Porsche’s newest conquest
2015 Porsche Macan
The 2015 Macan compact crossover is a good-looking vehicle from every angle and, with that front end, is unmistakably a Porsche.
In the first four months of 2015 Porsche Canada sold 516 Macans — second only to 595 for Cayenne. In fact, in April of 2015, Macan was Porsche Canada’s volume leader. And the thing is, Macan isn’t stealing buyers from other Porsche vehicles because in the first four months of 2015 overall Porsche sales climbed by 428 units.
That means most Macans are what the industry likes to call “conquest” sales. The question is ... from who? Because there aren’t a lot of crossovers out there in this price range or that deliver this much acceleration and driving fun.
Toyota Venza and Honda Crosstour are similar in size and concept, but are available at half the price. And both those vehicles so hard-pressed to find buyers that recently they were cancelled. With the success of Macan, maybe the lesson here is that Venza and Crosstour should have been made sportier and more upscale, with lots of power, and badged as Lexus and Acura models.
The all-wheel drive Macan fills a niche in the Porsche lineup for those who don’t need the carrying capacity of an SUV such as Cayenne, but want more room for people and cargo than they would get in the four-passenger Panamera. In this regard it is notable for being a spot-on success.
Macan S is also notable for what is isn’t — a vehicle that lacks some standard high- tech features. For instance, despite a base price of $57,200 you still don’t get a sunroof, cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, heated steering wheel, push-button start, or keyless entry.
Ample power is provided by a 3.0L twin turbo V6 that is borrowed from the Panamera and makes 340 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. The smooth sevenspeed transmission’s shifter is mounted in the centre console, surrounded by what appears to be a bewildering array of switches. At first glance it looks intimidating, but the switches are clearly labelled and logically laid out, and getting used to them takes no time at all.
Without a sunroof the cabin feels a little cave-like — something that could be alleviated with an interior colour that’s lighter than our as- tested car’s black leather. Luxor Beige, for instance. Or Saddle Brown. Mind now, both of those are optional and, as with all Porsche options, will cost many thousands more.
The eight- way power front seats are exceptionally comfortable — no need to upgrade here to the 14-way power seats that cost an extra $1,530. (See what I mean about the price of options?)
The split rear seats fold forward and, to my surprise, the cargo bay easily handles an antique dresser that was an impulse purchase while we were out on a tour.
And touring is what Macan does best with its responsive engine, excellent steering feel, crisp handling, and ride that is plush yet sporty at the same time.
No wonder it was named 2015’s Best New SUV/CUV over $65k by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC).