 mm

Turning Circle: 12.0 metres

Kerb Mass: 1798 kg

Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 litres

BRAKES:

Front: Ventilated disc

Rear: Ventilated disc

STANDARD WARRANTY:

Three years / unlimited kilometres

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Motoring News

2025 Toyota Camry: Hybrid-Only Pricing and Updates Announced

Published

6 days ago

17 October 2024

Liam

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2025 Toyota Camry: Hybrid-Only Pricing and Updates Announced

By Jeff Gibbs

Toyota has announced pricing for the 2025 Camry, which now features an all-hybrid lineup. The ninth-generation Camry sees prices increase by up to $2573 across the range, with the entry-level Camry Ascent starting at $39,990—a nearly $5000 jump after the removal of the non-hybrid base model. The Ascent Sport is priced at $42,990, and the top-tier Camry SL comes in at $53,990.

Though branded as the ninth generation, the 2025 Camry is largely a facelift of the previous model, retaining its TNGA-K architecture and critical dimensions. However, significant mechanical upgrades include retuned MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension for improved handling, along with a new steering rack for better responsiveness.

The 2.5-litre petrol/electric hybrid powertrain has been refined, boosting power by 10kW to 170kW. The lighter, more compact transaxle assembly, updated motor with six magnets, and a new 4.0Ah lithium-ion battery contribute to the Camry’s improved fuel efficiency of 4.0L/100km, down from 4.2L/100km. Brake feel and regenerative braking capacity have also been enhanced.

Inside, the cabin gets a modern redesign, with new dashboard elements, updated air vents, and a reconfigured centre console. The 8.0-inch infotainment screen and 7.0-inch LCD instrument panel now come standard on the Ascent, alongside dual-zone climate control for all variants.

The 2025 Camry is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Toyota’s capped-price servicing program offers maintenance every 12 months/15,000km at $255 per service for the first five years. The updated Camry is available now.

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Motoring News

2025 Hyundai i20 N: A Hot Hatch Powerhouse with Thrilling Performance and Tech

Published

7 days ago

15 October 2024

Liam

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2025 Hyundai i20 N: A Hot Hatch Powerhouse with Thrilling Performance and Tech

By Jeff Gibbs

Powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it produces 150kW of power and 275Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This compact powerhouse delivers a thrilling driving experience, with a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 6.2 seconds, making it one of the quickest in its class.

The i20 N’s sharp handling is enhanced by a limited-slip differential, sport-tuned suspension, and a lightweight chassis, making it a joy to drive on twisty roads or the track. Its aggressive styling, featuring bold lines, a large rear spoiler, and red exterior accents, adds to the sporty appeal.

Inside, the i20 N is equipped with a modern, driver-focused cabin. It features a 10.25-inch digital driver display and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Sporty touches like N-branded seats and a steering wheel reinforce its performance-oriented nature.

However, the stiff suspension might be a drawback for those seeking everyday comfort. Despite this, the i20 N offers excellent value for enthusiasts, combining performance, practicality, and advanced tech at a competitive price point.

This hot hatch remains a standout for those looking for fun and functionality in a compact package.

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Local News

2025 Smart #5 Electric SUV Revealed: The Future of Outdoor Adventure

Published

4 weeks ago

25 September 2024

Liam

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2025 Smart #5 Electric SUV Revealed: The Future of Outdoor Adventure

By Jeff Gibbs

The all-new 2025 Smart #5 electric SUV is set to revolutionise the way people experience the outdoors, combining cutting-edge electric technology with features designed for adventure. Created through a collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and Geely (Volvo’s parent company), the “hashtag five” is poised to change weekend getaways with a unique blend of off-road capability, luxury, and tech.

Power and Range At the heart of the Smart #5 is a massive 100kWh battery, offering an impressive range of more than 700 kilometres on a single charge. But this vehicle isn’t just about getting from point A to point B — it’s equipped to power outdoor adventures. The Smart #5 can run a variety of appliances, including a fridge, movie projector, and a high-fidelity stereo, making it an ideal companion for camping trips and outdoor escapes.

Design and Off-Road Capability Sized similarly to a Subaru Forester, the Smart #5 is designed for mild off-road tasks with all-wheel-drive traction and ample ground clearance. For those looking to push further into the wild, an optional off-road pack draws inspiration from the Land Rover Defender, featuring practical additions like a fold-down ladder, rooftop cargo tray, and external storage for muddy or wet gear.

Luxurious Interior and Advanced Technology Inside, the Smart #5 offers a premium experience with a digital dashboard and two high-resolution AMOLED displays. The SUV also boasts an augmented reality head-up display, giving drivers enhanced navigation and information at a glance. Powered by a water-cooled computer processor, the system can run movies and video games, turning the car into an entertainment hub for remote locations.

2025 Smart #5 Interior

The vehicle’s heated seats come with a massage function and can fold flat to create a “king size” sleeping space — perfect for overnight stays, though likely not quite as large as a traditional mattress. Adding to the luxurious feel, the Sennheiser surround sound system provides immersive audio, while a cute electronic avatar acts as a digital assistant, similar to Amazon’s Alexa or Apple’s Siri.

Innovative Features for Outdoor Adventures One of the standout features is the built-in movie projector, which, combined with the climate-controlled cabin, offers a unique way to relax under the stars. The SUV’s robust electrical system also allows it to power various appliances, transforming campsites into high-tech getaways.

Launch and Market Plans Though pricing details have not been confirmed, industry expectations suggest the Smart #5 could approach the $100,000 mark, especially given its extensive features and capabilities. This places it above the smaller Smart #1 and Smart #3 models.

The brand’s decision to debut the model globally in Byron Bay, Australia, underscores its intent to bring the Smart #5 to the Australian market. After its initial release in China later this year, production for Australia is expected to begin in 2025, with journalists from Europe and Asia already traveling to see the model in person.

With its combination of eco-friendly electric power, innovative tech, and off-road capability, the 2025 Smart #5 promises to be a game-changer in the electric SUV market, catering to those who want to explore the outdoors without sacrificing comfort or modern conveniences.

For more motoring news, click here.

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