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Sometimes I think we've got it all wrong here in North America. While we focus on larger vehicles that are more fuel efficient with EcoBoosts, PZEVs and hybrid engines, Europe is lapping up all the microminis and clean diesels. I think our priorities are a bit skewed.
Here's the thing: Saving the planet is all fine and dandy, but what everyone really cares about is saving dollars in their pockets. And when it comes to saving dollars, nothing beats diesel for long hauls and highway drives. Even city drivers will see the benefits of diesel. So, why aren't there more around? I wish I knew the answer. Granted, diesels aren't for everyone, nor are they suitable for every model of vehicle, yet I still believe we should have more on offer on this side of the pond.
Thankfully though, companies like Porsche understand the allure of diesel, and so they have released their 2013 Cayenne Diesel in North America -- rejoice!
More than a tractor
Ask anyone what they think about diesel and most will say things like; stinky, loud, dirty. However, those were the old diesel days. Today's diesels are much cleaner and much quieter. While you'll still hear the occasional clanking of the engine and you might be a bit embarrassed idling next to EVs and regular engines in traffic, but you'll quickly feel better once you push your foot on the throttle.
That's the thing about diesels -- all diesels, not just Porsche diesels - is that they have fabulous amounts of torque.
The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel does not disappoint in the area of torque with 406 lb-ft available, coupled with 240 hp. You might be thinking: "Yeah, but in a vehicle that large and heavy it must still feel like a slug on the road." Well, you'd be mistaken. This chunky Porsche SUV (which some people still have a hard time accepting), makes it to 100km/h in just under 8 seconds. That's mighty fast for a beefy, all-wheel drive family hauler.
And I'd say that has a great deal to do with the amount of torque (read: lift off) available as low as 2,000 rpm.
The Porsche Cayenne Diesel's turbocharged 3.0L V6 not only performs well on the road, going from a smooth highway cruiser to a sporty SUV round the bends (and my tester did not have the fancy and expensive air suspension option), but it keeps your gas mileage low and your kilometre range high.
It can go the distance
Let's get all the mileage numbers out of the way while we're ahead. Here's one of the reasons I covet the diesel: tank range.
You've all heard the commercials: "Drive 1,000km on one tank!" And surely you've all thought: "Yeah, OK, sure. And my cat can speak Greek." While you kitty might not have grasped the phonetics of the ancient Latin language just yet, diesels truly can go the distance they claim. And that's what makes them so good.
I drove the 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel as I would any other car. I made no effort to conserve gas, or drive carefully. In fact, I had a little fun behind the wheel on more than one occassion, popping the Cayenne into sport and using the Tiptronic S automatic transmission to its full extent with manual-mode button shifters on the steering wheel. And yet, after a week of driving I managed to avoid the pumps.
I drove over 700km without having to fill up, and the onboard computer (PCM) system informed me I could have done nearly 300km more with the 1/3 tank that was left. I averaged about 10.3L/100km throughout the week, as well. My best reading was after a leisurely country drive in which I managed to score a 9.5L/100km reading. In a Porsche. Cayenne. SUV. You all understand what this means, right?
The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel is more fuel efficient than my 2004 Subaru WRX.
Granted, it cost me over $100 to fill up the 2/3 I used throughout the week. But when I consider the fact that it generally costs me in the $80 range to fill my Subaru, again it's rather impressive for the Cayenne.
It's a Porsche SUV, get over it
Since it appeared nearly 10 years ago, the Cayenne has had naysayers and haters. Well, it's time we all got over it and accepted the Cayenne for the gloriously practical Porsche that it is.
Compared to most SUVs on the road, the Porsche Cayenne is leaps and bounds ahead in the looks department. With Porsche breeding and lines that could just as easily be found on the 911, the Cayenne Diesel is fantastic to look at, from any angle.
And the sumptuousness that Porsche is known for continues on the inside too. With large, comfortable seats for all passengers and driver, as well as a traditional Porsche interior (functional, aesthetically pleasing, full of gadgets), no matter where you're sitting you'll enjoy the ride.
And another great thing about the Porsche SUV is that despite its size, the price tag is rather small. With a starting price of just under $65,000, my 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel came in at just under $75,000 which, in all honesty, is a bloody good deal for an SUV of its calibre.
This 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.
 |
Here's the thing: Saving the planet is all fine and dandy, but what everyone really cares about is saving dollars in their pockets. And when it comes to saving dollars, nothing beats diesel for long hauls and highway drives. Even city drivers will see the benefits of diesel. So, why aren't there more around? I wish I knew the answer. Granted, diesels aren't for everyone, nor are they suitable for every model of vehicle, yet I still believe we should have more on offer on this side of the pond.
Thankfully though, companies like Porsche understand the allure of diesel, and so they have released their 2013 Cayenne Diesel in North America -- rejoice!
More than a tractor
Ask anyone what they think about diesel and most will say things like; stinky, loud, dirty. However, those were the old diesel days. Today's diesels are much cleaner and much quieter. While you'll still hear the occasional clanking of the engine and you might be a bit embarrassed idling next to EVs and regular engines in traffic, but you'll quickly feel better once you push your foot on the throttle.
That's the thing about diesels -- all diesels, not just Porsche diesels - is that they have fabulous amounts of torque.
The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel does not disappoint in the area of torque with 406 lb-ft available, coupled with 240 hp. You might be thinking: "Yeah, but in a vehicle that large and heavy it must still feel like a slug on the road." Well, you'd be mistaken. This chunky Porsche SUV (which some people still have a hard time accepting), makes it to 100km/h in just under 8 seconds. That's mighty fast for a beefy, all-wheel drive family hauler.
And I'd say that has a great deal to do with the amount of torque (read: lift off) available as low as 2,000 rpm.
The Porsche Cayenne Diesel's turbocharged 3.0L V6 not only performs well on the road, going from a smooth highway cruiser to a sporty SUV round the bends (and my tester did not have the fancy and expensive air suspension option), but it keeps your gas mileage low and your kilometre range high.
 |
| The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel does not disappoint in the area of torque with 406 lb-ft available, coupled with 240 hp.(Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
It can go the distance
Let's get all the mileage numbers out of the way while we're ahead. Here's one of the reasons I covet the diesel: tank range.
You've all heard the commercials: "Drive 1,000km on one tank!" And surely you've all thought: "Yeah, OK, sure. And my cat can speak Greek." While you kitty might not have grasped the phonetics of the ancient Latin language just yet, diesels truly can go the distance they claim. And that's what makes them so good.
I drove the 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel as I would any other car. I made no effort to conserve gas, or drive carefully. In fact, I had a little fun behind the wheel on more than one occassion, popping the Cayenne into sport and using the Tiptronic S automatic transmission to its full extent with manual-mode button shifters on the steering wheel. And yet, after a week of driving I managed to avoid the pumps.
I drove over 700km without having to fill up, and the onboard computer (PCM) system informed me I could have done nearly 300km more with the 1/3 tank that was left. I averaged about 10.3L/100km throughout the week, as well. My best reading was after a leisurely country drive in which I managed to score a 9.5L/100km reading. In a Porsche. Cayenne. SUV. You all understand what this means, right?
The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel is more fuel efficient than my 2004 Subaru WRX.
Granted, it cost me over $100 to fill up the 2/3 I used throughout the week. But when I consider the fact that it generally costs me in the $80 range to fill my Subaru, again it's rather impressive for the Cayenne.
 |
| I had a little fun behind the wheel on more than one occassion, popping the Cayenne into sport and using the Tiptronic S automatic transmission(Photo: Philippe Champoux) |
It's a Porsche SUV, get over it
Since it appeared nearly 10 years ago, the Cayenne has had naysayers and haters. Well, it's time we all got over it and accepted the Cayenne for the gloriously practical Porsche that it is.
Compared to most SUVs on the road, the Porsche Cayenne is leaps and bounds ahead in the looks department. With Porsche breeding and lines that could just as easily be found on the 911, the Cayenne Diesel is fantastic to look at, from any angle.
And the sumptuousness that Porsche is known for continues on the inside too. With large, comfortable seats for all passengers and driver, as well as a traditional Porsche interior (functional, aesthetically pleasing, full of gadgets), no matter where you're sitting you'll enjoy the ride.
And another great thing about the Porsche SUV is that despite its size, the price tag is rather small. With a starting price of just under $65,000, my 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel came in at just under $75,000 which, in all honesty, is a bloody good deal for an SUV of its calibre.
This 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel review was originally published on Auto-Venus.com.