Two and a halfyears since Porsche SA introduced a facelifted version of the Macan, the Zuffenhausen-based brand has rolled out another update to itsexecutive SUV range, which includes detail upgrades as well as a consolidated line-up of derivatives.

From an aesthetic point of view, the Macan looks much like before, but eagle-eyed observers will spot that black trim on the front bumper has been redesigned, the LED daytime running lights have been repositioned and the dark cladding strips on the flanks of the vehicle feature a 3Dtextured surface.

At the rear, Porsche’s smallest SUV now features an enlarged diffuser that stretches the width of the bumper, while larger alloy wheels (19-inch for the Macan, 20-inch for the Macan S and 21-inch for the Macan GTS), LED headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS) and Sport Design side mirrors and are standard across the range. What’s more, Porsche has availed 7 new alloy wheel designs and there are 14 exterior colours to choose from.

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The Macan range now comprises a trio of derivatives; the previous line-up’s Turbo has been dropped, but, technically, only in name, because the Macan S now features the outgoing Macan GTS’ 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6, while the updated Macan GTS matches the old Turbo’s peak outputs of 324 kW and 550 Nm (also produced by the aforementioned powerplant).

All versions of the Porsche Macan feature the firm’s 7-speed dual-clutch (PDK) automatic transmission as well as the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel-drive system.

The standard Macan is powered by a newly developed 2.0-litre4-cylinder turbopetrol motor, which produces 10 kW and 30 Nm more than before. With its new maximum outputs of 195 kW and 400 Nm of torque, the Macan is claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 kph in 6.2 sec (with the optional Sport Chrono package) and go on to a top speed of 232 kph.

By virtue of switching from a 3.0-litre single-turbo V6 to a 2.9-litre twin-turbo unit, the Macan S now produces 20 kW and 40 Nm more for peak outputs of 280 kW and 520 Nm. The S version is said to accelerate from standstill to 100 kph in 4.6 sec (with the optional Sport Chrono package) with a top speed of 259 kph, while the range-topping Macan GTS is comparatively 0.3 sec quicker (with the standard Sport Chrono package) and 13 kph faster.

Meanwhile, the damper characteristics of the Porsche Active Suspension Management (standard on the Macan S and GTS derivatives, but optional on the Macan) have been re-adapted and the flagship version features a 10-mm lowered sports suspension with air springs as standard.

Porsche says the sports air suspension is 10% and 15% firmer on the front and rear axle respectively while the optional GTS Sport package (available exclusively on the GTS version) incorporates 21-inch GT design wheels with performance tyres, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and the Sport Chrono package.

Inside, the Macan features the new multifunction GT Sport steering wheel from the 911, a shorter transmission lever, an analogue clock atop the dashboard (as standard), plus optional leather upholstery and contrasting seam packages (available in Gentian Blue, Papaya or Crayon).

The user interface now incorporates touch-sensitive surfaces instead of tactile buttons, as well as a 10.9-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with Porsche Communication Management.

Buyers who specify the GTS Sport package on the updated GTS derivative will benefit from 18-way power-adjustable front sports seats, Race-Tex and extended leather upholstery (with contrast stitching and GTS lettering in Python Green) and carbon-fibre interior trim.

South African deliveries of the updated Macan will commence in January 2022.

Prices of Porsche Macan (2022) in SA:

Prices include a 3-year/100 000 km maintenance plan.

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