With the all-new second-generation Panamera making headlines with its new V8 engine, slicker design and swanky tech-laden interior, Porsche showed some love to the Cayenne – their first foray into the four-door frontier – and the Macan, their smaller and tauter new compact SUV.
First off, the Cayenne is to receive the new version of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment and navigation system that first saw light on the 718 Boxster, and has made its way onto the Type-991.2 911 sports car as well.
However, the new PCM module doesn’t include smartphone connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay, which is quite disappointing at this level of vehicle, and would require a $590 upgrade to Porsche ConnectPlus. Also now standard across the range is digital radio (DAB+) where previously it was an option unless the higher variants were chosen.
Perhaps even more importantly, Porsche has now included the excellent Porsche Active Suspension Management suite to the base Cayenne as well as the Cayenne Diesel. To complement the adaptive ride system, there is also standard 14-way power-adjustable front seats.
As said, the Macan also features in Porsche’s newest batch of updates, but instead of a bump in standard equipment, Zuffenhausen has decided to roll out a new base model powered by a 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder engine following its announcement earlier this year. It sounds like a rather pedestrian engine, especially in a Porsche, and it is. Also, it’s very likely lifted from the Volkswagen EA888 family, only uptuned to handle the Macan’s extra weight, giving it Golf GTI-like performance.
The four-pot is good for 185kW and 370Nm that can, with the PDK dual-clutch transmission, launch the entry Macan to 100km/h from rest in a quoted 6.7 seconds. Respectable. It will have to face off with the base Jaguar F-Pace, which is currently available here with a 2.0-litre 132kW/430Nm turbodiesel engine.
Porsche Australia is expected to receive these new SUVs for sale at dealerships within the third quarter of 2016.
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