What is it?

It’s the diesel version of Porsche’s second, smaller, Audi Q5-based compact SUV. It’s aimed at SME directors either looking to trade down from full-size SUVs, or as an alternative to an executive saloon.

The Macan is designed to offer the driving experience of the 911, Boxster and Cayman in a practical, compact SUV body.

The underpinnings of this £43,300 Macan are based on the Q5 (Porsche is part of the Volkswagen Group empire), but don’t go thinking this is any re-badged Audi. Porsche has reworked or replaced two-thirds of the components to make a compact SUV good enough to be benchmarked against the legendary 911.

To emphasise further the Macan’s sporting DNA, the Diesel S is available with optional air suspension that lowers the car by 25mm, to improve the centre of gravity and thus sharpen the already excellent handling.