Porsche launches entry-level SUV in Beijing

A less powerful and less thirsty version of the company's compact Macan will be heading to select Asian markets after its China motor show debut this week and could one day go on sale in Europe, too.

It looks almost identical to the 3-liter, turbocharged V6 version of the German sports car maker's latest foray into off-roading, but it sits on smaller 18-inch wheels as standard and offers a better combined cycle fuel efficiency of 36.7mpg (6.25l/100km).

It is also capable of hitting 100km/h (62mph) from standstill in 6.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 224km/h (139mph).

However, unlike any Porsche-badged car since the 968 -- built between 1992 and 1995 -- it is powered by a four, rather than six-cylinder engine, albeit one with a turbocharger. In fact it's the same 234bhp four-cylinder unit that powers a host of VWs and Audis, including the Golf GTi.

Still, to help sway the Porsche purists, the company will be offering it with its PDK paddle-shift transmission as standard.

The company has made no official announcement regarding the entry-level Macan's sale in other territories, but according to Autocar, the new SUV could be joining Porsche's European line-up in 2015.

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