What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Is there a defeat device in my Porsche Macan as with the Volkswagen EA189 engine?

I have a 2014 Porsche Macan 3.0-litre diesel, bought new. It recorded 42mpg or better on a long run and 39mpg average on short urban runs. Porsche wrote asking for the car to have a software update for emissions. I was very suspicious about this and received written assurances from Porsche UK that the fuel consumption would not be affected. But the mpg has fallen dramatically on short runs to 33mpg and on the long runs to 37mpg. I feel duped by such a prestigious company. Is there evidence that a defeat device exists in this particular device as per the Volkswagen situation?

Asked on 17 May 2017 by Peter Jones

Answered by Honest John
Less widely publicised than the 4-cylinder EA189, but yes. It's basically an Audi engine, subject to the NOx emissions fix. Reducing NOx creates more soot and active regeneration of the DPF requires more fuel, but readers have found that the system works a lot better on Superfuels such as Shell V-Power Nitro Plus or BP Ultimate, which you should be using anyway.
Similar questions
Has anybody else had a reduction in their fuel economy following the recent emissions upgrade? The range on my Audi A4 has gone from 620 to 570 miles per tank. Audi say it's nothing to do with the upgrade,...
I'm considering buying a used 2.0-litre diesel (2013/2014) this year, either a Volkswagen Golf or Audi A3 Sportback (but also considering a 320d) and would like to ask whether, in the light of the Volkswagen...
My Skoda Yeti 2.0 TDI had the emissions update six months ago. I have since discovered a drop of 6.5mpg. Skoda say they cannot do anything, can anyone help please?
Related models
The best car of its type to drive hands down, plush-feeling interior, great engines and a fabulous automatic gearbox.
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer