Porsche Macan, Track Test

There are many things that one dreams of in life. For example, doing what you love (check), getting paid to drive Porsches (check), but if there was one thing that I could never have dreamt of, it would be a Porsche winning the overall prize in our vaunted ‘Best of’ competition. The universe, however, works in mysterious ways, and here we are celebrating the victory of the Macan as the ultimate winner of our 2019 test. A lovely surprise, I think, and certainly a worthy winner! 

However, first, let me explain that my scepticism about a Porsche’s ability to win was based primarily on two aspects. First, Porsche’s don’t come cheap – this is true the world over, but even more so in India – and two, Porsche’s intense focus on driving appeal means that it caters to a niche audience. 

But, the Macan, especially in its refreshed avatar, takes both of these issues and tackles them head-on. What makes the car so attractive is that it beautifully combines four different aspects of a winning automobile – design, quality, driving dynamics, and rationalised pricing. 

The changes to the Macan’s design – especially that gorgeous taillight at the rear – make it stand out for all the right reasons. The colour choices available are breath-taking too – take a look at the Macan in Carmine Red, Mamba Green Metallic or Miami Blue, and you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about. Both inside and out, the quality levels are impeccable and matched only by cars that are far more expensive.

Also, both on the road and at the track, the handling, weight balance, drivetrain, and, above all, the overall driving experience of the Macan is simply flawless. This is also highly apparent in the Macan’s score sheet, where it scored close to maximum points in Quality, Refinement, and Ride & Handling categories, and the second-highest, behind the Lamborghini Huracan, in the X-Factor category. 

The 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 of the Macan, paired with the 7-speed PDK gearbox and all-wheel driveline also deserves special praise. With peak torque of 480Nm coming in from just 1,360rpm, the throttle response of the Macan is sensational. And the push from the engine is relentless, as the torque curve continues until 4,800rpm. 

The Macan touches the 100km/h mark in just 5.1 seconds. Meanwhile, with its fantastic dynamics and all-wheel-drive traction, you can drive the Macan on the track and on the road all day long without a care in the world. The practicality that it offers means that it’s not only exciting to drive at the track but even more so on the road, with its polished performance and perfect feedback. 

The base Macan, with the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol motor, producing just shy of 250 horsepower, offers just the right combination of driving excitement and practicality for daily use. In fact, you could even say that it’s the perfect sports car for Indian roads – given that it provides the added ground clearance of an SUV. And, at just shy of ₹70 lakhs, ex-showroom, it also offers very competitive pricing for what it offers. Take into account the Porsche badge, looks, driving appeal and quality levels and the only thing left to do is figure out just how you’re going to finance one…

Best of 2019 << BACKNEXT>> : Nissan Kicks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rM5xvqH1GEI