FIRSTDRIVE PORSCHE CAYENNE DIESEL:Even Porsche is bowing down to demand with a diesel-powers Cayenne. Shane O'Donoghuediscovers that it's teh pick of the SUV range for Irish buyers
ONCE UPON a time, the idea of an SUV bearing the coveted Porsche badge would have been sacrilege, never mind one that fills up at the black pump. How times have changed. The new Cayenne diesel has just gone on sale in Ireland and it’s the only sensible version to go for – unless you’re one of the few unaffected by the great recession.
Porsche couldn’t risk its reputation on a car built solely in the pursuit of reduced fuel consumption – and it didn’t need to, as turbodiesel technology has moved forward at a tremendous pace in recent years.
The Cayenne diesel borrows the 3.0 V6 TDI unit from its sister SUV, the VW Touareg, and one of its defining features is clever variable turbine geometry (VTG). It alters the shape of the blades in the turbocharger according to engine speed and load, with the effect of negating lag low-down, while maintaining top-end performance.
So-equipped, the vehicle boasts a modest 236bhp (which you wouldn’t write home about), but the maximum torque of 550Nm is worth putting pen to paper for. To put that in perspective, it’s more than the 4.8-litre V8 powered Cayenne GTS musters – and significantly more than the V6 petrol Cayenne has at its disposal.
Until now, that V6 Cayenne represented entry-level Porsche SUV ownership and, though it’s still cheaper than the diesel model, a quick glance at the specifications reveals the petrol version is now more or less irrelevant. The diesel variant is quicker accelerating yet emits less carbon dioxide (244g/km versus 310g/km) and uses nearly four litres less fuel per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle.
You can be sure that the diesel model’s economy advantage will be stretched even further in the real world – it’s no wonder diesel sales are set to account for 90 per cent of all SUV sales in Europe this year.
Despite all the technology that has been thrown at the diesel engine, it’s difficult to disguise the characteristic start-up clatter and the high-pressure combustion noise when at full performance. Porsche recognises this and, in a bid to insulate the occupants from the engine, has fitted a thicker windscreen to the Cayenne diesel – along with extra sound-deadening material under the bonnet.
The result is a hushed cockpit and good isolation from the outside world – and the engine – when on the move. Only when you use the upper reaches of the rev counter does the turbodiesel become audible, even then making an acceptable V6-like sound. Wind and road noise dominate proceedings at motorway speeds, as with all big-tyred and bluff SUVs.
Other than the noise from beneath the bonnet and exhaust pipes, there are no external clues that indicate the presence of a diesel engine in this Cayenne, while the interior is more or less unchanged, but for a lower redline on the rev counter.
It’s a spacious car – as you’d hope, given its sheer size – and though it’s a neat design with plenty of standard equipment, it doesn’t exude quite the same quality as, for instance, the Porsche 911 does. In comparison to its potential rivals it fares better, but doesn’t stand out.
What few people remain with (a) a luxury SUV in mind and (b) money in their pockets have plenty of choice in today’s market. VW will sell you a Touareg with the same 3.0 TDI engine Porsche uses for a good deal less, while BMW’s X5 makes a compelling case too, offering even more impressive emissions and economy for about the same price and performance. The Cayenne diesel sits between the full-fat and Sport versions of the Range Rover – likewise the GL and M Class Mercedes-Benz models.
The only question that remains is whether or not the Cayenne diesel is a real Porsche. Few of those listed rivals – BMW aside – offers a truly dynamic drive on the road, which is precisely where the Porsche holds its winning ace.
In spite of its gargantuan dimensions, the Cayenne really is an enjoyable car to drive. The driving position is set quite far forward which, in conjunction with well-weighted steering, helps disguise the car’s mass and size. Needless to say, there is precious little feel through the rim of the steering wheel, but this really is an SUV that can cope with hustling as well as it can with cruising.
Adaptive air suspension helps its cause no end, allowing the driver to select Normal, Comfort or Sport settings, with the throttle and transmission strategies also switchable, depending on your mood.
The six-speed automatic is the only gearbox option and there’s no need for any other, though we can’t stand the manual over-ride switches on the steering wheel.
There’s no need to manually shift in most situations, as the engine’s considerable mid-range urge ensures there’s plenty of go, without revving to the redline. That’ll assist fuel economy further and makes for a relaxing drive to boot.
With a massive 100-litre fuel tank, the Cayenne diesel can potentially cover over 1,000km between fills – for many Irish motorists, this would mean a trip to the service station every two weeks or so.
That fuel economy is incentive enough to plump for the Cayenne diesel as opposed to a petrol-powered alternative, but thankfully it’s not the only reason to do so. This is still a Porsche, albeit one that takes the form of a diesel-powered SUV.
PORSCHE CAYENNE DIESEL
Engine:3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel
Peak power:236bhp
Peak torque:550Nm
Transmission:Tiptronic S automatic
0-100km/h:8.3 secs
CO2 emissions:144g/km
Fuel economy:9.3l/100km
Price:€93,270