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
