Porsche Macan review

• For: V6 pace, handling, build quality
• Against: 2.0 lacks character, cramped in rear, smallish boot
• Verdict: The most sporting SUV on sale

Like the larger Porsche Cayenne, the Macan is a sports car in an SUV suit. A recent facelift (the second since 2014) helps keep it fresh, before an all-new electric Macan arrives in 2023.

In standard form, the Porsche costs £47,780 and is powered by a gruff and rather characterless 265hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine.

The Macan S adds around £5,500 to that price, but comes with a 2.9-litre V6 producing 380hp. Top speed increases to 161mph, while the 0-62mph time drops to 4.8 seconds.

The Turbo and Turbo S models have now been discontinued, leaving the £64,770 GTS (pictured here) as the flagship of the range. Power comes from the same V6, but with the wick turned up to 440hp. Top speed is 169mph, while 62mph arrives in just 4.5 seconds.

Inside, the latest Macan gets an 11-inch high-definition touchscreen and new centre console with fewer buttons. Rear-seat space is decidedly cramped, while the 458-litre boot is merely reasonable.

On the road, this is still the most rewarding car in its class. Switch into Sport or Sport Plus modes and it attacks corners with ruthless focus and genuine poise. The weighty steering is full of feedback and the PDK paddle-shift gearbox is smooth or sharp – depending on how you drive.

The Macan is Stuttgart’s best-seller, and likely to remain so. It’s a great SUV, and still a credible Porsche.

KEY INFO

• Launched: 2014
• Facelifted: 2018 and 2021
• Due for replacement: 2024