New Porsche Macan debuts fresh engine and greater thirst

FAMED sports car brand’s new SUV falls flat in one unexpected area.

2018 Porsche Macan.

PORSCHE has released details of the new Macan, the maker’s cheapest and most popular model.

The Stuttgart brand is best known for its high-powered sports cars but its latest model goes against the grain.

New Porsche Macan brings a significant increase in fuel use compared to the outgoing version.

Priced from $81,400 (before on-road costs) the latest version of the entry-level Macan scores a new 2.0-litre turbo engine — outputs are 185kW/370Nm which is delivered to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

In an odd move, the new engine also comes with a jump in fuel consumption from a claimed 7.4L/100km to 8.1L/100km. This is in part due to the new real world emissions testing procedure in Europe.

The Macan also produces 5kW less than the outgoing version.

The Macan may not represent the brand’s peak performance but Porsche certainly ups the style factor.

A new exterior design retains the typical Porsche front end but a remade rear end is highlighted by a new LED brake light that runs the width of the car.

Interior upgrades in the spotlight are a new 11-inch touchscreen, up from the previous seven-inch display.

The new screen displays upgraded infotainment technology and includes navigation and voice control along with Apple CarPlay and a reversing camera with 360-degree surround view.

2018 Porsche Macan.

The Macan range expands with the more performance focused S, GTS and Turbo variants. The new entry-level model is now available to order in Australia.