Porsche’s tiger earned its stripes in our books last year, and now this twin-turbo petrol version just earned its war-paint. Is it really that good? Read on…
Story: Jim Gorde
Photography: Sanjay Raikar
“It is our choices that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
— Albus Percival Wolfric Brian Dumbledore
Choice. That’s what it is. Today’s world has given us many options, many choices. The evolution of everything we have, to own or to consume, has seen immense change over the past years. Even if you’re caught between two choices, there is a solution which bridges the fine lines between both and presents itself. Well, that’s true for most cases, like the Porsche Macan here.
The automotive world is blitzed with choice. There is a car in every segment, and some more straddling the gaps between them. One that has been the most popular of late is the crossover. Confused between a large hatchback and a sport utility vehicle? Most people are. That’s why crossovers happened. And, when done right, they can be brilliant.
Size does matter, in some countries; in fact, it’s a more essential parameter than comfort, or safety, or practicality for that matter. Thus, there are several crossovers which are large and possess minuscule engines which are just about adequate to get you moving to the legal speed limit. Then there are some more compact ones, with large engines. Because, well, who doesn’t like large engines!
The Macan Turbo from one the automotive world’s most iconic names, Porsche, is the latest in the luxury compact crossover brigade. Of course, let it be known that it’s more of a mini Cayenne than anything else. The first-generation Cayenne was a rare breed; one which bridged the luxury car and capable off-roader very well indeed. The next generation was more road-focused, but it was no penguin in the dirt. The Macan inherits this fine DNA, and, thus, is just as capable on the road as it is in many situations off it.
To those without a trained eye, the Macan would appear to be a Cayenne, only a smidge smaller. However, look closely, and the compact dimensions and sharply raked C-pillar with minimal rear quarter-glass stand out. It looks even sportier, probably because it is, and its compact dimensions mean that it can deliver the performance to match those good looks.
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