Alternative review of Porsche Cayenne

Nobody actually needs a car like this - but lots of us would like to own one. You can't move for luxury 4x4s like this one on the county school run but I couldn't really see the point until I tried one. Having done so, I'm a little more converted. I love the high driving position, the versatility and the feeling of safety. The improved styling of the latest version has also helped.

Porsche have thankfully resisted the temptation to attempt to cram seven seats into the Cayenne body and as a result the interior is pleasantly spacious with more luggage space than its direct rivals and plenty of leg and headroom for five passengers. The quality of fit and finish is superior to anything Porsche has produced to date, with a beautifully designed, if surprisingly conservative, fascia.

Since the beginning, the Cayenne has appealed to buyers looking for a sharper, more sporting drive from their 4x4. Despite this, it's always been extremely good off road, as long as you don't mind exposing those big alloy wheels to a bit of a pranging. This improved Cayenne aims to improve driveability significantly, thanks in no small part to Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDDC). This system stabilises roll during cornering and is offered as an option on all models. The result on the road is better handling and agility plus greater directional stability and ride comfort. When off-roading, owners will notice better axle articulation. Engine-wise, the entry-level V6 gets uprated from 3.2 to 3.6 litres. It now uses direct injection technology as well and is good for 287bhp, dropping the 0-60 time down to a mere 7.8 seconds. Porsche has finally bitten the bullet and fitted a diesel engine too. The 3.0-litre V6 TDI unit has 240bhp and a hefty 550Nm or torque. Direct injection and VarioCam Plus valve control see the eight cylinder Cayenne S get a 45bhp shot in the arm, the mainstay of the Cayenne line up now packing a hefty 385bhp wallop. For those who really want some muscle, there's the 405bhp GTS or, even better, the 500bhp Turbo which will hit 60 in 4.8 seconds and keep going until aerodynamics call a halt at 171mph. Porsche Traction Management (PTM) can direct up to 100 per cent of drive to the front or rear wheels if necessary.

I wouldn't say I'm a convert, either to the Porsche Cayenne or to luxury 4x4s in general. However, I'm not target market. For those who are, this Cayenne makes an even more appealing - and in entry-level form, surprisingly affordable - choice.

TOP 3 CAYENNE DEALS

The results below show the top CAYENNE deals on buyacar

Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid 5dr Tiptronic S estate
Price £60,766 Read Cayenne Reviews	Save £210
Porsche Cayenne S 5dr Tiptronic S estate
Price £56,896 Read Cayenne Reviews	Save £210
Porsche Cayenne Turbo 5dr Tiptronic S estate
Price £87,691 Read Cayenne Reviews	Save £210
VIEW MORE DISCOUNT CAYENNE DEALS