JLBM
Oversteer Expert
Hi guys (and girls)
So I've been driving my new Cayenne for about 10 days now and thought I'd give a short initial review.
First off, notwithstanding the great off-road capability and cruising comfort of my previous vehicle, a 2012 Range Rover Sport (diesel), the Cayenne is by far the betters drivers car. It's planted in the bends, is superbly built and is very reassuring to command.
I've just finished my first tank of diesel and got 700kms of mostly urban traveling. We get the 100l tank in South Africa.
A couple of noted points:
Ride comfort is neither firm nor compliant. I deleted PASM from my extras as the tester I drove felt great when in "normal" mode. Not to mention you do need to take a tube of lube with you when you place your order. Their extras are obscenely priced. It's both smooth and "sporty", for an SUV. No rattles, unlike my RRS which felt like its old Discovery chassis flexed, crackled and popped all the time.
Throttle response feels a little mushy low down the rev range. This is a diesel at the end of the day, but it does need a second turbo to reduce lag. I was disappointed with the V8 diesel I test drove, despite what some magazine reviews say, the perceived lag for me was even worse on the V8, partly due to the greater thrust that comes on steam once the turbos kick in. The V8 to me felt like an old engine and was quite rough. I could have gone for the V8 for the same kind of money, but with far fewer bells and whistles, and the V6 is smooth and goes well - when it is in its sweet spot. The performance does not disappoint and even delights me, but only in sport mode above 2,000 revs. I hope the next Diesel S does away with the V8 and goes for a twin or tri turbo setup with no lag.
Aah, the lighting! I went for the full LED setup and it is marvelous at night. Strips in the door panels, luminescent "skylights" and warmly lit footwells. The only negative is security at night, so if I feel unsafe I deactivate it via a button next to the sunroof switch.
The BOSE sound is fantastic. However - I have a gripe that Porsche say they will look at. The surround sound facility really enhances the listening experience, but deactivates every time I switch off the car. I want it on permanently. Duh!
Power steering plus is fantastic around town and parking lots. Auto tailgate a must. Reverse camera - could never do without that in this car, highly recommended.
I'd say this Cayenne is a better choice than the V8 petrol. At least, certainly at high altitudes. The torque suits the car and it's light on fuel. I reckon I'd get 1,300 Kms on a singly tank extra-urban. Anybody considering this car against all similar rivals would be making the best choice in the engine segment. But then, you could get a BMW X5 M50d for the same money
So I've been driving my new Cayenne for about 10 days now and thought I'd give a short initial review.
First off, notwithstanding the great off-road capability and cruising comfort of my previous vehicle, a 2012 Range Rover Sport (diesel), the Cayenne is by far the betters drivers car. It's planted in the bends, is superbly built and is very reassuring to command.
I've just finished my first tank of diesel and got 700kms of mostly urban traveling. We get the 100l tank in South Africa.
A couple of noted points:
Ride comfort is neither firm nor compliant. I deleted PASM from my extras as the tester I drove felt great when in "normal" mode. Not to mention you do need to take a tube of lube with you when you place your order. Their extras are obscenely priced. It's both smooth and "sporty", for an SUV. No rattles, unlike my RRS which felt like its old Discovery chassis flexed, crackled and popped all the time.
Throttle response feels a little mushy low down the rev range. This is a diesel at the end of the day, but it does need a second turbo to reduce lag. I was disappointed with the V8 diesel I test drove, despite what some magazine reviews say, the perceived lag for me was even worse on the V8, partly due to the greater thrust that comes on steam once the turbos kick in. The V8 to me felt like an old engine and was quite rough. I could have gone for the V8 for the same kind of money, but with far fewer bells and whistles, and the V6 is smooth and goes well - when it is in its sweet spot. The performance does not disappoint and even delights me, but only in sport mode above 2,000 revs. I hope the next Diesel S does away with the V8 and goes for a twin or tri turbo setup with no lag.
Aah, the lighting! I went for the full LED setup and it is marvelous at night. Strips in the door panels, luminescent "skylights" and warmly lit footwells. The only negative is security at night, so if I feel unsafe I deactivate it via a button next to the sunroof switch.
The BOSE sound is fantastic. However - I have a gripe that Porsche say they will look at. The surround sound facility really enhances the listening experience, but deactivates every time I switch off the car. I want it on permanently. Duh!
Power steering plus is fantastic around town and parking lots. Auto tailgate a must. Reverse camera - could never do without that in this car, highly recommended.
I'd say this Cayenne is a better choice than the V8 petrol. At least, certainly at high altitudes. The torque suits the car and it's light on fuel. I reckon I'd get 1,300 Kms on a singly tank extra-urban. Anybody considering this car against all similar rivals would be making the best choice in the engine segment. But then, you could get a BMW X5 M50d for the same money
