Porsche sales are up 6.1 per cent this year – interestingly its SUV’s, the Macan and the larger Cayenne  continue to represent 80 per cent of Porsche sales – interesting when you consider it made its name as a sport car manufacturer. I’ve just tested the Macan S SUV priced at $98,200 – first introduced here in 2014 it was freshened earlier this year, some small changes externally but quite a few updates under the skin. The S model gained a new engine, a single twin-scroll turbo 3.0-litre V6 with slightly more power and torque, mated, as before, to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic and of course benefiting from constant all-wheel-drive.

First impression is one a weighty medium five-seater, its tips the scales  at nearly 1900 kgs, but despite this it still retains a very engaging and eager performance, the sort of performance you expect from a Porsche. Definitely a sports SUV with great steering, braking and handling, the performance aided by an outstanding 7-speed automatic with manual shift paddles. Apart from the revised engine, the Macan S gains a revised interior with larger much improved 11-inch colour touch screen. The cabin resembles an aircraft cockpit in many ways with a host of switches, seat comfort, top class. Option prices remain a Porsche negative – disappointingly autonomous emergency braking is a $2410 option packaged in with active cruise control. This aside, it’s easy to see why the Macan SUV represents 50 per cent of Porsche sales in Australia.

I’m David Berthon

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