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.

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.

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