15,000 Miles in New Cayenne Diesel

[Rotorhead]

Nearly 15,000 miles, over 9 months, on a variety of roads, in all weathers.

Pros:
- Superb handling/comfort (for a luxury SUV)
- Super smooth diesel engine (plenty of torque and performance)
- Amazing economy (34 mpg from new - 38 mpg average achieveable on a trip)
- Tyres still look almost new, no oil consumption, one inexpensive service check
- Lovely interior and cabin layout
- Excellent engineering and build quality - not a single fault, rattle, or any other issue
- Lots of nice design touches, very practical, well liked by passengers
- Actually looks quite nice from most angles (IMO)

Cons:
- Options expensive (some essential)
- Reversing lights weren't that good in winter
- Horn not easy to use without blasting it
- It's not a '911'

Intend keeping it for 6/7 years, so expecting to do 120,000 mls +. Early indications suggest it will be a lot of fun and breeze through the miles.

 

[pavesi]

Average mpg is fantastic compared to my 16.9. Glad you like it. I do fancy one but lack of power puts me off for now.

 

[majorporsche]

I have a Cayenne S .2004. While it does only average 18mpg the difference in price would buy a lot of petrol/diesel. Over 10 yrs we'd be fairly equal. The comfort , power and spec of a petrol cayenne S worth £15,000 takes some beating.

 

[david_yorkshire]

I hear what you are all saying.
I had a gen 1 turbo. Did over 70k miles in it.
Went to local opc to buy a turbo
However due to lack of choice and availability I Wales out with a 6 month old hybrid.
The two cars are chalk and cheese
380bhp plays 450bhp-when new. I'd guess it has dropped due to engine wear
Off the line the hybrid is significantly quicker than the turbo-electric motors have max torque at zero rpm
It certainly doesn't feel much slower in a straight line than the turbo either
The power delivery is totally linear so the impression is less dramatic.
Where it does win in is in the handling stakes. It is so far ahead. It even held it's own whilst being driven around donington and Spa racetracks.
Plus the interior is a much nicer place to be, with loads of kit.
Just my 2p

 

[Yoda]

Very interesting. I am interested in a diesel Cayenne so it's good to hear positive feedback.

What are the essential options in your opinion? I'm probably looking at a used model but would be good to know what to look out for (and any options you think are a waste of time).

Regards

 

[Rotorhead]

Many options are personal, but unlike a 911, where one can justify a basic spec on the basis that the primary function is the driving experience, the Cayenne is luxury vehicle and many of the 'toys' are an indulgence that makes it an even nicer place to spend time.

From my experience the 'must haves' are:
- PCM with phone module
- Audio Interface
- Powerlift Tailgate
- Heated Seats x4
- Parking Heater (absolutely brilliant)
- Comfort Memory Package
- Bose
- Air suspension
- Bi-Xenon Lights
- Tow bar system

There are various wheel and tyre options. Unlike the old Cayenne it doesn't need such big wheels - 19" or 20" are fine and the 'all season' tyres are excellent.
The interior does benefit from more leather, 'comfort' or 'sports' seats, and some trim detailing (wood, c/f, etc).
The paddle shift is very good but you can't have it with a multi-function s/w.

Be warned, it's hard to spec one for under £60k[]