Where does a brand like Porsche fit into an evolving world where the role of cars is being greatly redefined? We speak to Ms Claire Ng, a Porsche Macan owner and Business Development Manager at Grab, on what it means to drive a Porsche today, and tomorrow.

Much as car enthusiasts wish for our world to be filled with only the finest sportscars for us to enjoy, the reality is that there is a real world out there, where practical concerns take priority over driving fun.

Having said that, there’s no reason why we can’t have the best of both worlds, and it is with that line of thinking that Porsche has offered up its sport utility vehicle (SUV) range, the Cayenne and Macan.

By distilling the Porsche essence into a usable, practical everyday package, Porsche has managed to not only survive, but thrive as a successful modern carmaker, especially in an automotive industry facing great changes ahead in today’s challenging times.

Nearly 70 per cent of Porsche sales now are of these two SUVs, and the bright side of that success is that it has enabled Porsche to continue to churn out the beloved sports cars that enthusiasts know and love.

And that essence is best encapsulated in the new Macan, with its 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder engine that produces 252 hp, and is capable of reaching 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds (with the Sports Chrono Package), on to a top speed of 227 km/h. Its chassis has also been redesigned for better performance, with the standard mixed tyres playing a key role in offering much better handling capabilities. Its three-dimensional LED tail light strip with integrated PORSCHE lettering, and new 10.9-inch Porsche Communication Management touchscreen display with full-HD resolution adds further dynamism to the experience.

But where does Porsche as a brand fit into the new-world ecosystem of cars and ride sharing? We speak to Ms Claire Ng, Business Development Manager at Grab, and a first time owner of a Porsche Macan, on her thoughts.

Q: What is it about the Porsche Macan that attracted you to it?

A: My previous cars were mostly sporty two door coupes.  But I was looking for something a bit different so I thought I’d get an SUV. I wanted something that’s just the right size, and the Macan felt like the perfect fit. For me, the Macan offers the same sportier sensation that I’m used to with my previous cars, and doesn’t feel as floaty as similar SUVs out there.

Q: You work for Grab, a ride sharing mobility company. What role do you see personal cars playing in a world of ride sharing and autonomous vehicles? Is there a need to have your own car in the future?

A: For me I feel like we’re moving from a world of personal private ownership and human control, to a world of electrification, autonomy, and a sharing economy. I think there may not necessarily be a need for personal vehicles in the future, but people will still have that desire to drive.

And what it means to own your own vehicle in 5 to 10 years will be very different from what it means today. It also really depends on the sort of technology advancements and policy changes that will change our perception as to what vehicles will be like in the future. 

Q: On that same tangent, what about storied automotive names like Porsche, which have built a brand reputation on driving fun and enjoyment? Where do they fit in the greater ecosystem of ride sharing?

A: I think there will always be a market for people who love these kind of cars, who love the engineering and drive. That’s not going to go away anytime soon I believe. Even if you may not necessarily own one, there will always be enthusiasts who love performance cars and will want to keep them around.

While the ride sharing economy now is going to get much more developed, there will always be people who will go for cars like Porsche for whatever reason, whether it be passion for the brand, for the love of driving, or simply as a status symbol. So I don’t think these brands will go away, but they will also have to evolve and change in the future.

Q: Do you prefer driving or being driven?

A: I think for me it’s kind of a mixed bag. On the one hand, I prefer things to be done efficiently, so in that aspect I like to be driven as I can be more productive and avoid spending time on things such as looking for parking. But at the same time, I enjoy the flexibility of driving and being able to go wherever I want, anytime I want.

For me driving on empty roads, especially late at night, allows me the space to reflect and think, which is something that I enjoy a lot.

PHOTOS Penoramic Publishing