In the revised Porsche Macan line-up, we have the two 'regular' (for want of a much better word) models, in the form of the 2.0-litre four-pot and V6 354hp S, and then we have the 'capital T' Turbo, which develops 440hp and 550Nm. Can you spot a gap in this array anywhere? Somewhere you could cram in the most 'driver-focused' Macan of the lot? Nope, we reckon Porsche is pretty covered on this score, but Stuttgart reckons different. So say a big, cheerful hello to the Macan GTS. It slots in between the S and the Turbo, and it uses a detuned derivation of the latter's 2.9-litre V6 biturbo motor, rather than the former's 3.0-litre V6 turbo motor. Confusing? A little bit. But here's the good news: the GTS has 380hp and 520Nm, increases of 20hp and 20Nm over the pre-facelift GTS model, and it'll run 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 162mph. It employs a revised seven-speed PDK dual-clutch gearbox and Porsche Traction Management AWD to deliver the power to the wheels, which are satin-gloss 20-inch RS Spyder Design alloys. Brakes are large 360 x 36mm front, 330 x 22mm rear discs gripped by red callipers, with the option to upgrade to either tungsten-carbide-coated Porsche Surface Coated Brakes (PSCB) or the full-on Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes (PCCB) kit. The Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) dampers on the GTS have been specifically retuned and the chassis sits 15mm lower than on other Macans, or even another 10mm lower than that if you opt for adaptive air suspension on top. A sports exhaust system is standard, as is the exterior Sport Design Package, lots of black body detailing, quad exit tips beneath the rear bumper, 'GTS' boot badging, darkened head- and taillights, an interior replete with Sports front seats, lots of Alcantara and black-brushed aluminium trim fillets, and the option to fit things like a Bose Surround Sound system and adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist. Porsche says the Macan GTS will return 25mpg on the WLTP cycle and CO₂ emissions are currently rated at 218g/km. This sporty SUV is available to order in Porsche Centres right now, with the price starting at £58,816.

Matt Robinson - 17 Dec 2019