It’s been said numerous times but it bears repeating, Porsche isn’t a small volume manufacturer focussed on sports cars anymore. It’s already a mass-producer of luxury vehicles and in 2015, it shifted 225,121 units around the world.
That’s a lot of cars and the best-seller was none other than the Macan, with 80,000 finding buyers in its first full-year of sales. The Cayenne was next with 73,119 units, meaning nearly 70 per cent of all Porsches sold last year were crossovers and SUVs.
It’s a scenario repeated in Malaysia as nearly 50 per cent of sales last year by Sime Darby Auto Performance (SDAP) was accounted for by the Macan. It’s still a bit early for big updates and Porsche could have left its compact SUV as is, but the Germans have instead chosen to give the MY2016 (MY being Model Year) Macan a few minor improvements.
The one you and I will be most interested in is the increase in power. The 2.0-litre turbocharged motor receives a 15hp bump and now has 252hp from 5000-6800rpm. With 370Nm from 1600-4500rpm the entry-level Macan now sprints from 0-100km/h in 6.7 seconds, which is reduced to 6.5 seconds when equipped with the optional Sports Chrono-Package. It’s worth noting however the engine isn’t the new turbocharged boxer-four motor that debuted in the 718 Boxster, but perhaps that will come in a bigger future upgrade. The transmission of choice remains the 7-speed dual-clutch PDK.
Externally, the only difference is the availability of Porsche’s Dynamic Lighting System (PDLS) which uses four-point LED lights, and in true Porsche fashion, this item is optional (base spec being a bi-Xenons). It’s an upgrade worth considering as it does bring the look of the base Macan in line with the other more expensive models in the range.
The interior too has been left unchanged but there’s now a bigger ‘borderless’ seven-inch touchscreen to access Porsche’s new Communication Management System (PCM). The redesigned user interface is more intuitive and Porsche says it’s also more smartphone-like. You can equip the PCM with Apple’s CarPlay, but of course, that’s optional as well and will cost extra.
As at the time of writing, SDAP had yet to obtain a final price for the MY16 Porsche Macan but sources within the company have confirmed the intention is to sell the car at the same price as before. Therefore, expect a nett selling price of RM435,000 before insurance and options.
