Porsche Cayenne diesel proves a point

FOR many, the arrival of a diesel engine in Porsche's 4x4 range is just one step away from switching to alcohol-free lager. And you'd be forgiven for asking what is the point?

But a muscular diesel engine in this athletic 4x4 makes perfect sense. It'll tow 3.5 tonnes, seat five adults - though the rear seats are better suited to just two passengers - and it'll wallow and negotiate terrain that is more appealing to a Land Rover Defender.

It's quite an agile 4x4, so a bit of urgency from a torque-laden diesel now puts a degree of commonsense into Cayenne ownership - a bit like opting for single cream, because you want the taste of the full-fat double cream, but without paying the penalty.

Which is why engineers have shoe-horned an Audi-derived 3-litre V6 diesel packing 240hp and 550Nm into the Cayenne's nose. They could perhaps have given more - but have arrived with a sensible compromise.

It's cleverly disguised, too, as there's no external indication that this vehicle is fed from the black pump. Two thumping exhausts protrude from the rear and a grumbly, throaty soundtrack cleverly conceals the fact this engine relies on compression to ignite its fuel.

It's only when you sit behind the wheel and glance at the rev counter that you begin to wonder what's under the bonnet - though the dial does sweep round to 6,000rpm, even though the needle won't get that far.

In the time Farmers Guardian spent with this new model Cayenne, 31mpg was regularly shown on the trip computer. And pressing the loud pedal quite firmly still had the ability to supply a good grin with the performance, handling and shove coming from under the bonnet.

Coupled with a six-speed auto box - with push buttons on the steering wheel - the combination works smoothly and effortlessly, belittling the Cayenne's near 2.5 tonne bulk.

Though several times we accidentally changed gear by mistaking the steering-wheel buttons for those that operate the radio volume in most other vehicles.

There is a huge reserve of grip and the four-wheel-drive system adds even more traction when the going gets tough. And the handling can be tweaked on the road with push-button damper settings that offer sports, normal and comfort settings.

And while the sports setting can throw you about over smaller bumps and try to unsettle the car, it does bring a noticeable difference when you want to hustle the Cayenne along. A simple push of the button is all that is needed though, to quickly adapt the suspension to driving style and road surface.

It's easy to get comfortable and there's plenty of room inside too. This is a very practical Porsche, which has been made much more appealing with the arrival of a strong, yet frugal diesel engine.

We still think the Cayenne doesn't win any awards for aesthetics, but with a degree of economy on offer and emissions now teetering down at 244g/km, the firm is on the road to finding a few more friends for this giant 4x4.

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