shao_khan Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Been looking for a replacement for the BMW X3 2.od x drive Msport for some time. The car was great, big barge like and did everything it was ever asked. Looked at the new one, also X4, Q3 / Q5 / Evoke. Drove all and was left a little underwhelmed as most of them are new models / facelifts and was passing Hatfield Porsche and popped in to see the 918 they had in there. A guy from Silverstone was in there from the Porsche performance centre was chatting about cars and asked if we'd been in the Macan and promptly took us out for a spin. It hadn't been on the list, I'd felt it was a more expensive Q5 and wasn't fussed. In the hands of a 'pro' driver the car was an instant sale. He took us out to some spare land and demonstrated various traits of the car and in the diesel form was just incredible. So decided on spec and then set about finding a car. Sapphire Blue despite being the launch colour has only just been made available and Hatfield were quoting several months for build. Guildford just judged me by the beetle I turned up in, ignored the wife and tried to sell us a car (hard sell) that was in a vile colour (dark blue / black type colour). Silverstone had 2 newly registered demonstrators, both done about 150 miles. Having driven a TDi, Silverstone had a 2l petrol as well which they lent us for a bit and I remembered why I dislike oil burners so much. The spec was close to what I wanted, main item it had I didn't want was 21" alloys, main thing it didn't have was gloss external pack. Neither is critical (other than to the wallet for tyre replacement) and said we'd be interested when it came off the fleet. Phone call a few days later and they put another car on demo to meet Porsche requirements so we could take the car if wanted and the rest is history as they say. If you look at the front you will see the front valance is completely different to all the other Macan models (to distinguish it as poverty model) and it also has no Macan Badge on the rear as it is just a Macan and has no designation. Spec is Sapphire Blue Macan 2.0l, Leather (extended), Bose, Nav, Phone, Pano Roof, 75l fuel tank, 21" Sport Classic Alloys (Platinum Finish), PASM, rear window blinds. Oh yeah and being a kid an Aluminium fuel cap!!!! Car has just covered 4500 miles with my trip down to Spain last week and has so far been a revelation. In comfort mode the car is far better than a lot of the other I drove, it isn't overly stiff, its 'Range Rover' refined and distance is effortless, driving position is good, seats are comfortable and supportive and I'm pleased it didn't have the upgraded sport seats which I did try and found a bit narrow for my frame. Since new its averaged just over 28mpg which I didn't think was bad for all town driving and short stops. Trip to Spain returned ave of just under 35 mpg. In Sport plus mode the thing actually handles like a car, for a big lump of a car, you can project it at roundabouts like a car and it doesn't feel like you are going to take the skin off your elbows. I test drove a SQ5 prior to this and the Macan in sport mode is more comfortable, not as crashy and a lot firmer on the road. Talking to a few Porsche guys, apparently Porsche took the Q5 and reduced the floor pan, etc to reduce the car by 50mm over a Q5 meaning the centre of gravity is lower accounting for the more car like handling. Having spent a small amount of time honing, I am do feel a bigger petrol engine would have been more fun, but given the infrequency of those instances its probably not a major problem for us. When messing about the car stops like nothing ive driven, my old Boxster and TT with Porka brakes had nothing on this, you stamp on the pedal and it tries its hardest to launch you through the windscreen, I've had no loss of feeling when hot either. would I recommend the car to someone in this market - absolutely, Porsche have taken something and turned it into a real driving car, I imagine you could track this and surprise a lot of people. even with the small engine its surprisingly fast, it handles and it stops. My X3 couldn't do half of what this can in performance terms, but still the same level of waftiness on a long trip. Things I'd like - if they offer the Sports exhaust as a Techquipment accessory then I'll be purchasing that and I'm undecided weather to get the black bits painted body colour (this is a factory option with sport styling). Things I dislike - I regret not having 3 zone climate, become real apparent while abroad what benefits it offers in warm weather. Porsche Nav, its not the best, its as good as its Audi VW counterparts, but its not quite the tech of the BMW who seem to have this perfect (IMO). I only took the picture of the badge because I think it really shows the colour up well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CarMad Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Nice write up, its on my maybe list for next time it all depends on whats out at the time. I do like the looks and the colour is lovely just not sure I can justify the premium it would cost as for the diesel they are going for serious money used and I don't want to get new either really. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Calm Chris Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Post a picture of the car next to another car, there's no concept of the size with the pictures you posted, Pretty as it looks close up, I'm like to be sure it isn't a scirocco on steroids. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 I had the same concerns. Mine list was only £3k less than the 'S' but for me thats £k of options and a petrol. In the end I just bit the bullit, I had to finance because I'm not sinking cash into a car of this type and because of the premium they are fetching it is impacting new finance, so buying this was about £45 a month more than buying another X3 despite the higher price. It will depend on what's about, but I'd seriously recommend anyone to drive one - extended drive, for weekend / week because it will surprise you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 (edited) I'm interested in why you say the diesel reminded you why you like oil burners so much? I've heard a Macan diesel and it sounded superb. Probably the best sounding diesel engine I've heard. The Macan is a fabulous looking car for the sector is occupies but I do have reservations about the standard spec - it is very meagre and you have to do what you've done to get it a level that I'd say is thereabouts. However, it looks superb inside and the finish is typically Porsche with everything so well done. Some of the tech Porsche offer is well below BMW level, as you mention, but that wouldn't make it a no-go. I can understand what you mean about the 4 zone climate. We have it in the X6 but not in the 5 series - and it does make a difference with rear seats occupied (especially when I want to be cold, MrsMe wants to be scorching and LittleMissMe wants to be inbetween!). The black inserts don't bother me at all. I think they look absolutely fine. The front grille silver paintwork option (lower valance scuff thing) looks good on the cars. I've seen one locally with it (same colour as yours actually) and it looks very good with it. I spotted the 75 litre tank option and was a bit bemused by it. I might expect it on something that is a real gas guzzler (maybe they had the Turbo in mind)? You've actually mentioned one thing that MrsMe doesn't like about the car - they're low. She likes the height of a traditional 4x4 and the Macan does look a lot smaller on the roads, but that's what you get for the reduction in ride height and the handling that comes with it. The 21" wheels look good and also show how big the arches are to begin with. I think the standard wheels look very odd in them! I think it is going to take a lot of sales of the Q5 and I don't think the pricing is bad at all for what the car offers in presence and performance - it's just that standard trim spec on the list models that I think is going to catch a few people out. Edited August 18, 2015 by NewNiceMrMe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Chris - this is best I have. Car is still in Spain (I flew home) so I'll take one gainst my A2 when I bring it home. It is still a big old lump of a car, and there has been some real good work done to make it handle as well as it does without it breaking your back every time you show it a pot hole. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 With regards to the Diesel I've never really been a fan, I've tried and I'm still not impresed. I know they have torque and the Macan tdi is a great performer, its faster than mine by a bit and more frugal. Is what I still dont like is the short rev range and the lack of vroom vroom sounds. Porsche have come a long way with it and the oil burner doesnt sound bad, but it still short in the rev range and I guess for me the 'sports' car had to be a petrol, and it doesnt matter (for me) how much oil burner / electric / hydrogen power comes along I still like my petrol and if I could afford it then it would have been a large capcity petrol. The Petrol and deisel variants are just different and I had to have the petrol, I like the popping sounds it makes as it changes up at 7k and stuff like that. Its hard to put into words, but I just haven't accepted oil burning into my life, despite several years of trying. The 75l tank was giving me a projected range of around 900km, I didn't get close to that, because I'm also a bit conscious about filling up from empty and thus fill up at half way to always ensure a mix of fuel and not a full tank of crap fuel!!! At half way it was over 400km, so range estimate seems good. As picture above shows, its not a small car or short, but it does give a big car position with a normal car handling. If you are over zealous you can feel the weight but I had an instructor and not my car Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 18, 2015 Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 The width of the car definitely gives it presence. When I saw the blue one around here I was in the X6 and it looked small by comparison, but perhaps that is an unfair comparison. I must admit that when I asked the diesel question I was partly referring to the utter grunt of the Macan diesel. The figures, especially when rolling, are superb and the economy reports are quite special. When I heard one I thought it was a petrol. It was a properly loud roar and turned my head in a good way. Yours looks fantastic. Right colour, good wheels and I do like the fact that Porsche have given it proper privacy glass and not this lame 'hardly tinted' rubbish that a lot of other manufacturers do. The Sapphire Blue accentuates the tint too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted August 18, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 18, 2015 Interestingly as well, had the Porsche not been such a nice driving package then second choice would have been another BMW. The Q5 is not such a good ride and has inferior infotainment, so it would have been 3rd. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 Interesting comment about the Audis. I have seen a truckload of Macan's on the road here - maybe 1/2 of which are turbos - and maybe 2 SQ5s in the last few months. You've got a great vehicle SK, enjoy every mile of it! Me being old and grey will stick with my 2 "old people's" cars... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arch Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 I like that a lot. Colour is gorgeous. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biscuits Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 Great review SK and pleased to hear you are liking it. I think they've hit the nail on the head with the Mecan, not too big or small and drives like a proper premium car. Enjoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 I think they've hit the nail on the head with the Mecan Is that a similar car to the Macan, but electric? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arch Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 Is that a similar car to the Macan, but electric? I think he is talking about the Seth Effrikan version, Mr Riggs. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garcon magnifique Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 Mecan is the positive alter ego of the chap who invented Meccano. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chick Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 We went to look at these before seeing the SQ5, guy at our local porsche dealer when we arrived just gave us a look of disdain and said it was a 2 year wait ........ I'd seen a couple of the road and quite liked them - ya lucky bugger!! (probably just aswell I didn't get a test drive reading your write up, I'd still be sulking ) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted August 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 The Porsche dealers were very varied, East London, Guildford and reading were all doom mongers, but Hatfield and Silverstone were ace. Bit like Audi dealers. I spoke to MK Audi about SQ5 and still waiting for them to return my call.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chick Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 Wouldn't mind but the nearest local to us is still about a 40 min drive away!! Feckers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted August 19, 2015 Report Share Posted August 19, 2015 We are in sunny Norfolk. Parked the Mrs' Q5 next to one today. It looks loads smaller than the Q5. More Q3 size. I like them but they are a car that needs the right spec and colour to look good. Yours looks ace SK. This one didn't. It was dark blue with awful wheels. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted August 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2015 Yeah the dark blue looks vile (IMO) also. One thing I will say that I found really strange, on the drive down to Malaga. People overtaking were litterally drawing up alongside and then just stopping, staring and taking pictures - I presume they are quie rare in France and Spain or the colour is. It made some of the ddrivign quite hard because you were having to wait for people to move on before I could overtake!!! The same on the road around town, people have been stopping and pointing - its really something I have never expereience before even with some bright car colours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shao_khan Posted August 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 21, 2015 The car is a fair bit smaller than the Q5, despite being a Q5!!! The porsche guys tell me they dropped the floor pan, etc in order to bring the centre of gravity down, this means the seats are lower in the rear, and this allows the roof line to drop like it does. Boot space is smaller than the Q5 also. It drives diferently though Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chick Posted August 21, 2015 Report Share Posted August 21, 2015 Took the pup to the vets this morning for her jab (I'm getting to the relevant bit now!). Vet drives a Cayenne, thought that looked quite nice too, was black and very clean which probably helped too. Hmmmmmmmmm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted August 21, 2015 Report Share Posted August 21, 2015 Only the new shaped Cayenne looks right (finally!) - the revised front and back end look about right now. Faye, I'd argue your vet charges too much if he's driving a Cayenne Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chick Posted August 21, 2015 Report Share Posted August 21, 2015 It is his own practice, plus he's had to work for over 40 years for it! He deserves it 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Torino101 Posted August 21, 2015 Report Share Posted August 21, 2015 (edited) Faye, I'd argue your vet charges too much if he's driving a Cayenne This post is not meant to be antagonistic nor is it written in anger, as this is the precise view I see on a daily basis (even if written in jest), and would genuinely love to get some thoughts and feedback on this. This comment sums up precisely what I see on a daily basis, I'm willing to bet that had Chick written above, her "Doctor drove a Cayenne" as opposed to her vet, it would not have been commented on. I want to know why vets are held in such low regard and indeed as such, are seen that they should be charging far far lower for their services than any doctor? Remember in all this a Vet is a qualified surgeon, a GP is not.... Veterinary Medicine is a dreadfully paid profession unless you are a practice owner. I run a hospital with 6 veterinarians all over the age of 35, their cars (which is a decent indicator of wealth) are as follows: VW Polo VW Polo Sedan Merc 190 (Virtually dead) Vauxhall Corsa Nissan Qashqai Nissan Juke I suspect that would not be the line up of vehicles of the local human surgeons.... Edited August 21, 2015 by Torino101 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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