Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Sporty challenger mixes surprising efficiency with driving fun
The Cayenne is still a great handling SUV, yet a firm ride means it can’t match the all-round talents of the Range Rover Sport. While it’s cheaper to buy and run than its rival, it’s nowhere near as well equipped and doesn’t feel as luxurious or special in comparison.
Purists may shudder at the thought of a Porsche diesel SUV, but if it wasn’t for sales of the Cayenne Diesel, the company wouldn’t be able to invest as much as it does in developing dedicated sports cars.
Integrating Porsche’s trademark styling cues into a 4x4 hasn’t been entirely successful, yet the latest Cayenne looks better than previous models, and £3,779 optional 21-inch alloys give our a test model a racier appearance. Inside, the dashboard is awash with buttons, which take a bit of getting used to, but they’re laid out in an orderly fashion. The metal finish on the centre console adds a classy touch.
Despite the Cayenne’s raised ride height, a low seating position gives it a sporty feel, and this is enhanced by the thick-rimmed steering wheel and metal shift paddles. While it’s spacious enough, it just doesn’t feel as roomy as the Range Rover: you can’t stretch out in the same way. The boot is smaller than its rival’s, too, and a powered tailgate is £445.
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Cash £29,300The Porsche’s 245bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel is 43bhp less powerful than the Range Rover’s, but a lower kerbweight and slightly shorter gearing meant the Cayenne was faster in our performance tests. It has an eight-speed gearbox, too, and responds very quickly to a prod of the accelerator pedal.
As you’d expect, the car really excels on twisty roads. Petrol Cayennes are known for delivering sharp handling that defies their size and weight, and the Diesel is the same.
Fast, direct steering means turn-in is sharp, and there’s plenty of grip thanks to the four- wheel drive. The standard Cayenne Diesel has conventional steel springs and dampers, rather than the air-suspension you get on the Range Rover. And while the Porsche rolls a bit more in corners, it’s well controlled and a neutral balance boosts driver confidence.
The payoff for this involving drive is a firm ride, which was made harsher by our car’s large 21-inch alloys. The Cayenne Diesel has 18-inch wheels as standard, and while they provide smoother progress, the Porsche can’t match the Range Rover Sport’s cruising comfort.
It can’t compete on kit, either. While the £47,273 Cayenne costs over £17,000 less than the Range Rover, you have to spend that amount on extras to get the same spec. Things like heated leather seats, keyless entry, a DAB radio, air-suspension, adaptive dampers and sat-nav – all standard on the Range Rover – are optional. And the Cayenne doesn’t have the same wide range of extras as the Sport, such as the anti-roll suspension set-up.
The Porsche is efficient, though: it has the lowest company car costs here and returned 34.5mpg on test. These low bills combine with the great handling to make it a real contender.
