New Car Honours 2006

02nd July 2006

	Think the Porsche Cayman is nothing more than a Boxster with a proper roof? Go and drive one - we promise you'll come back smitten.

Picking the best sports car money can buy is no easy task - just consider the talent on offer across the board. From thrilling roadsters and nimble hot hatches to gutsy coupés and potent saloons, this title has one of the broadest catchment areas of all.

So it goes without saying that any model that makes it on to our Commended list is something special, and the overall winner has to be mind-blowingly good. That's certainly true of this year's champ. Think the Porsche Cayman is nothing more than a Boxster with a proper roof? Go and drive one - we promise you'll come back smitten.

Forget the 911, this mid-engined masterpiece is the German firm's best handling and most involving car. The 3.4-litre flat six delivers plentiful punch and a great soundtrack. A slick six-speed gearbox gives a satisfying shift, and the brakes are truly astonishing. Yet, this two-seater coupé is still practical and most surprisingly of all, comfortable.

The super-stiff chassis allowed Porsche to soften the suspension without compromising handling, and as a result the Cayman rides very nicely indeed. Put your name on the waiting list - you won't regret it.

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