BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN – QAF Eurokars Sdn Bhd, the exclusive importer of Porsche in Brunei, recently hosted a roadshow for media and Porsche enthusiasts at Jerudong Park, where participants got to experience the thrill of testing out several models from the Porsche range with professional race car drivers guiding the experience.

Malaysian race car driver Weiron Tan briefing participants at the Porsche Roadshow. Photo: QAF Eurokars

From a slalom track to vehicle handling and emergency braking, we got a taste of what its like to push these luxury vehicles to their limits.

Here are some of the highlights:

1. Adrenaline-packed 718 Boxster

The Porsche 718 Boxster. Photo: QAF Eurokars

With 220kW of power from two litres of engine displacement, this classic roadster can go from zero to 100km/h in just 5.1 seconds. We had great fun manoeuvring it through the slalom track, drifting left and right, with guidance from New Zealand race car driver Reid Parker. This car packs packs plenty of adrenaline, tempered by Porsche’s impressive braking technology, which enables shorter braking distances in even the toughest road and race conditions. The 718 Boxster makes a clear statement: let’s go!

2. The sporty Macan

The Porsche Macan. Photo: QAF Eurokars

The new Macan is a compact SUV that combines sportiness, design and everyday practicality. With five doors and five seats there is plenty of room for hobbies, leisure and sport. Its sleek, compact shape never made us feel like we were driving a clunky crossover but that doesn’t mean that this SUV compromises on performance  — the 2.0 litre, four cylinder petrol engine can reach top speeds of 227km/h, and can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.

3. Panamera, full of vigour

The Porsche Panamera. Photo: QAF Eurokars

Does a sporty saloon really have to look like a saloon? Or can it look more athletic? The six-cylinder symphony from the engine, especially when sport plus drive mode was selected, will make you forget this rocket is a sedan. The newly designed three litre turbo engine drives only the rear wheels, and is as agile and responsive as a car of this size can be.

4. Fully-loaded Cayenne

The 2019 Porsche Cayenne. Photo: QAF Eurokars

No question this car came out punching. Even with participants hammering the car around the slalom circuit all day, the body control and composure impressed all who took the wheel. The new Cayenne combines even more of the typical Porsche performance and takes sportiness to a new level with powerful new turbo engines that reach speeds of 245km/h. The third generation Cayenne is based extensively on the 911 sports car  — it’s not just good to drive for an SUV, it’s good to drive, full stop.

5. A sneak peak at the latest 911

Acting Deputy General Manager of QAF Eurokars Lahiru de Silva with the new 2019 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S. Photo: QAF Eurokars

During the Porsche Roadshow we also got to see the unveiling of the new 911 Carrera 4S before its official Brunei launch. The iconic silhouette has been subtly adapted for the 2019 model and promises top speeds of 305km/h, going from zero to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds.

“This is the flagship of Porsche and we have many other exciting things planned in the next six months,” said acting deputy general manager of QAF Eurokars Lahiru de Silva. With hints of bringing in hybrid models and a new showroom on the horizon, de Silva said Porsche fans in Brunei have a lot to look forward to in 2019. We can’t wait.