Porsche Cayenne S - First Generation (2002 – 2006) Review

Walkaround

From the beginning I had this feeling; Porsche Cayenne evolved from Porsche’s sports car line up. Look at it, Porsche Boxter, 911, Carrera, … then something happened to the world, a comet hit the planet at midnight, world was silent for thousands of years, gradually Carrera advanced as a SUV.

I did not like the shape of this car when I saw it first time, I thought someone pulled up and stretched Carrera from the top and made this vehicle. Ladies and Gentlemen, this is the first cross over vehicle that every tom dick and harry is following now. If you look closely you will appreciate the design and artistry of this vehicle. Similar to how I have been addicted to this amazing machine.

Everything is round in this vehicle; there is not even single sharp corner. Flawless but aggressive front end, typical Porsche grill, fog lights look like facing the ground but actually it is notJ, look at the indicator lights; it is mounted on the bumper, nice aluminum finished door pillars and side mountings, huge tail lights, twin double exhaust. This is really a beauty.

Driving Impression

When I drove Porsche Cayenne first time, I was expecting a supple drive like Lexus LS 470 or Cadillac Escalade. I guessed it wrong. This SUV is with sports car DNA in it. It behaved like a Porsche sports car. Every man hole and pot hole I felt through my spine, even zebra lines are evident inside the car when I go across them. Here there is a theory that is implemented on Porsche Cayenne, if you want soft drive then no road grip, if you want to feel the road then no soft drive. Porsche opted for the second one wisely. Because the think-tank in German head office knows their potential customers will be sports car lovers!

When Porsche came out to launch a SUV in the market everybody including me thought “Those are fuck’n nuts bastards, who in their right mind will do this? Till 2002 Porsche produced cars that has only two doors, leave alone SUV!”

It proved to be we all were wrong! Consider that Porsche sold 1,193 vehicles in Canada in 2002 before the Cayenne went on sale. In 2003, that number jumped to 1,612 and 741 of those vehicles were Cayennes – Cayenne S and Turbo, as the V6 Cayenne wasn’t yet available. That’s right. Without the Cayenne, Porsche sales would have dropped 27% in 2003. Instead, thanks to the Cayenne, sales grew 35%.

I knew I am driving something different the moment I pressed the accelerator, it brought a huge smile on my face. It roared like a sports car, moved like a sports car and when I jammed the brake it stopped like a sports car! All Porsche Cayennes come as standard with Porsche Traction Management (PTM) significantly improving dynamic performance and handling in every respect. This four-wheel-drive system transmits 62 per cent of the engine’s power to the rear wheels and 38 per cent to the front.  A multiple-plate clutch operated by an electric motor and controlled electronically, depending on the driving situations and the driver’s requirements, to feed up to 100 per cent the engine’s power either to the front or to the rear. As one of my friends who just bought a Porsche Cayenne asked me why car behave strangely some times. I recommend him to drive the car for a week, car has to get used to your driving style for the reason that this Porsche Cayenne is an Artificial Intelligent. He came back to me and agreed I was right, he was happy ever after.

Cayenne S is powered by a 4.5-litr aluminum block V8 with 32 valves. Porsche’s VarioCam technology adjusts the intake camshafts as much as 25 degrees to ensure optimum torque and fuel efficiency.

In naturally aspirated mode, as found in the Cayenne S, this engine will develop 340 horsepower and 369 ft.lbf (500 N-m) of torque. Acceleration from 0-60 mph is 7.1 seconds and the top speed is 240 Kms. per hour.

Both engines are connected to a 6-speed automatic transmission that allows manual shifting. Cargo area is relatively small though it is bigger than Range Rover’s.

The Cayenne S is a strong accelerator from almost any speed except stopped. Get the S rolling, step on the gas and it will rocket with a hearty sports car growl and smooth shifts well beyond any rationale speed if you are paying attention. A merge line is an invitation to 160 km/h freeway entry speeds unless one exercises restraint.

On Dubai business bay; driving Porsche Cayenne may dig up a lot of speeding tickets, I won’t blame you for that; nevertheless tickets are issued by RTA (Road and Transport Authority) not me. Acceleration is so addictive in Porsche, especially when you see a clean, less traffic road like a carpet in front of you!

The steering is quick and precise, handling is remarkably sharp for a tall sport utility vehicle and the ride is quick, quick and quick.

A moderate step-in height and large outside door handles allow fairly easy entry to the quiet, roomy, upscale interior, which has a sports car feel. Thick roof posts partially obstructed my rear visibility.

Problems I had

I had an urgent meeting at client’s premises in the morning, dressed up in black suit, gain some poise and up for the challenge.

An unusual chime followed by a warning light on the information display the moment I switched on the ignition!

Coolant low!

Temperature is OK, but the light remains on.

Still I drove the car to nearest petrol station, opened the hood and carefully checked the boiling coolant level. I found a strange content in coolant. Dipped my index finger and rubbed it.

Oil! How the fuck oil mixed with the coolant?

I ignored the all important meeting, called the client and informed them I will be late. I have taken the car to the dealer, to begin with they had an extensive check up, it took 45 minutes, I was waiting in their luxurious waiting area with a cup of coffee. The mechanic who checked my car (a senior person) came to me and said it seems to be a big problem, I got to leave the car for 2 weeks.

I had this fear coming from nowhere and conquered me in seconds.

“Can you explain to me what kind of problem is that?” I asked him like whispering.

“This happens sometime with Porsche Cayenne, it has an internal oil leak, oil entered the broken coolant pump, now coolant will thicken up with oil and it will damage the engine…” Mechanic explained to me without any expression on his face.

“How much will it cost to repair?”

“Until we inspect it thoroughly I won’t able to tell you. If the problem is major then we have to bring down the whole engine, it is 14 hours labor work. It will cost you around AED 18,000 to AED 20,000.” Still no expression on his face.

I felt giddy, 18,000 to 20,000 bucks!

“Let me get back to you… give me some time.” Somehow I managed to tell him that much.

I sat in their waiting area for few more minutes, hundreds of thoughts gone across my brain, I called my friend and told her what had happened. Instead of receiving some encouragement she poured more petrol in to my already burning mind. I had another coffee.

I took the car to a small work shop nearby called Jas Motors. One of my friends had recommended this garage; they are specialist for only Porsche vehicles. The bald owner was very sweet, and welcoming. You can’t believe the relief I had after seeing him. He inspected the car and said he will get back to me in the evening. The guy even dropped me nearby Metro Station in his car.

Evening he called me up, undoubtedly there are oil contents in coolant, but strangely there is no oil leak. They are going to clean the whole pipe line and gonna change the coolant tank along with the sensors. Sensors got sticky and stopped working because of the oil. Parts cost AED 350. I agreed immediately.

Next day he called me up again, they had cleaned all pipe lines with soap, changed the coolant container with sensors, car is up and ready to leave the garage! All fine now!

How the hell oil gone into the coolant?

He didn’t have an answer either.

I paid the bill around AED 700 for all and took the car back.

No problems till now. I felt like escaped from a cliff! Instead of AED 20,000 I paid only AED 700!

Before I leave the garage the mechanic made me even happier by making a flattering remark on the car, he said this is an extra clean car, even small stickers on chassis is intact!

Overall

This SUV is awesome. When it launched there were no other vehicle quite like this, it created the whole new segment called COV (Crossover Vehicle). If you are planning to buy a Cayenne go for V8 power not underpowered Volkswagen V6 Engine. There is a huge difference. Ride is bit stiff, if you like soft Cadillac sort of ride then don’t even think about Porsche. Though I had small problem (a mystery problem, till now I don’t know how the fuck that oil reached the coolant container) the reliability is a big concern for these vehicles.

Problem porn area for Porsche Cayenne S –

Driveshaft flex joint, A/C blower, plastic cooling tubes (now metal for the new ones), water pump, brake switch (vehicle can start without having to apply the brake), warning buzz for lights, heated seat module, rust under rubber on door window frame, seat belt springs can weaken due to age

Minor Problems - tail gate won’t close sometimes, Sun Glass box will not close due to the broken plastic clip.

Porsche Cayenne is an excellent driving machine, people who just need transportation and are not concerned with driving enjoyment will not probably buy a Cayenne, show off good looking, expensive brand name, this vehicle always demands respect. But for that you got to have an extra deep pocket! It is not practical in terms of maintenance cost compared to other SUVs out there.

Still I am puzzled; how the fuck the oil mixed with the coolant?