Owners of big SUVs do not have it easy these days, what with the worldwide eco-conscious trend. Increasingly, these vehicles are seen as inappropriate and politically incorrect, even though their inherent cabin practicality is useful for families with kids in tow.
They are widely criticised for their poorer fuel economy compared to smaller cars, whose drivers have pointed out how much space these vehicles tend to occupy. Of course, cases of SUVs bullying their way through traffic and squeezing other cars in neighbouring lots have only worsened their reputation.
But here is one big SUV that might change negative opinions – the Porsche Cayenne Diesel. Despite being 4.8m long, weighing a hefty 2.1 tonnes and having permanent four-wheel drive, the Porsche Cayenne Diesel can travel up to 12.8 kilometres on a litre of diesel (13.5km when equipped with the optional Auto Start/Stop function). That’s even better than the 2-litre Nissan Qashqai.
The large, heavy Porsche Cayenne Diesel drinks fuel like a compact crossover, but it hits 100km/h from a standstill in 7.8 seconds thanks to the torquey 3-litre V6 turbo-diesel under the bonnet. The oil-burner clatter is noticeable upon start-up, but once you’re on the move, there’s only one giveaway to the fact that this is a diesel car.
That indication is the whopping 550Nm of torque, which makes you feel like you’re riding the crest of a massive wave. Give the turbocharger (which features Variable Turbine Geometry) a moment to spool up and you’ll be rewarded with all the overtaking power you need.
A softly played soundtrack of whooshing and whistling accompanies the action. Getting this power down is the decently quick 8-speed automatic, which beckons you to initiate shifts yourself via the paddles behind the steering wheel.
Porsche claims that the turbo-diesel engine is so clean that it even does away with the particulate filter.
Equally dynamic is the PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) system, which continually adjusts damping forces according to driving style and driving conditions. It works in conjunction with PTM (Porsche Traction Management), which brakes the inside rear wheel when cornering to enhance handling stability.
The Porsche Cayenne Diesel might not resolve complaints about SUVs crowding out smaller vehicles in suburbia, but its running efficiency and mechanical cleanliness make it more acceptable to the green motoring brigade.
Porsche Cayenne Diesel 3.0 (A)
ENGINE 2967cc, 24-valves, V6, turbo-diesel
MAX POWER 240bhp at 4000rpm
MAX TORQUE 550Nm at 2000-2250rpm
GEARBOX 8-speed automatic with manual select
0-100KM/H 7.8 seconds
TOP SPEED 218km/h
CONSUMPTION 12.8km/L (combined)
PRICE INCL. COE $297,889 (as of May 2011)
Check out the latest Porsche Cayenne
