We get up close and personal with the newest Porsche Macan as it gets ready to once again take pole position in its market segment.

WE GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH THE NEWEST PORSCHE MACAN AS IT GETS READY TO ONCE AGAIN TAKE POLE POSITION IN ITS SEGMENT

T here has always been a soft spot among Indonesia’s automotive enthusiasts for Porsche’s Macan. In turn, the storied automaker has always kept its latest iterations of the “tiger” ahead of the pack. That being said, let’s take a closer look at the new Porsche Macan.

STRIPES OF THE TIGER

The new Macan boasts quite a few updates to its exterior, giving the car a sportier and modern vibe. Still, it stays true to Porsche’s design DNA, with subtle (and not so-subtle) hints from the iconic 911 as well as the 918 Spyder. The most obvious upgrade here is a three-dimensional LED tail light strip which gives the new Macan a more confident air.

The headlights also feature LED technology as a standard feature and comes with the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus or PLDS for adaptive light distribution. Furthermore, the front end of the new Macan now appears wider, which contrasts nicely with the sleek silhouette of its rear. Also notable here are the three-part, three-dimensional LED light strip along with the four-point brake lights.

Color-wise, Porsche has expanded its customization options with new selections of exterior paint schemes such as “Miami Blue,” “Mamba Green Metallic,” “Dolomite Silver Metallic” and “Crayon.” Naturally, a slew of new interior packages are available for those looking to really create the perfect personalized ride. And speaking of the new Macan’s interior...

RIDING THE TIGER

Moving to the inside of the new Porsche Macan, one of the most notable additions would be the 10.9-inch touchscreen display (featuring full HD resolution) above its rising center console—which is yet another design element so typical of the brand.

Out of the wide range of digital functions available, the Connect Plus module would perhaps prove to be most useful, especially in a busy city like Jakarta. In short, this system offers cutting-edge, swarm-based traffic data and online map updates. The new Traffic Jam Assist, meanwhile, offers adaptive cruise control for more comfortable and relaxed driving behavior at speeds up to 60 kph. Furthermore, the “Assist” part of the name also means that the system will provide actual assistance with steering when you’re caught in a jam or when you have to deal with slow-moving traffic.

Of course, what is convenience without an equal helping of comfort? The optional high-quality leather interior affords cozy and welcoming interior, while the (also optional) GT sports steering wheel emphasizes the new Macan’s link to the legendary 911 model.

The new Macan experience also extends to top notch aural sensations. Want your ride to sound more powerful? Then opt for the sports exhaust system. Want to have your favorite tunes accompany your drive around town? Then you might want to consider the BOSE Surround Sound System and Burmester HighEnd Surround Sound System.

A three-zone automatic climate control system comes as a standard part of the new Macan, however, and can be further enhanced with a new ionizer. This is definitely a welcome feature when you have to regularly drive through the metropolitan heart of Jakarta or other big cities.

Comfort enhancers, navigation aids and entertainment offerings are, of course, nice. But the bread and butter of a car like the new Macan would be performance and handling, right? Well, Porsche has you covered there as well. The car has plenty of power and the Porsche Traction Management active all-wheel drive system ensures outstanding steering plus exceptional handling. Of course, you wouldn’t expect anything less from Porsche.

Finally, the Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) actively and continuously adjusts damping force for each individual wheel, thereby delivering the perfect combo of comfort and sportiness, no matter if you’re behind the wheel or settled in one of the passenger seats.

IN SUMMARY

With its perfect combination of sporty handling and creature comforts, the new Porsche Macan presents the perfect set of wheels for those looking to prowl around the streets of the capital and beyond.

specs: New Porsche Macan Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder Power: 245hp Transmission: 7-speed automatic

“THE BREAD AND BUTTER OF A CAR LIKE THE NEW MACAN WOULD BE PERFORMANCE AND HANDLING, RIGHT? PORSCHE HAS YOU COVERED THERE”