The New Macan Event

Recently, I attended the new Macan sneak preview event, The new Macan Sneak Preview, held in Osaka. (Sneak preview means a private viewing event.) A friend who owns a Macan invited us, and my husband and I were able to join. Unfortunately, the event coincided with our eldest daughter’s kindergarten open class…

When I told my husband, “I’m going to the kindergarten open class, so you can go alone,” he said:

No, since it’s a special occasion, Mina-chan, you should go. I’ll go to the kindergarten open class.

(Usually it would be the other way around.) So I gratefully accepted his offer and went alone to the new Macan preview.

The weather on the day was unfortunately rainy. Of course… (-_-) No matter what or where I go, it always rains on days I go somewhere I usually don’t. My husband said:

Seriously, whenever Mina-chan says she’s going somewhere, it always rains. It’s amazing at this point.

Feeling a bit guilty, I thought, “I really hope the Porsche staff preparing the event aren’t too troubled because of me (-_-),” and headed to the venue of the new Macan preview.

Off to the Venue!

I had received parking information near the venue in advance, but worried that “the designated parking might be full, and if I had to park somewhere the Panamera wouldn’t fit, that would be a problem,” (though that’s unlikely…) so I decided to drive the Golf just in case. Despite the heavy rain, there was no notable traffic on the highway or local roads, and I arrived on time at a parking lot near the venue.

Walking 2–3 minutes from there, I spotted the venue for the new Macan preview. Along the road, on the right, I saw a large walled building that looked impressive.

I thought, “Oh, this must be the venue!” and went to check the entrance.

Fujita Residence Ruins Park… (*_*)!?

…

…Definitely not.

Regaining composure, I kept walking and soon saw what looked like the actual venue. From a distance, I could see a Macan parked there.

This is it…!

I thought, “Could the Macan parked here be the new Macan as a surprise?” but upon closer look, it wasn’t. (Of course.)

A staff member wearing a raincoat kindly guided me, saying “The venue is just ahead.” Walking forward, I reached a stylish entrance surrounded by greenery, where the sign “The new Macan Sneak Preview” was displayed.

My heart pounding, I checked in, but since I arrived a bit early and the venue wasn’t fully ready, I was asked to wait inside a nearby building.

On the seats were stylish boxes of chocolates from the famous Paris-based patisserie, Pâtisserie Sadaharu Aoki Paris. (I found this out later.)

Inside were four elegant chocolates. I thought, “They’re almost too cute to eat,” but as a huge chocolate lover, I didn’t hesitate and happily finished them all (lol).

The Preview Begins

After a while, an announcement said “We are ready,” and I finally entered the new Macan preview venue. Inside, everyone was served a Miami Blue welcome drink. (Non-alcoholic, of course.)

Seating was free, but since several couples were already seated in the front row, I wondered, “Should I sit at the back table…?”

Then I thought, “No, I shouldn’t hold back here! After all, my husband switched with me to attend the kindergarten open class!” So I boldly took the very front seat.

By the way, the chairs were specially designed for the new Macan preview—stylish and cute.

Soon, the MC announced the start of the preview. As the moment to reveal the new Macan approached, I waited with excitement.

The veil was lifted, and the full new Macan was finally revealed!

Wow… (*ﾟ∀ﾟ)

While admiring it, I thought, “Hmm? What’s different from the previous model?” At first glance, it looked quite similar. Then, a talk session began with automotive journalist Yasuhisa Shimashita and Alex from Porsche Japan.

By the way, Shimashita-san is great at photography. (The photo of the Macan in the middle was taken by him during the test drive event.)

And here is Alex.

I met him last year when I visited Porsche Japan headquarters.

ポルシェ ジャパン本社を訪問してきた！−社内の様子や社員さんのお話をご紹介

According to Shimashita-san and Alex, the new Macan’s design, while an SUV, with its coupe-like lines, clearly conveys the Porsche and sports car spirit.

Shimashita-san said, “At first glance, it looks unchanged from the current model, but if you look closely, the side profile and rear design have changed significantly.”

Looking carefully, the rear tail lamps are now connected, completely changing the design from the previous model and giving a sportier impression.

For comparison, here is the rear design of the previous model.

The 971 Panamera, new Cayenne, new Macan, and new 911 (992) all feature connected rear tail lamp designs, but each has a unique tail lamp design, giving each model its own character.

Indeed, the Panamera’s rear looks different.

Shimashita-san said, “Connecting the tail lamps is a classic Porsche design identity, but bringing it with a fresh interpretation is what makes Porsche wonderful.”

Also, the new Macan now comes standard with front LED headlights, and as a result, the fog lamps have been removed. ACC radar, surround view, and backup cameras are also standard.

The interior has been revamped with a large 10.9-inch touchscreen and a significantly redesigned center console.

The power steering has been finely tuned, and with the Sports Chrono Package, a dial on the steering wheel lets you easily switch modes like “Sport,” “Sport Plus,” and “Individual.” It’s convenient to change modes without reaching for the center console.

Of course, the “Sport Response Button,” which lets you experience full power for 20 seconds, is included.

I sat in the rear seat, and at my height, it was very comfortable. It felt a bit roomier than before, though it might be a bit tight for a tall adult male.

How Does the New Macan Drive?

The new Macan’s engine is a 2.0L inline 4-cylinder with 252 horsepower, while the Macan S has a 3.0L V6 with 354 horsepower. Engineers have made detailed improvements, including switching the previously steel unsprung components to aluminum, resulting in a weight reduction of about 1.5 kg. Springs, bumpers, and tires have also been refined.

The PDK transmission now shifts up much faster at low speeds.

Automotive journalist Shimashita-san test drove the new Macan and Macan S ahead of the public at a test drive event in Spain last November and said:

I first drove the S and felt it was lighter and more agile than the previous model. The low-speed torque is stronger. I also drove the inline 4-cylinder Macan, and its response is smoother. Comfort has improved, allowing calm driving, but when you hit winding roads, you can switch to sporty mode with one button. It’s fantastic.

When asked, “What kind of scenes or lifestyles best suit enjoying the Macan?” he answered:

SUVs are often used for carrying large luggage, going skiing in snowy mountains, or heading to the beach in summer—activities for group outings. Usually, such cars aren’t fun to drive, which is a shame for the driver, but the Macan is different. It’s an SUV with a 500L trunk capacity, yet it offers sporty driving that truly reflects Porsche’s performance. Plus, everyday city shopping is enjoyable too.

A truly versatile car.

Pricing of the New Macan

Regarding price, “Despite major improvements, the price has only increased by about 100,000 yen compared to the previous model.” Also, the new Macan is available in two specially finished versions. According to the catalog, the standard Macan comes in “First Edition” and “Sport Edition”, while the Macan S offers “Sport Edition” and “Technology Edition.”

The Macan (First Edition) costs 【6,990,000 yen + options 1,902,000 yen = 8,892,000 yen】, and the Macan S (Sport Edition) costs 【8,590,000 yen + options 2,231,000 yen = 10,821,000 yen】.

The Macan S is quite an investment, but it’s still more affordable than the Cayenne or Panamera, and its practicality is excellent. No wonder the Macan sells so well.

Finally, I asked Alex many questions about the Macan, took a commemorative photo, and left the event very satisfied. Thank you very much!