FOR a company known for sports cars Porsche has been doing a pretty good job of notching up sales from an altogether different mode of vehicle - the SUV.

It started with the Cayenne which, despite some people's reservations, has proved to be a runaway success.

But the Cayenne - a rival for the Range Rover in both price and size - is far too big for many buyers so it was decided to introduce its little brother, the Macan.

Little is probably the wrong word for the Macan, however, as while it's almost seven inches shorter than the Cayenne it's not a small car in any sense of the word.

From the driver's seat there's space in abundance, although in the rear passengers will notice there is far less legroom than in the Cayenne.

There's also the bonus of a double decker boot capable of accommadating 500 litres of luggage with the rear seats in place and a massive 1,500 with them lowered.

As with most Porsche models sitting behind the wheel is akin to sitting in the cockpit of a small aircraft, with a vast array of chrome edged switches on each side of the transmission tunnel and even more above your head.

At first it can look daunting but in practice it's all very logical and use of them soon becomes second nature.

Among the bank of switches on the Macan S are two to change the car's setup from normal to either Sport or Sport Plus. Push the Sport Plus button and it's like lighting the blue touch paper, such is the explosive response from the 340bhp V6 rumbling beneath the bonnet.

Not only does the automatic gearbox hold onto each of its seven gears for longer but the suspension firms up and the stability system doesn't cut in as quickly ensuring the ride matches the acceleration.

My test car came with optional 18-way adjustable black leather sports seats (£1,214) which offer superb support in every direction and are the best I have ever come across, taking the cabin of the Macan S to an even higher degree of luxury than normal.

From the front the Macan is very much like the Cayenne but the shorter, more rounded back ensures that it's a more manageable car when it comes to parking and - despite having four-wheel-drive on demand through Porsche Traction Management - has more of a sportscar feel to it.

In addition to all-wheel-drive the Macan S also has Porsche Hill Control, to limit your speed on steep slopes whether driving forward or in reverse.

Porsche 911 drivers who are reluctant to give up their two-seater cars as their family grows up would do well to sample the Macan S. They will not be disappointed.

It may not have the sporting look of the 911 but it has the same DNA and as such is a superbly responsive and appealing car to drive. It's very much a car which inspires you to take the long way home just to get a little bit more time behind the wheel.

It's fast, it's smooth, it's refined and it just feels right in any circumstances.

And while the acceleration is rapid the brakes are equally impressive. I stamped on the brake pedal to save the life of a wood pigeon who was on a flypast suicide mission and the Macan S virtually stood on its nose, ensuring the pigeon escaped unscathed.