Cars & Autos | Thursday 21 March, 2019 12:39 am |

Following a comprehensive upgrade,one of Porsche’s most popular models, the Macan, has been showcased to the Saudi Arabian public for the first time. With performance credentials that underline the model’s position as the true sports car in its segment, the latest generation has made its debut in the Kingdom at the EXCS International Luxury Motor Show in Jeddah. Car enthusiasts visiting the Porsche Saudi Arabia stand will be able to see how the compact SUV has evolved in terms of comfort and driving dynamics at the Jeddah Hilton from March 15 to 17.

 

Commenting on the Macan’s launch at the popular annual automobile event, Mark Sinclair, General Manager of Porsche Saudi Arabia, SAMACO, said: “The Macan has been one of our most successful series in Saudi Arabia and with the new generationcombining even more pronounced Porsche DNA, greater performance and comfort, I am confident that the success story is sure to continue.The new range offers the perfect balance of emotions and functionality, and I am delighted to be welcoming the first variants to the market. I believe that the Macan is the most exciting compact SUV on the market. It is a true sports car at heart so showcasing it here at the EXCS International Luxury Motor Show is the perfect place to launch.”

 

Two engine versions available at launch, the Macan and the more powerful Macan S.

The Macan comes to the starting line with an enhanced 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 252 hp and delivering a maximum torque of 370 Nm. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds (when equipped with the optional Sport Chrono Package) and reaches a top speed of 227 km/h. The Macan S is powered by a new V6 engine, which was first introduced in the new generations of the Panamera and Cayenne. The high-tech power unit produces 354 hp (an increase of 14 hp compared to its predecessor) and a torque output of 480 Nm. As a result, acceleration to 100 km/h is just 5.1 seconds with the optional Sport Chrono Package; its top speed is 254 km/h. 

 

The vehicle dynamics of the Macan remain a principal feature. The revamped chassis increases driving pleasure, offering stability and improved comfort thanks to newly developed mixed-size tyres, enhanced brakes and the intelligent all-wheel drive Porsche Traction Management (PTM) system. All combined, the Macan feels even more like a sports car than ever before. 

 

The range of standard equipment has been further enhanced, thus increasing the attractiveness of the new model. Customers can now enjoy features, such as a panoramic sunroof, automatically dimming mirrors and ParkAssist with reversing camera in front and rear, at no extra costs. 

 

A further evolved design language is visible in the new Macan, giving it an even more distinctive and confident appearance. The front end of the Macan has been comprehensively revamped and now appears wider. Redesigned main headlights feature LED technology as standard, whilst a three-dimensional LED light panel on the rear of the vehicle is also incorporated in the new range. Drivers have more scope to express their personality too with the addition of four exterior colours – Mamba Green Metallic, Dolomite Silver Metallic, Miami Blue and Crayon.

 

Inside, the new Macan offers high-quality equipment as standard. The seat surfaces are covered with Alcantara® and the steering wheel, selector lever and armrests are finished in leather with additional full-leather interiors also optionally available. Porsche’s sports car DNA can be found throughout. The optional GT sports steering wheel echoes the Porsche 911, whilst a mode switch integrated into the steering wheel – including Sport Response button – is part of the optional Sport Chrono Package and was originally used in the Porsche 918 Spyder super sports car. Enhanced functionality comes via the new Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system, including a 10.9-inch touchscreen(increased from 7.2 inches) as standard.

 

Also, on display at EXCS is the Cayenne E3, the best selling Porsche of 2018 in Saudi Arabia, and the 911 GT3 RS. The iconic 911 enjoyed a surge of interest in the Kingdom last year with sales on the increase. The Porsche stand, E155, is located in the main hall of the Jeddah Hilton and underlines the brand’s commitment to the EXCS International Luxury Motor Show. The event, now in its 12thyear, is open to the public from March 15 to 17.