Porsche Cayenne goes diesel.

Byline: Steve Hughes

ADIESEL engine in a Porsche!

Many thought they'd never see that day - but it is a reality with the introduction of the first oil-burning motor from the famous German sports car maker.

Purists shouldn't worry too much, however. Porsche hasn't slotted it into the 911 or Cayman, it's been fitted to the big 4x4 Cayenne.

Porsche says that around 85% of premium SUVs in Europe are now run on diesel fuel and it had to follow suit to offer better fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, but without compromising on performance.

Porsche has sourced the V6 turbo diesel engine from the Volkswagen Group and has equipped the Cayenne with a 3.0-litre diesel engine with 240bhp supplied by Audi, a subsidiary of VW.

The average consumption of the Cayenne Diesel is a claimed 30.4mpg combined and with its huge 22-gallon tank it offers an outstanding range of up to 620 miles.

It is equipped with the proven Porsche six-speed Tiptronic-S automatic gearbox as standard.

It's on sale now and costs from pounds 39,404.

The big 4x4, which is highly capable off-road, retains its original - and controversial - body shape and the interior is almost exactly the same as the petrol model.

There's plenty of power coming from the V6 which can launch the Cayenne, which weighs 2.2 tonnes, from 0-62mph in an astonishing 8.3 seconds, which is faster than many hot hatches. Top speed peaks at 133mph.

There is virtually no discernable diesel noise when on the move and I found it hard to believe I was behind the wheel of an oil-burner.

Additional soundproofing has been added to the diesel Cayenne including a special laminated sound-deadening glass in the windscreen.

The result is very little road, wind or engine noise even when pushed hard on rough surfaces.

As a luxury SUV the Cayenne is highly specified with the interior of the diesel having true Porsche comfort.

Front seats feature 12-way adjustments and other standard kit include an alarm system, central locking with remote control, an on-board computer, tinted heat-insulating glass, air conditioning and electric windows.

As you would expect the build quality of the interior is first class with only the best of materials being used.

Storage space is huge, making it an ideal vehicle for those with an active lifestyle or large family.

Although very few owners will ever take the Cayenne off-road, it is very capable on the rough stuff.

I was surprisingly impressed with its mud-plugging ability at Porsche's new Driving Experience Centre at Silverstone.

This pounds 10m development is open to every new Porsche buyer.

New owners are able to explore the dynamics and ability of any new Porsche and develop their own skills behind the wheel under the guidance of highly-trained instructors.

Porsche, like all motor manufacturers, is suffering from the effects of the worldwide financial problems and its sales fell by 22% last year.

Sales of its sports cars have taken the biggest hit but the Cayenne's popularity has remained relatively high.

The new diesel, with lower fuel costs and reduced tax bill, should ensure the big, luxury SUV Cayenne is an attractive proposition

CAPTION(S):

ATTRACTIVE PROPOSITION The Cayenne exhibits little of the noise associated with diesels.; CAPTURE The new diesel Porsche Cayenne retains its original - and co ntroversial - body shape.