Masterful Macan

THERE may be two Porsche Macan compact SUV models, both with turbocharged V6 petrol engines, but only one is called the Macan Turbo. The other is the Macan S. The Macan Turbo is, for now, the top-of-the-line Macan with a newly developed 3.6-litre V6 twin turbo petrol engine producing 400 hp and 550 Nm. But the Macan S also has a similar power plant - a 3.0-litre V6 twin turbo with 340 hp and 460 Nm.

To differentiate them more clearly, Porsche has specified the Macan Turbo with more equipment and a plusher cabin. And this is reflected in the kerb weight of each variant - 1,925 kg for the Turbo versus 1,865 kg for the S.

Still, the Macan S is a very nice luxury SUV with a beautiful interior. The Macan is based on the Audi Q5 but with two-thirds of its components changed to deliver a car that drives like a Porsche. Key to this difference is the Macan's suspension tuning. Although it retains the same suspension architecture as the Q5, Porsche has new dampers and springs for better handling. And to improve steering feel, the bearings were changed too. It shows on the road. Compared with the Audi SQ5 with a 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine, the Macan S has superior handling. There is virtually no high-speed float on the autobahn, with superb composure displayed in sweeping curves.