Porsche Cayenne (03-09) - Review

The Cayenne will seat five comfortably and leather seats are standard on all models. Early versions of the V6-engined Cayenne came only with manual air conditioning as standard - the V8s had automatic dual-zone climate control - although from 2007 all cars feature climate control as standard. Cruise control is optional on all but the Turbo while heated front seats can be chosen as an option and a heated steering wheel is also available on later cars. All the engines are refined, including the diesel, making the right sort of noise under hard acceleration but humming away in the background at other times. Wind noise is subdued, despite the enormous door mirrors, although tyre noise is quite noticeable, especially on optional larger alloys. However, the diesel model features an acoustic windscreen with special laminated sound-deadening glass. The ride is quite firm though - which is particularly noticeable if you're used to more comfort oriented 4x4s.

Unlike several other large 4x4s, the Cayenne isn't available with seven seats. However rear passengers do get plenty of head and legroom, while the sporty seats offer plenty of support and are comfortable on long journeys too. The reasonable 540-litre luggage space expands to a very useful 1,770 litres when the rear seats are folded down. The glove compartment is air conditioned and there are various storage compartments in the cabin. The Cayenne makes a good tow-car and all the models have a maximum towing capacity of 3,500kg.

Despite the Cayenne sharing many components with the Volkswagen Touareg, the instruments and controls will be familiar to anyone who has sat behind the wheel of a modern 911 or Boxster. However, it does seem to lack a little character inside when compared to cars like the Range Rover Sport - everything seems designed for efficiency rather than to create a truly pleasant environment. The lofty driving position allows an excellent view of the road though while large door mirrors help minimise rearward blindspots.