The Porsche Cayenne is a bit of an enigma. It caused a rumpus among the brand's traditionalists, attracted criticism in its styling and has generally been surrounded by some form of mild controversy or other since its launch some five years back. But then Cayenne was also the principal catalyst that's driven Porsche success so spectacularly over the past few years - today it accounts for close to 60% of Porsche sales that have proven so significant that Porsche is currently in the process of taking over auto giant Volkswagen...

An enigma Cayenne may well be, but it’s also nothing short of a spectacular success story. Now Cayenne starts the second phase of its meteoric career and Porsche took us to a place no less significant or spectacular - Jordan and the Dead Sea. There we got to grips with its SUV sequel among historical highlights as holy as Mount Nebo - where Moses discovered the Promised Land, the place where Jesus was baptised and so much more...

Porsche tells us that Cayenne is more powerful in every respect in its second generation. Visually, Cayenne II has a striking new face for that muscular, wide body, but, as they say, that's not all - not by any means as the newcomer also ushers in a raft of under the skin enhancements and improvements... All three variants feature even more technologically advanced, efficient and powerful engines thanks to the arrival of Porsche's all-new direct petrol injection and variable valve control technology in addition to larger capacity V6, V8 and V8 turbo engines.

But despite all those impressive plusses, perhaps the best news of all is that the new range is now more affordable and cheaper than ever in South Africa - indeed, you can get into a Porsche Cayenne for under R600 000 thanks to the combined effect of a new entry-level V6 model and an overall price drop across the range.

Under the skin, while the V6 may be new to the SA market, it has indeed been increased from 3.2 to 3.6 litres for a 26kW power hike. Cayenne S is up 36kW to 283kW and the Turbo climbs by 37kW to reach precisely 500bhp or 368kW. These more powerful new engines combined with a significant improvement in aerodynamic efficiency clearly benefit both performance and fuel economy, enabling Cayenne V6 accelerate to 100km/h in 8.1 seconds (versus 9.1 previously) and reach a top speed of 227 km/h (compared to 214.) Cayenne S now hits 100km/h in 6.6 seconds (from 6.9) and manages a top speed of 252km/h (242) and the Turbo storms to 100 in 5.1 seconds (was 5.6) and on to 275 km/h versus the outgoing model's 265km/h.

Perhaps most significantly though, fuel consumption is down across the board by as much as 15 per cent versus the former models. Don't even ask about the possibility of a diesel - that's Porsche taboo, but there's a petrol-electric hybrid waiting in the wings that certainly is worthy of anticipation... Both Cayenne V6 and the Cayenne S V8 come with a reinforced six-speed manual gearbox, while the Cayenne Turbo features Porsche's enhanced six-speed Tiptronic S automatic that's also available as an option in Cayenne and Cayenne S.

The 6-speed manual benefits Porsche's Drive-Off Assistant for easy brake pedal-free getaway on inclines and all models now also feature a longer final drive ratio. Cayenne's strides forward however, are certainly not limited to inside the engine bay and most significant among several chassis enhancements is the arrival of Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control to supplement the existing Porsche Active Suspension Management. PDCC is a brand new feature that in essence utilises a pair of active anti-roll bars to almost completely offset body roll in bends for the driver who prefers more sporting motoring.

PDCC improves both driving safety and handling in general, not to mention it making for a higher standard of comfort. Also, when driving off the beaten track, PDCC decouples to allow maximum wheel travel and traction, while PSM now comes with various new functions including brake pre-loading when appropriate. An improved Brake Assistant and enhanced Trailer Stability Control are also new, as is off-road ABS anti-skid braking, which promotes even faster reaction to help prevent Cayenne from developing potentially dangerous tendencies in any driving situation.

Cayenne's new Sports Button meanwhile allows the driver to select a more responsive throttle, along with a more dynamic automatic transmission, air suspension and PASM mode.

Cayenne Turbo's adjustable damper control boasts three different settings and can lower or raise ride height up to 271mm and like the new PDCC, is optional on the other models. Then the Porsche Traction Management system ensures Cayenne's driving characteristics are maintained in all conditions via electronically controlled longitudinal differential locks to vary front-to-rear power distribution as and when required. PTM also controls Cayenne's low-range selection and ensures optimal traction over heavy terrain by decoupling the PDCC anti-roll bars.

Safety wise, a rollover sensor will trigger both the seatbelt latch tensioners and curtain airbags in the event of a possible rollover, while Cayenne boasts six regular airbags and Porsche's occupant safety and protection system. Another Cayenne Turbo novelty is bi-xenon Dynamic Curve Lighting to supplement the existing Static Curve set-up for outstanding illumination. This system is optional on the Cayenne and Cayenne S. So how does all this translate to driving Cayenne?

The escarpment down to the Dead Sea's 400m below sea level is strewn with ribbons of tarmac and gravel that combine to provide a brilliant, surreal and magnificent test for Porsche's latest off-roader. Brilliant and magnificent considering the area's great historical significance and surreal thanks to the awesome and ever-changing terrain.

Any way, our first impressions of Cayenne confirm it certainly is in a march ahead - majestic and commanding over even the most challenging twisty up hills and declines, its various chassis special effects enable the big Porsche to master any road - or lack of road it encounters...

Most dramatic though, is that PSSM stability enhancement that causes the almost three-tonne Cayenne the sequel not only feel racecar-like, but also seem far, far smaller a vehicle than it is.

Our choice off the launch - on roads that perhaps best suited it, remember - is the optional PSSM-equipped Cayenne S. Not only is the effect of PSSM quite dramatic, but the V8's newfound shunt makes it into a really fine package.

And while Turbo may have been a little OTT for the drive on the day, we certainly enjoyed trying to harness its enormous performance. If you have it, flaunt it - Cayenne Turbo certainly has what it takes to reclaim its king of the super-SUVs crown, but let’s wait for Cars in Action's Kyalami Road Test to confirm that one... But there's little doubt that the new bargain-basement Cayenne V6 is where the market action is going to be - expect this model to cause Porsche's SUV to become far more prolific on our roads.

So that pretty much has Cayenne covered. But where we drove it, will take a little longer to digest. The words 'of biblical proportion' have new meaning to me now - Jordan and its history kinda made sure of that. And so in a way, did the new Cayenne...

Pricelist:

Cayenne V6: R595 000

Cayenne S V8: R750 000

Cayrnne Turbo: R1 375 000