There's not much to knock when it comes to the Porsche Macan. The Stuttgart firms luxury compact crossover has won hearts and minds to the extent that it has even claimed the coveted South African Car of the Year award for the 2015 year.
With styling cues from its larger brother, the Porsche Cayenne, the Macan offers all the luxury appointments and performance that one would want in a more compact, stylish package - not that the Cayenne is unattractive.
Porsche released the new Turbo model late last year, so before you run out to go and pick up a used Porsche Macan from the dealership, here's how the new Turbo differs from the old model.
Related: First drive! The new Macan - perfectly Porsche
1. New engine
The Porsche Macan Turbo is powered by a 2.9-litre V6 with biturbo technology. The outgoing Turbo model was fitted with a 3.6-litre turbocharged V6 that produced 294 kW and 550 Nm. The new engine is down in size, down to 2.9-litres but with its twin-turbo technology, produces 10% more power (29 kW) for a final figure of 324 kW while the torque remains the same at 550 Nm.
2. Improved Performance
Thanks to the new engine, the new Porsche Macan Turbo is quicker than ever. The 0 to 100 km/h sprint time, when the Macan is specced with the Sports Chrono Package, is down by three tenths with the new Macan Turbo stopping the clock at 4.3-seconds. Top speed has also increased marginally, climbing 4 km/h to 270 km/h.
3. Whoah To Match The Go
Going faster is one thing, stopping it is a different story. Porsche models have always prided themselves on their exemplary braking prowess and with the new Turbo it's no different. The large, 345mm brake discs (front) feature PSCB - Porsche Surface Coated Brakes. This tungsten carbide coating helps improve brake response along with pedal feel. It also reduces wear and brake dust by up to 90%.
4. Sharply Dressed
Distinguishing the new Macan Turbo from its counterparts is easy thanks to the Turbo-specific front apron with larger air dams and LED headlights. The sides wear a set of 20-inch wheels as standard and Turbo side skirts and mirrors are standard fitment. At the rear, a high-level roof spoiler is unique to the Turbo model.
5. Luxury Appointment
The changes extend to the interior as well with 18-way electric memory seats as standard and a roof lining in Alcantara. The interior trim also sees the addition of stylish brushed aluminium pieces to set it off against the rich leather interior. The Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment is standard and paired to a 14-speaker BOSE audio system.
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