Porsche Cayenne – The Hot Travel Companion

Many of us enjoy a spot of relaxing countryside drive on our day off, sometimes throttling a bit more enthusiastically but in the end, it is about appreciating the combination of sights and sounds of machine and nature. And many a time, we enjoy this chillaxing journey on our own or with a companion. But there are times when it is just more fun to have a larger group of people in the car with you. You may even want to stop to savour small town delicacies, and do a bit of shopping to boost rural economy. And this is the time you opt to leave your Cayman or 911 at home. Because it isn’t easy to fit a dozen durian (or cempedak; we don’t discriminate) in it.

Fast and Familiar

Perhaps it is for this reason that Porsche thought up the Cayenne, its first sport luxury SUV. And also its first four-door vehicle as well as first off-roader (not counting the tractors they used to make). And though it was a revolution back in 2003, every subsequent generation since then (we are now in the third generation) has been an evolution. This strategy presents a few benefits. For one, it maintains a recognisable look, even when there are significant physical changes or refinements. Porsche has gone down this same road since the 911, taking a model and commiting to improving it generation after generation, making it lighter, stronger, faster, and these days, more efficient. And this is what makes a model iconic, and not many have complained.

This brings us to the next benefit, which can be considered an offshoot of the first one, and that is the predictability factor. This is probably best enjoyed by an owner who keeps updating to the next new Porsche. As mentioned, Porsche tends to make refinements rather than throw things out for something completely new. We are talking about the overall user experience rather than any specific technology. There is a built-in familiarity in Porsches that spans across its model range, allowing for owners of multiple Porsches to jump from one to another and instinctively get to it. Perhaps this is also the reason some people want to own multiple Porsches. We are of course, making an assumption the typical Porsche owner will have more than a handful of cars in the driveway. The ability to quickly switch from a two-door to a four-door when the situation dictates, and not having to remember where a certain button or knob is, is certainly appealing.

And the appeal goes beyond its looks and usability, and into its driving. As cliche as it sounds, this SUV drives like a car. A sports car. For up to five people, at once. Something a sports car is incapable of. Even the base Cayenne is more than capable. With a 3-litre V6 pushing 340PS and 450Nm, one can easily take it from relaxing to rousing in a matter of seconds. The Cayenne will accelerate from standstill to 100km/h in 6.2 seconds. Thus, whether you are out for an easy drive on the B-roads, or commuting to the office, or a quick dash on the highway, the powertrain is a predictable and consistent performer.

The adaptive air suspension with leveling and height adjustment, and Porsche Active Suspension Management, as well as the Porsche Stability Management work in real time to tackle the humps and bumps to keep the ride comfortable for the occupants. That comfort is bolstered by some very supportive seats in front, and ample legroom in the rear, along with a four-zone climate control, among others. Moreover, the 90-litre fuel tank and the rated average consumption of 9.2 l/100km ensure the ability to go the distance.

Make Your Own Adventure

And if your day out includes an off-road frolic, then the Cayenne is the only Porsche you can take away from the tarmac. The air suspension can raise its ground clearance from 190mm to 245mm, allowing for some adventurous excursions, like to a picnic on a quiet beach, or into a durian orchard. Some trivia: the distance between the ground and water-sensitive parts is 530mm, and boot space is a voluminous 772 litres. Keeping you away from being lost is the navigation feature of the Porsche Communication system, though you can also connect via Apple CarPlay to your favourite navigation app.

The Porsche Cayenne definitely defines the ‘Sport’ in ‘Sport Utility Vehicle’, combining the 911’s DNA in a body that is versatile enough to carry goods and people, be it on the road or off it. This very character of the Cayenne was once a hot debate topic among enthusiasts, but the fact that other sports car and premium brands have come up with their own version of the Cayenne is proof of the great influence it has.