The facelifted Porsche Macan, which was recently spotted while undergoing tests in South Africa, has been unveiled in China. The Zuffenhausen-based firm’s updated executive SUV is expected to land in South Africa in mid-2019.

Although Porsche stressed that the version that was showcased in Shanghai was exclusive to the Chinese market, where the Macan has been particularly successful sales-wise, what you see here is unlikely to be very different to the version that will be offered locally/in other markets.

The updated Macan’s restyled front end appears visually wider and is adorned with (standard) LED headlights that can be specced up with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS), which adaptively controls light distribution. The rear end, in turn, features a 3-part, three-dimensional LED light strip and brake lights with 4-point integral design elements.

Visual highlights of the Macan's interior includean 11-inch HD touchscreen interface and the (optional) GT sports steering wheel.

The newcomer’s upgraded interior is dominated by the inclusion of an 11-inch high-definition touchscreen for the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system, which incorporates a Connect Plus module with app support, intelligent voice control technology and can be customised using predefined tiles. According to reports, systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist will be offered too.

Apart from re-designed and -positioned air vents, the interior is largely unchanged, save for the addition of a heated windscreen, an air-ioniser (to improve air quality in the Porsche's cabin) and a GT sports steering wheel (as seen on the 911), which features an integrated mode switch, as well as a Sport Response Button, as part of the optional Sports Chrono Package.

More powerful, efficient engine line-up mooted

The Macan’s integral multi-plate-clutch 4-wheel drive system is carried over and while Porsche has not released details of the newcomer’s engine line-up (yet), a video that was recently posted by the manufacturer (below) suggests that the range’s 2.0- and 3.0-litre turbopetrol engines, mated with a 7-speed dual-clutchautomaticwith steering wheel-mounted shift paddles, have been improved for higher outputs and better efficiency.

In conclusion, Porsche says the Macan's chassis has been “fine-tuned” to deliver enhanced neutral handling, “while maintaining stability and improving comfort”, allowing the driver “to take full advantage of the intelligent Porsche Traction Management (PTM) when it comes to driving dynamics”. Newly developed tyres with improved performance characteristics (to fit 20 and 21-inch wheels) “enable even better lateral dynamics”.

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