2016 Porsche Macan – Updated Variant Launched in Malaysia; Priced from RM435k (est)

Porsche’s entry-level compact SUV, the Macan, has received a round of minor updates in the form of improved infotainment, overall equipment, and the introduction of a revised engine for the entry-level variant.

Mechanically related to the Audi Q5, the base Macan’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine is a member of the much-vaunted EA888 series that is featured in a variety of high performance models across the greater Volkswagen Group.

This updated version of the Macan, however, gets a bespoke Porsche-only tuning of the engine, calibrated in this application to yield 252hp from 5,000 to 6,800rpm and 370Nm from 1,600 to 4,500rpm. Previously, this version of the Macan made do with 237hp and 350Nm.

These mild bumps in outputs has helped shave 0.2 seconds off the base Macan’s century sprint, helping it clock triple digits from rest in 6.7 seconds; and also eke an extra 6 km/h of top speed, maxing out at 229 km/h. Customers who opt for the Sport Chrono Package shave a further 0.2 seconds off the benchmark sprint.

Fuel consumption is maintained at 7.2 to 7.4 litres/100km thereabouts depending on the wheel/tyre combination selected by the customer.

As before, the Macan comes standard with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission mounted longitudinally with the engine to distribute power to all fours.

From the outside, onlookers can distinguish the new enhanced Macan from the existing model by inspecting its headlights, which get new ‘hovering’ four-point LED daytime running lights. The lighting unit can be further enhanced with dynamic LED headlights as an optional extra.

Central to the enhanced Macan’s is the updated Porsche Communication Management (PCM) infotainment system that is being made standard across the Macan range. It has a 7-inch high-res touchscreen and offers phone mirroring for iPhones via Apple CarPlay. In the bigger picture, the new generation PCM system will be made available across the entire Porsche range within the not-too-distant future.

Confirmed prices of the updated Macan have yet to be announced, but the new based model with its enhanced engine is estimated to go for RM435,000 before optional extras.