The second-generation Porsche SUV is a fraction of its new price but is it as appealing to own and maintain?
Having forged a reputation for making one of the most iconic sports cars ever, the Stuttgart firm pulled a blinder when it deviated into the posh people carrier market with its Cayenne 20 years ago. Known as the 955, that vehicle was broadly based on the VW Touareg, and even used a 290bhp 3.6 engine derived from the firm’s VR6 alongside its own V8s.
The model we’re talking about here, however, takes its cues from the Porsche Panamera instead, as well as some of its engines. And despite being physically bigger, by using alloys and magnesium in its construction, it is actually lighter and more lithe than its predecessor. Moreover, it looks less bulky thanks to its Carrera GT inspired front end and more sloping front and rear windscreens. The weight saving also came courtesy of losing the 955’s low-range gearbox, something finally deemed unnecessary for the school run we suspect.
Like the model before, the classy peoplecarrying Porsche represents the pinnacle of luxury and refinement, cleverly packaged to appeal to the buyer wanting a sporting edge over other luxury SUV offerings from the likes of Mercedes, Audi, BMW and more recently Jaguar with its F-PACE. There was a price to pay, of course, though steep depreciation has made it temptingly affordable today, with the cheapest 958s kicking off at a mere £10,000.
So, over a decade on since it first hit our streets, should you consider it over a more mundane people mover? Possibly, but with the caveat that you go into it with your eyes open, buy wisely in the first place and keep abreast of regular maintenance.
The parts prices quoted here are for a 2011 3.0 diesel.
Engines
There were various engine options, and the line-up can be a little confusing. Initially, there was a choice of the original 3.6 VR6 lump in the entry car and a 4.8-litre V8 in the S. The GTS came with a more powerful V8, while the Turbo and Turbo S were the real performance options, offering 493 and 542bhp respectively.
From 2014, the 3.6 was made cleanerrunning, while the S and GTS were replaced by a new 3.6-litre twin turbo V6 which produced similar amounts of power and torque but delivered
