Taking a quick pit stop
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Given the success of the Porsche Cayenne, it wasn’t a huge surprise when Porsche launched a smaller SUV, the Macan, back in 2014. Like the Cayenne it shared its underpinnings with other VW Group models, and again like the Cayenne, you could hardly tell by the time Porsche had worked its magic - a heavy SUV this might be, but it still looks, feels, and drives like a Porsche.
It’s one of the most appealing options in the premium SUV class and while used prices still haven’t hit rock bottom, its long production run means earlier models especially look like great value. In 2024 the Macan was replaced by an all-electric model too, so if you want the sounds and feeling of combustion power, a used Macan is now your only option.
If you want the best-driving premium SUV available, the Porsche Macan is that car. In the decade the first generation Macan was on sale, nothing in its class really topped it for driver appeal, and with that Porsche badge on the front, there’s little that could get close for driveway appeal either.
The Macan’s far more than a desirable badge and a great chassis though - although those things certainly don’t hurt. Whichever engine you go for the Macan is a fine handler and its ride quality is more than liveable too, and few cars of this type steer better - it’s involving and confidence-inspiring all at once. Power comes from four and six-cylinder engines, and petrol and diesel - the latter being an excellent all-rounder, despite diesel’s now somewhat shaky reputation.
Inside it’s not as spacious as the larger Cayenne, and some other cars in the class offer more headroom or a bigger boot. But the Macan is still very usable, with a high-quality cabin and one of the better infotainment systems in terms of clarity. In earlier cars the dashboard is a bit button-heavy, as all Porsches were in the mid-2010s, but the alternative in later cars was more touch-based controls, which isn’t necessarily an improvement - shop around and find out which layout you prefer.
The Macan is loosely based on the Audi Q5, and that car is worth a look as an alternative, especially in its V6-engined forms to match those in the Macan. The BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC are both great cars too and have their own performance options. Elsewhere in the market, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio is one of only a few SUVs that’s as fun to drive as the Macan, while the Jaguar F-Pace also has a great ride and handling balance and handsome styling.
Unfashionable though diesel might now be, as a car to use every day there’s still a lot to be said for the Macan S Diesel. A 0-62mph time in the six second bracket is nothing to sniff at, nor the promise of economy well into the 40mpg range - the V6 is also smooth and hushed, so the illusion of driving a Porsche won’t be upset by a constant diesel rattle. Of the petrol V6s, worth looking for over the four-cylinder Macan, the Macan S makes the most sense unless you really need the extra performance of the GTS or the Turbo models.
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The Porsche Macan’s exterior dimensions are:
The Porsche Macan’s boot space is:
With a 2014 launch date, the first three years of Macans are charged tax based on their CO2 emissions, which works out best for Macan S Diesel buyers - that car’s 161g/km CO2 rating means an annual bill of only £255. From April 2017 onwards, the tax system changed to a flat rate, and most Macans will be subject to a surcharge as they cost more than £40,000 to buy new - meaning a £600 annual bill, from the car’s second year of registration to its sixth.
The Macan range as a whole spans insurance groups 35 to 50 - a regular Macan with the 2-litre four-cylinder engine sits at the bottom of this range and you’ll find the mighty Macan Turbo Performance at the top. A Macan S Diesel is in group 39, and a GTS in group 45-47, depending on the year.
£102,940
£87,990
£65,990
£29,000
£51,990
£59,990
£49,995
£40,999
£67,990
£67,990
£69,990
What is the most popular colour for Porsche Macan ?
What is the most popular gearbox for Porsche Macan ?
What is the most popular fuel type for Porsche Macan ?
What is the most popular engine for Porsche Macan ?
What is the average mileage for Porsche Macan ?
20431
How many Porsche Macan cars are available for sale?
290
