Entering its eighth generation, the legendary Porsche 911 is quicker, more emotional, and more connected than ever before. Representing the iconic characteristics of Porsche design DNA, the new 911 now features a more muscular exterior appearance in addition to a revised interior layout that鈥檚 as equally modern as it is timeless. Every 2020 911 comes equipped with the latest generation of Porsche flat-six turbocharged engines, offering a noticeable 23-horsepower increase as compared to the prior model. Included in an expanded suite of available active driver-assistance features, the new 911 includes standard Porsche Wet Mode for improved driver awareness on wet roads and is available with Night Vision Assist featuring a thermal imaging camera. Taking inspiration from classic 1970s 911 models, ergonomics and driver engagement take center stage in the updated interior. Longer, wider, and more poised than ever before- the 2020 Porsche 911 challenges convention while staying true to its legendary sports car heritage.
The unit feels more lethargic and doesn鈥檛 rev with the same aggression, and nor does it boast the same rounded refinement as the Macan鈥檚. The gearbox, too, is more sluggish to shift than the Porsche鈥檚. Upchanges feel slow and downshifts more laboured, which was part of the reason why the Jag was two seconds slower from 0-60mph on test, taking 8.1 seconds. It also trailed its rival by 2.6 seconds going from 30-70mph through the gears, at 8.8 seconds. The F-Pace is characterised by a slightly softer focus to the ride and handling balance, which is rewarding. But there鈥檚 no getting away from the fact that the powertrain is a letdown. The Jaguar recovers well in this area, because its 650-litre boot space is 150 litres up on the Macan鈥檚, and it offers as much luggage room as a BMW X5 from the class above. In fact, the F-Pace sits in a gap between the Porsche and BMW when it comes to size, because it offers slightly more cabin space than the Macan, too.
However, luggage and passenger room in the Porsche is far from pokey, and should be sufficient for most buyers most of the time; it鈥檚 just that the F-Pace can go the extra mile when you need it to. Elsewhere in the cabin there are places for drinks and possessions, plus USB points to charge gadgets. The driving position feels even loftier than in the Porsche, where you sit more 鈥榠n鈥?the car than perched on the seat. This gives the F-Pace great visibility out. A shortage of owner respondents meant Porsche didn鈥檛 rank in our Driver Power 2018 poll, but Jaguar was 10th out of 26 in the makers鈥?chart, a solid result for the brand. It scored well for ride and handling, as well as safety. The F-Pace gets a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, with six airbags, lane-keep assist and autonomous braking all fitted as standard. You can add blind-spot warning as part of a 拢1,350 option pack, which also brings adaptive cruise control and raises the top speed at which the emergency braking works.
It鈥檚 no surprise that, with strong performance and big, heavy bodies, both of these cars returned only average fuel economy. The Jaguar just edged out the Porsche, though, returning 28.2mpg, which means annual fuel bills of 拢2,317 based on this figure. The Macan managed 27.7mpg, so it鈥檒l be only 拢42 more expensive to fuel over an average 12,000 miles of annual motoring. These models are in reach for many company car drivers, but they鈥檙e still pricey. The 179g/km Jag sits in the 36 per cent BiK band, and will cost higher-rate earners 拢6,501 to run; the 185g/km Porsche (37 per cent) will set them back 拢6,859. Testers鈥?notes: 鈥淛ag鈥檚 All Surface Progress Control system comes as standard to match the Macan鈥檚 Off Road mode. The Macan is as good to drive as ever, and the 2.0-litre engine doesn鈥檛 feel underpowered. There鈥檚 enough performance for most people, while it helps economy, too, even if the Jaguar will be a little cheaper to run. The Porsche is nearly as comfortable but handling is sharper. While the cabin is a little smaller, the quality is much stronger, and the new infotainment is streets ahead of Jag鈥檚 frustrating system.