Porsche Cayman

We get behind the wheel of Porsche's entry-level Cayman.

It’s not very often you get more for less – but that’s exactly what the revised Porsche Cayman has in store. The German firm has given its smallest coupe a makeover and the entry-level model has more power than before with lower emissions.

Out goes the old 2.7-litre flat six, which has been replaced by a new 2.9-litre unit. Power is up 20bhp to 265bhp and fuel economy has improved to 30.1mpg. Emissions of 221g/km are similarly impressive, so this is a Cayman with a conscience. It’s also got a bold new look.

The revised front end borrows heavily from the flagship Carrera GT super car and looks both more aggressive and less fussy than the original. It includes striking LED sidelights while new LED light clusters also make an appearance at the back.

The Cayman is now available with Porsche’s new PDK twin-clutch gearbox for the first time but our test car was fitted with the slick manual, which now features six rather than five gears. Fire up the 2.9-litre flat-six and the engine note will be familiar to enthusiasts the world over and the new powerplant has a wonderfully linear power delivery.

Thankfully, the changes have done nothing to compromise the beautifully balanced handling and perfectly weighted controls that have become a Cayman trademark, so the little coupe is more involving and rewarding to drive than ever.

Although the more powerful S is faster, the 0-62mph sprint takes only 5.8 seconds, making this is one entry-level model that won’t leave you feeling short-changed.

Rival: Audi TTS
The Audi’s turbocharged 2.0-litre packs quite a punch with 268bhp and a 0-62mph time of 5.6 seconds. Power is channeled through all four wheels to create huge reserves of grip, but it can’t match the Porsche for driver involvement.