Porsche Cayman

The Cayman combines engineering quality, superb road manners, fine driver controls and ride comfort to make a terrific, if expensive, driver's car.

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Rating:
For : Scintillating handling and steering, smooth ride, fuel economy, two boots, great brakes, build quality, lightweight construction
Against : Poor standard equipment list, high asking price, expensive options, questionable styling, dull cabin design

Driving:
The Cayman S's 3.4-litre flat-six boxer engine is intoxicating - and a lithe kerbweight means it's fast, too. 0-60mph takes 5.2 seconds and an in-gear 30-70mph time of 4.2 seconds is rapid. The gearbox is also incredibly precise, and the Cayman has superb brakes. But perhaps its most remarkable feature is its compliant ride. It is stiff over speed bumps, but increase the pace and it becomes smooth and absorbent. So on twisting B-roads, the Cayman really flows. And because the car is blessed with stunning steering and great mid-engined balance, it really flatters the driver with its clinical, precise cornering ability.

Marketplace:
Even the most argent Porsche fan would admit the Cayman S isn't the best-looking coupe around. The flat tailgate is at odds with the rounded haunches, while the slatted air vents in front of the rear wheels look rather fussy. And because the rear hatch drops to bumper level and the engine is mid-mounted, the 260-litre boot isn't that spacious - so it's fortunate that there's another 150-litre are under the bonnet. More than just a hard-top version of the Boxster, the Cayman competes with the BMW Z4 M Coupe, Lotus Europa and Mercedes SLK.

Owning:
The Cayman's cabin is very well built and comfortable. Figure-hugging seats and a superb driving position mean you're perfectly placed to enjoy the performance. If only the plain-looking switchgear and predictable layout did more to excite. But be warned - from climate control to leather trim, everything is optional in the Porsche. You will need medical attention after seeing the miserly standard kit list; our test car was fitted with £10,000 of options! Servicing costs are frightening too: check-ups may be needed only every 2 years/18,000 miles, but rates are sky-high and dealers are thin on the ground. Factor in Group 20 insurance and you've a costly car to run. Good job retained values are extremely good, while fuel economy deserves merit with an average figure of 23.4mpg in our tests. On the motorway, it was capable of more than 28mpg.