Porsche Cayenne (03-09) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 25 June 2009
Porsche took a big risk when it launched the Cayenne - up until then it had only ever built small sports cars. But the large four-wheel drive has proved a popular choice as an alternative to models such as the Range Rover Sport and BMW X5. The Porsche badge has helped in part, but that's not to say the Cayenne is all about show. It uses a sophisticated four-wheel drive system to give superb traction, while the handling is nothing short of amazing, considering the sheer size and weight. The original design was rather unattractive - as if a 911 body had been stretched over a large 4x4 silhouette. Thankfully significant changes in 2007 introduced a sleeker, more attractive look along with more powerful engines. However the biggest change was in early 2009 when a diesel model was introduced - making the Cayenne the first ever Porsche to be powered by a diesel engine.
4 out of 5

Equipment

All models come with the usual equipment you'd expect at this level including air conditioning (electronic climate control on all models since 2007), leather seats and electric windows. Air suspension with Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control gives the Cayenne a split personality - able to hold its own with sports cars on the road, while giving it more off-road ability than most people will need. The off-road technology package is aimed at those who regularly venture off the beaten track, but few buyers choose it.

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Compare Equipment

Trim

Equipment

Key:

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  • 3x3 point rear seat belts
  • ABS
  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm
  • Alloy wheels
  • Audio remote
  • Body coloured bumpers
  • CD
  • Climate control
  • Cruise control
  • Driver`s airbag
  • Electric driver`s seat
  • Electric mirrors
  • Electric passenger`s seat
  • Folding rear seats
  • Front electric windows
  • Front fog lights
  • Headlight washers
  • Heated mirrors
  • Heated seats
  • Height adjustable drivers seat
  • Isofix child seat anchor points
  • Leather seat trim
  • Lumbar support
  • Metallic Paint
  • Parking sensors
  • PAS
  • Passenger`s airbag
  • Rear electric windows
  • Remote locking
  • Roof rails
  • Sat Nav
  • Service indicator
  • Side airbags
  • Sports seats
  • Steering wheel rake adjustment
  • Steering wheel reach adjustment
  • Telephone
  • Traction control
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