Porsche gives Macan SUV a light update

PORSCHE has lifted the lid on its refreshed Macan medium SUV, with the German car-maker adding a number of enhancements to its best-selling model ahead of an Australian arrival in the first half of 2019.

 

It is the first update for the Macan since it launched locally in 2014, and Porsche has opted for a minor, conservative update in favour of a comprehensive mid-life overhaul.

 

Arguably the largest change is the newest version of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) multimedia system, which is now projected onto an 11.0-inch touchscreen, up from 7.0 inches in the outgoing version.

 

The new PCM system allows for customisation like in the Panamera and Cayenne, and comes with real-time traffic updates and voice activation.

 

With a larger touchscreen embedded in the dash, the Macan’s air vents have been repositioned under the screen, while the interior can be further enhanced with the optional GT sports steering wheel from the 911.

 

On the outside, the primary changes are a new 3D LED tail-light strip, as well as standard front LED headlights that can also be optioned with 3D adaptive technology. Porsche said the changes reflect the DNA of the 911 and 918 Spyder.

 

New-look 20- and 21-inch alloy wheels will be on offer, while the tyres have been redeveloped for greater stability and handling.

 

Traffic Jam Assist, which includes adaptive cruise control and semi-autonomous steering and braking at speeds of up to 60km/h, will be available as an option.

 

Four new exterior colours – Miami Blue, Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic and Crayon – will be on offer, while customers will be able to choose from new interior design packages.

 

Porsche is yet to announce if any changes have been made to the turbo-petrol powerplants underpinning the Macan line-up, currently ranging from the 185kW/370Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the entry-level Macan, up to the 290kW/550Nm 3.6-litre V6 in the range-topping Turbo.

 

The Macan is comfortably Porsche’s best-selling model with 1271 units shifted halfway through 2018, ahead of the Cayenne large SUV (430) and 911 sportscar.

 

It still trails segment leaders including the BMW X3 (2954), Mercedes-Benz GLC (2947) and Audi Q5 (2225).

 

More details on the Macan, including local pricing and specification, will be revealed closer to the model’s launch in the first half of next year.

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