Porsche Macan (petrol) review: the last combustion-engine compact SUV, and still the one to buy used
3.8/5motorssouq Editorial Team
Buy the petrol Macan on the used market with confidence: the 2.0-litre turbo four is the grade most owners actually need, PDK is the only gearbox worth having, and residuals on the outgoing combustion car are currently more predictable than on the new electric Macan in a market still building out home and public charging. Check for oil consumption history on higher-mileage cars and confirm the coolant and turbo service intervals were kept — this is not an engine that forgives neglect.
Pros
- 2.0-litre turbo four is enough performance for daily Bahrain driving
- PDK gearbox and chassis genuinely drive like a smaller 911
- Predictable used pricing now that the electric Macan has replaced it new
- Compact enough for Manama parking that a Cayenne struggles with
Cons
- Rear seat and boot space are tight next to the Cayenne
- Turbo and timing chain tensioner issues appear on neglected high-mileage cars
- Discontinued petrol nameplate means dealer new-parts support will thin out over time
- AC compressor load in summer heat is worth testing before buying
The Macan built its reputation on being the compact SUV that actually drives like a Porsche, and the final petrol-engined generation, facelifted in 2019 and updated again through 2021, is the most resolved version of that idea before the nameplate went fully electric.
What it is like to own in Bahrain
The base 2.0-litre turbo four is not the quickest engine in the range, but it is the one that makes the most sense for daily use: enough pull to merge onto the Sheikh Isa bin Salman Highway without drama, and none of the extra insurance premium the S or GTS carries. PDK is unobtrusive in traffic and sharp enough when you want it to be.
Cabin space is the honest trade-off against the Cayenne: rear headroom and boot space are noticeably tighter, which matters if car seats and a stroller are part of daily life. This is a two-adult, two-child car more than a full family hauler.
Buying used: what to check
Turbocharger and timing chain tensioner issues have shown up on higher-mileage examples of this generation elsewhere in the GCC; a full service history from an authorised centre is worth paying a premium for. Air conditioning compressor life in Bahraini heat is another item worth testing thoroughly on a test drive before agreeing a price.