What powers the Porsche Macan R4 is a 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo charged petrol engine. Don’t let the cubic capacity fool you, like it managed to fool me. This four pot motor churns out a very healthy 252 horsepower and 370 Nm of maximum torque. This makes it more powerful than its diesel sibling’s 245 horses. Torque is however more on the diesel model. The motor has fantastic acceleration and you soon forget that you have a four cylinder engine under the hood. The Macan is quick to build up speed and there is solid midrange punch. Porsche claims a 0 to 100 kph timing of 6.7 seconds. The optional Sport Chrono package will take that figure down to 6.5 seconds. Our test car came with this optional package. This adds an additional Sport Plus button on the console and launch control too. What adds to the fabulous driving experience is the 7 speed PDK gearbox. The shifts are precise and plus you have the option to manually shift via the paddles on the steering. That said, the gearbox shifts cogs quickly at lower speeds, to aid efficiency of course. The tranny does go into thinking mode for a second while doing a kick down, but there’s nothing to complain about on that front really. The Macan just flies on the highway and makes for a fantastic cruiser. It is the perfect companion for high mile munching trips.
Straight line performance aside, it’s the handling that will totally blow you away. Sure Porsches are known to be part of ‘the greatest handling cars’ club, but it’s the way the Macan lives up to the Stuttgart car maker’s reputation is what will surprise you. Our test car came with the now standard air suspension set up. The Macan takes to corners like a fish takes to water. Not for a moment will you feel that you are driving an SUV and not a sports car. The steering is precise and does exactly what it you tell it to do. Everything just feels so connected. There is only slight bit of body roll but that’s only in Comfort mode. We wont be doing spirited driving in anything less than Sport mode now would we? Grip levels are extremely confidence inspiring and the Macan’s all wheel drive system will send full torque to the front or rear axle when needed.
Ride quality is good too. Most of the undulations don’t filter through into the cabin. It does feel a little bumpy at high speeds over uneven surfaces but nothing that would make you uncomfortable. The ride at low speeds is compliant as well. Again, note that the test car was riding on 18 inch wheels and high profile rubber. The ride height can also be increased by 40 mm at the press of a button, yes you can take you Macan off-roading as well.
Now to the all important question. Should you buy one? The price of the Macan had always been its weakest link. This R4 has corrected that. It comes at a price that is Rs. 30 lakh lesser than the previously entry level diesel variant. At 76.84 lakh ex showroom, it is still not cheap. A decently specced car will still go close to the Rs. 1 crore mark. But if you want an SUV that is practical, comfortable and has the performance and handling of a sports car, there is nothing really to beat the Macan. It is everything a true blooded Porsche should be. So if you love driving yourself and the price doesn’t make you bat an eyelid, go get a Porsche Macan R4. It will make you smile every time you take to the wheel.
Porsche Macan R4 photo gallery:
