What is it?

New, slightly quicker, slightly greener, slightly less ugly (possibly), 2010 Porsche Cayenne Turbo. It costs £81,589.

Technical highlights?

The new Cayenne is 180kg lighter thanks to the use of Aluminium for the doors, boot and bonnet. It also has stop-start technology and an eight-speed gearbox that help it achieve a staggering CO2 rating of 270g/km and a combined fuel consumption figure of 24.6mpg.

What’s it like to drive?

Astonishing. The level of grip it finds and the body control it displays mean that it’s actually quite a violent experience flinging a Cayenne turbo down the road. Turn-in is sharper and more instant than it has any right to be  and there simply isn’t any roll. In full Sport damper mode it’s actually too harsh, so I’d recommend winding it back to ‘Normal’ just to take the edge off the ride. The steering is very accurate, although feel is largely absent.

The gearbox is a slight disappointment in that it has inviting looking paddles, but you’re actually better off leaving it in auto (a with the sport mode selected).

How does it compare?

BMW’s X6M is still a match for the Cayenne Turbo in a straight line but the Cayenne has more poise in the corners. Which is the better looking? That prize goes to… the Mercedes ML63 AMG.

Anything else I need to know?

You can get the driving position incredibly low and an extra 40mm in the wheelbase helps rear legroom too.

Read the 2010 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid review here