Close X
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
ADVT 
Auto

2022 Porsche Macan: Entry SUV ticks a lot of boxes

Benjamin Yong Darpan, 26 Sep, 2022
  • 2022 Porsche Macan: Entry SUV ticks a lot of boxes

While the world waits for the second-generation Macan EV, Porsche has subtly updated all trims of the current version including the surprisingly good base four-cylinder model that I tested over a week. Read on to learn more.

Most noticeable at the front is a new nose section with black trim surrounding the centre air intake. Full LED lighting featuring the Porsche Dynamic Light System, which automatically bends the beam into a corner for better visibility, is now standard across the lineup as are the Sport Design style wing mirrors. Though 19-inch wheels are the norm, the example Darpan was loaned had the Vesuvius Grey 20-inch S wheels (+ $4,320) equipped. 

At the back the chunkier diffuser takes up more of the rear bumper’s real estate, wrapping around the black Sport Tailpipes (+ $1,090). A whopping 14 colours are now offered, some of them fresh ones like Papaya Metallic and Gentian Blue Metallic, however the simple Carrara White Metallic (+ $79) provides an undeniably clean look.

For those seeking a truly bespoke experience, the Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur  personalization program allows customers to really get specific choosing the materials and special details to be used and added throughout the cabin. Or, simply choose one of the gorgeous pre-selected packages (ours was the + $2,230 Black/Bordeaux Red variant).

Enthusiasts will notice the facelifted Macan centre console is missing some buttons. Correction, a lot of buttons. They have instead been replaced with a haptic touch panel giving off a minimalistic vibe. Sometimes when manufacturers do this the transition can go sideways, but to balance things out a select number of analog controls remain scattered throughout the interior. The sporty/classy analogue clock sitting atop the dash and shorter leather gear knob are nice touches, too.

The argument could be made buying into the compact crossover segment a general lack of space is expected. And there really isn’t a whole lot of generous second row legroom or cargo capacity here. That said the vehicle is also on the performance spectrum where it shines, even in entry-level form.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, mated to the always-excellent seven-gear PDK dual-clutch automatic transmission, under the hood is unchanged from when the engine was introduced in 2019. Making 261 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, going 0 to 100 km/h takes just a tick over six seconds. And as a bonus, a nice burbly sound is heard when doing so — the exception and not the rule for a factory four-banger. The setup never felt slow or underpowered in daily driving conditions, and returned great fuel economy at the same time.

Handling is certainly above average in the class, and the Macan might have one of the tightest turning radius’ out there. Porsche Active Suspension Management is optional equipment, adding continuously adjusted damping force at each corner in response to driving input and road surface conditions. 

The 2022 Porsche Macan is assembled at the Leipzig, Germany facility, which is the brand’s second-ever production plant built at the turn of the century. Prices start at $58,500.

Highlights (as tested)

MSRP: $76,940

Motor: 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder

Horsepower: 261 @ 5,000 rpm

Torque (lb-ft): 295 @ 1,800 rpm

Gearbox: seven-speed dual-clutch automatic

Layout: front engine, all-wheel drive

Fuel economy: 12.9 L/100 km mixed city/highway (observed)

MORE Auto ARTICLES

2022 Toyota Venza

2022 Toyota Venza

Built upon the TNGA-K platform, the slim LED headlamps and full-width LED taillight bar, sloping roof and large 19-inch multi-spoke “super chrome” two-tone alloy wheels on the Limited grade Darpan evaluated make for quite a handsome product, actually. At 4,740 millimetres long the size is just right. Not too big or small.

2022 Kia EV6 Kia EVolution

2022 Kia EV6 Kia EVolution

Though smallish in appearance, the inside is quite roomy. Rear seat legroom is decent —— due to a slim seat back design utilizing ultra-light “giga-steel” in its construction — and the cargo area can accommodate 690 litres of stuff when the second row is upright, or 1,422 litres when folded down.

Jeep Wrangler 4xe: Green and Mean Wrangler

Jeep Wrangler 4xe: Green and Mean Wrangler

A 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, is complemented by two electric motors and a 400-volt battery pack. The resulting performance is nothing to scoff at: a total of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. 

2022 Infiniti QX60 review: Climbing the luxury ladder

2022 Infiniti QX60 review: Climbing the luxury ladder

The level of premium appointments in the interior is absolutely stunning. The cabin in our near grade-topping Sensory tester, slotting under the $67,995 Autograph, was draped in gorgeous melt-to-the-touch Saddle Brown semi-aniline leather with complementary hits of open pore ash wood looking elegant rather than gaudy as the trim sometimes can.

Mazda CX-50: New adventure-inspired SUV

Mazda CX-50: New adventure-inspired SUV

The most immediately noticeable outdoorsy aspect is the use of copious amounts of black body cladding on the bumpers, wheel arches and side sills. The addition of the off-road-ready armour complements the wind-swept lines of Kodo styling language surprisingly well, particularly in the desert-esque Zircon Sand Metallic paint colour of Darpan’s press loaner.

Major makeover: 2022 Lexus IS 300

Major makeover: 2022 Lexus IS 300

The already-excellent Lexus Safety System+ suite of technologies benefits from a few additions such as enhanced camera and radar equipment to help the pre-collision detection spot not just oncoming vehicles but preceding cyclists and pedestrians as well.

PrevNext