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As part of a 2021 facelift of the Macan, the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine gained an extra 20bhp thanks to a new turbocharger, bringing the total output up to 261bhp. With a 0-62mph time of just 6.4sec, it’s certainly not slow, but the six-cylinder ‘S’ isn’t much more expensive and packs quite a bit more firepower.

MACAN

The S model now has the old GTS’s 375bhp 2.9-litre V6, and is worth the modest price hike over the standard car. Not only does it offer a big step up in performance, but it also sounds much sweeter.

Against the clock, the GTS isn't a lot faster than the S, cutting the 0-62mph time from 4.8sec to 4.5sec (or 4.3 with the optional Sports Chrono Pack). The difference feels more significant than that, though, because the GTS revs out with more enthusiasm. Plus, it sounds sweeter.

The price jump between the S and GTS looks a lot more palatable when you consider all of the desirable extras that you get. These include upgraded LED headlights, 18-way powered seats with adjustable lumbar support, a sports exhaust, adaptive dampers (PASM), air suspension and a lowered ride height that improves handling. Visual changes include black side mouldings, a black grille, black bumper detailing front and rear, black 21in alloy wheels and a roof spoiler.

You get a fair bit for your money with the Macan, including 19in alloy wheels, a powered tailgate, cruise control, part-Alcantara seats (with eight-way electric adjustment on the driver’s side), three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and a 10-speaker 150-watt stereo. Standard safety kit includes lane-departure warning, the usual range of electronic traction and stability aids, and a system that automatically activates the brakes if you’ve just had a collision to reduce the likelihood of rolling into another vehicle.

Like the standard Macan, the S includes a powered tailgate, cruise control, part-Alcantara seats (with eight-way electric adjustment on the driver’s side), three-zone climate control, front and rear parking sensors, and a 10-speaker 150-watt stereo. It does, however, get 20in alloy wheels rather than 19s.

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

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