Canon Specifications state that Macro focus range is 2 inches to 1.6 feet.
It will close-focus from 1.6 feet to infinity.

It is best to use a tripod when shooting macro - that goes for all cameras.
When you macro focus, you do not focus on an object, you focus on a spot on an object.

If I were shopping for a Canon:
If I wanted that much zoom, I would pick the SX230 HS
If I didn't need that much zoom, I would pick the Canon G12.