[BnB]

Having a long history of Pork I popped into my local OPC and had a little play in one of these yesterday.

What a disappointment.

There's no question it handles well for a SUV but you simply cannot escape the sensation that it is bludgeoning the laws of physics with every kilo of its 2 tonnes in order to handle as well as it does. I thought my 340i was a bit lardy but damn the boss Macan felt heavy. Even the steering, which, like the F31's, is completely devoid of feel, was way too weighty.

The Beemer is definitely a better driver's car to my taste.

[Kev312]

Why are you confusing an SUV with a sedan?

[Tengocity]

That's interesting actually. I've been debating with Mrs Tengocity about what to eventually replace the 335d with and a Macan was on the list along with new X3 and maybe new 3 when it's out.
The way the reviews read I am expecting the Macan to feel better than my 335d... perhaps too much to ask for.

[Postcab]

I tried the Mecan 2.0T with air suspension and 19" alloys for 24 hours and thought it was really good. Yes you could tell it had a 'slightly' higher CofG but the way it went down the road was very impressive.

In other words, I suspect like most cars these are spec sensitive.

[BnB]

Originally Posted by Kev312

Why are you confusing an SUV with a sedan?

I'm not. I'm comparing a low slung load carrier with a high riding one that costs twice as much. Both are valid choices for my lifestyle

[Drek]

I went through this pain a few months ago and was left disappointed. I had a wobble with the 335d and decided I needed some Porsche in my life but the only cars that would do it would be the Cayenne or Macan (because dog). Dismissed the Cayenne as it was too big and settled on a Macan. Had a diesel for 24 hours and to be blunt, it was horrible power-wise. Nice place to sit and all that but hopelessly underpowered. Then had a go in a petrol S, much better but still slow. Lastly, had a blast in a GTS which I really liked but the prices were just silly.

Each and every time I got back in the 335d I was amazed at how quick it was and also how much more focused it felt. The interior was a let down and it was definitely noisier but as a driver's car it's much better than the Macan. The tech is much better too, no HUD on any Porsche for example. As an SUV it's the top dog for a drive but it's compromised simply because of its size (and cost). All said, it's a fine car and if I was in the market for an SUV only then this is likely to be the one I'd go for but as a substitute, nope.

Ultimately, I was trying to find a car that would do everything for me; long runs in Europe, carry the hound and be fun for me to take it out for a hoon. It was actually Tengocity who asked the right question of me some months ago and it was along the lines of, 'Would a Macan make you get up early on a Sunday morning to go for a spirited hoon?' And do you know what? It wouldn't.

[BnB]

Originally Posted by Postcab

I tried the Mecan 2.0T with air suspension and 19" alloys for 24 hours and thought it was really good. Yes you could tell it had a 'slightly' higher CofG but the way it went down the road was very impressive.

In other words, I suspect like most cars these are spec sensitive.

This was on steel springs and 21" wheels. A lighter Macan GTS on standard 19s and air suspension might well have felt different but that weight is hard to hide.

It wasn't that the Turbo rolled a lot. In fact it has conspicuously better body control than the 340i. But you could feel the sheer bulk of the thing rotating around the centre of moment (or whatever engineers call it). If that thing ever broke traction it would take a couple of bridges down with it.

Quite interested to see how much lighter Alfa can make the Stelvio Qf. It's some 200kg lighter when comparing the cooking versions. Ride height is still going to exaggerate the rotating mass however.

I'd hoped that a bonkers SUV might be next up in the stable but I'm not so sure now. The F31 is holding up its end well. Just needs a more focused suspension.

[BnB]

Originally Posted by Drek

I went through this pain a few months ago and was left disappointed. I had a wobble with the 335d and decided I needed some Porsche in my life but the only cars that would do it would be the Cayenne or Macan (because dog). Dismissed the Cayenne as it was too big and settled on a Macan. Had a diesel for 24 hours and to be blunt, it was horrible power-wise. Nice place to sit and all that but hopelessly underpowered. Then had a go in a petrol S, much better but still slow. Lastly, had a blast in a GTS which I really liked but the prices were just silly.

Each and every time I got back in the 335d I was amazed at how quick it was and also how much more focused it felt. The interior was a let down and it was definitely noisier but as a driver's car it's much better than the Macan. The tech is much better too, no HUD on any Porsche for example. As an SUV it's the top dog for a drive but it's compromised simply because of its size (and cost). All said, it's a fine car and if I was in the market for an SUV only then this is likely to be the one I'd go for but as a substitute, nope.

Ultimately, I was trying to find a car that would do everything for me; long runs in Europe, carry the hound and be fun for me to take it out for a hoon. It was actually Tengocity who asked the right question of me some months ago and it was along the lines of, 'Would a Macan make you get up early on a Sunday morning to go for a spirited hoon?' And do you know what? It wouldn't.

Yep. That sums it up. I used to find excuses to take my Cayman or 911 for a jaunt. The Macan isn't tugging at me in the same way. In fact the tech is pretty bad with poorly placed buttons and weak functionality. I fully expect the next gen to confront those issues however, albeit also introduce new ones in true Porsche style.

My business partner envies his wife's Macan so much that he's got one for himself. A 2 Macan family no less!!

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by Drek

Ultimately, I was trying to find a car that would do everything for me; long runs in Europe, carry the hound and be fun for me to take it out for a hoon. It was actually Tengocity who asked the right question of me some months ago and it was along the lines of, 'Would a Macan make you get up early on a Sunday morning to go for a spirited hoon?' And do you know what? It wouldn't.

Question is, what would do all the things you want and make you get up early on a Sunday morning just to go for a hoon; probably not too many cars out there that would fulfil all the criteria?!

Possibly a B3S Touring or C63 estate but, much as I'd love either as a daily driver, I'm not sure I'd get up early just to take one of those for a hoon; think I'd need something more like a Caterham or Elise to tempt me to do that....

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by JNW1

Question is, what would do all the things you want and make you get up early on a Sunday morning just to go for a hoon; probably not too many cars out there that would fulfil all the criteria?!

Possibly a B3S Touring or C63 estate but, much as I'd love either as a daily driver, I'm not sure I'd get up early just to take one of those for a hoon; think I'd need something more like a Caterham or Elise to tempt me to do that....

I think that's a very good point, and a question that I've been unable to find an answer to through one car alone.
I just wish that BMW made more performance oriented estate cars than they do.

[Postcab]

Originally Posted by Drek

Ultimately, I was trying to find a car that would do everything for me; long runs in Europe, carry the hound and be fun for me to take it out for a hoon. It was actually Tengocity who asked the right question of me some months ago and it was along the lines of, 'Would a Macan make you get up early on a Sunday morning to go for a spirited hoon?' And do you know what? It wouldn't.

Unfortunately, I don't think that car exists.

For me the F30/31 and F80 etc are just too big and heavy for a good 'hoon' on UK roads.

Therefore, I think you're left with the need for 2 cars. One DD for which the Mecan would be good candidate (as is the F30/31) and the other a hoonmobile for the weekend. That's the way I went .

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by Postcab

For me the F30/31 and F80 etc are just too big and heavy for a good 'hoon' on UK roads.

Yes, for me I think one of the stipulations for a fun car in which to go for a hoon would be it shouldn't weigh too much; anything over 1,500kg is getting too lardy IMO and ideally I'd want something lighter than that (hence my previous reference to a Caterham or a Elise).

[Drek]

Originally Posted by JNW1

Possibly a B3S Touring or C63 estate but, much as I'd love either as a daily driver, I'm not sure I'd get up early just to take one of those for a hoon; think I'd need something more like a Caterham or Elise to tempt me to do that....

The C63 did appeal, start up on a cold engine - gorgeous. Unfortunately Mrs Drek's green leanings put paid to that particular avenue of pleasure. But again, special enough for an early morning blat? Not so sure. If it wasn't for the fact that I'm buggering off overseas imminently I think there would be a Caterham in the fleet. I do like a Boxster though..

[1966-TR4]

Originally Posted by JNW1

Question is, what would do all the things you want and make you get up early on a Sunday morning just to go for a hoon; probably not too many cars out there that would fulfil all the criteria?!

Possibly a B3S Touring or C63 estate but, much as I'd love either as a daily driver, I'm not sure I'd get up early just to take one of those for a hoon; think I'd need something more like a Caterham or Elise to tempt me to do that....

It wouldn't suit everyone, but for me the answer to this has been classic 2 seaters. A few subtle modifications in the interests of reliability and handling - electronic ignition module instead of points and condenser being the main one - and you will have a car which is engaging and rewarding to drive in a way that few moderns will match, and which can be hooned without reaching silly speeds.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by 1966-TR4

It wouldn't suit everyone, but for me the answer to this has been classic 2 seaters. A few subtle modifications in the interests of reliability and handling - electronic ignition module instead of points and condenser being the main one - and you will have a car which is engaging and rewarding to drive in a way that few moderns will match, and which can be hooned without reaching silly speeds.

I can also see the merit in that approach!

[JustChris]

Hmmm. Pretty sure the Macao is an SUV? : I know it's fast in a straight line but what are we expecting here?

[BnB]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Hmmm. Pretty sure the Macao is an SUV? : I know it's fast in a straight line but what are we expecting here?

You read any review, or the Porsche marketing for that matter, they say it handles like a sports car. It doesn't.

[JustChris]

Originally Posted by BnB

You read any review, or the Porsche marketing for that matter, they say it handles like a sports car. It doesn't.

Yeah ok I know what you mean. I drive the P and D versions of the S. Was really nice, exactly as expected but nope, nothing like a sports car.

[Postcab]

Originally Posted by BnB

You read any review, or the Porsche marketing for that matter, they say it handles like a sports car. It doesn't.

And BMW say they build the ultimate driving machine...

[Tengocity]

The Alfa Stelvio is now the fastest SUV round the ring now:

https://youtu.be/HrU00xoUy8A

Watching the video it kinda looked fun, but not like a sports car! He could take massive liberties with the kerbs, and it looked pretty squirmy under heavy braking. Nevertheless, no doubts it's brutally fast, but not sure how enjoyable it would be a normal speeds on the public road.

[Drek]

Impressive stuff, I'm not sure I have the minerals to do it at half the speed!

[bodtwo]

Originally Posted by 1966-TR4

It wouldn't suit everyone, but for me the answer to this has been classic 2 seaters. A few subtle modifications in the interests of reliability and handling - electronic ignition module instead of points and condenser being the main one - and you will have a car which is engaging and rewarding to drive in a way that few moderns will match, and which can be hooned without reaching silly speeds.

I like that very much, maybe the onset of greyness in me!