Porsche Cayenne Diesel: Road test report

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Porsche Cayenne Diesel: Road test report

Interesting road test report here with the Porsche Cayenne Diesel.

It's fast for a big diesel 4WD, sprinting from rest to 100km/h in 8.3 seconds. It's responsive, with a plentiful 550Nm torque peak from low in the rev range, while the smooth six-speed automatic minimises turbo lag.

The V6 also sounds suitably determined, though it's not spine-tingling in the manner of your typical Porsche six.

It is economical, though. We averaged a commendable 11.1 litres per 100 kilometres on our combined urban-highway test loop not as good as the 9.3L/100km official claim but considerably better than its petrol siblings, which start at 12.9L/100km.

Like other Cayennes, the diesel feels ponderous in tight urban going but on the open road it handles with dexterity.