Porsche today expanded its Macan line-up in India by introducing a 2.0-litre petrol variant. The SUV was launched at a price of Rs 76.84 lakh (ex-showroom, Maharashtra). The aggressive pricing has been possible since the Macan now falls into a low duty bracket due to its smaller engine and lower import price. In India, carmakers can take advantage of tax breaks on vehicles powered by sub-2.0-litre engines costing below US$ 40,000 CIF (Cost, Insurance & Freight) on CBUs.

The SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder engine which produces 252hp and 370Nm of torque. The SUV has a claimed 0-100kph acceleration time of 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 229kph. It gets an all-wheel-drive layout and Porsche’s seven-speed PDK auto gearbox.

Standard features on this variant are 18-inch wheels, an automatic rear hatch, a multifunction steering wheel with gearshift paddles, three-zone climate control and tyre pressure monitoring. It also comes with Porsche’s Communication Management system which includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. An array of options are offered and it includes air suspension with PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management), which gives it better agility, up to 21-inch wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights, park assist function (front and rear) and Porsche Car Connect and Apple CarPlay.

Since the carmaker does not assemble its vehicles in India, it was struggling to keep up sales against cars from other luxury marquees that are relatively cheaper because they are brought in through the CKD (completely knocked-down) route. However, the carmaker hopes to change things around with the Macan 2.0 petrol as well as the Porsche 718 Cayman and the 718 Boxster, which are set to be launched soon and will get the advantage of the tax breaks. The German carmaker has already opened bookings for both the sportscars at a price of Rs 80.13 lakh and Rs 83.95 lakh respectively (both ex- showroom, Mumbai).

The 2.0-litre petrol Macan joins the 244hp Macan S diesel and the 400hp Macan Turbo petrol already on sale in India.