Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche Cayman PDK

Revisions have confirmed model as one of world’s best cars

Slotting into the range between the soft-top Boxster and legendary 911, the Cayman has twice been voted Auto Express Performance Car of the Year – and it’s one of the best in the business.

The shape follows Porsche’s family tradition and the complex curves over the rear wheelarches are a real highlight. While the bulbous roof isn’t universally popular, the twin-lens headlamps and LED tail-lights ensure the S oozes quality without resorting to a big rear wing or aggressive bodykit.

Advertisement - Article continues below

For a two-seat sports car it’s practical, too. The long tailgate opens to reveal a generous 260-litre boot, there’s a handy luggage net on top of the mid-mounted engine and a deep 150-litre space in the nose.

Inside, you get large carpet-lined stowage bins in the doors and, as in the TT, the driving position is perfect. The dash is a combination of modern quality and Porsche’s classic triple-dial layout. And thanks to the perfectly weighted controls you feel instantly at one with the Cayman.

Crucially, though, we’d stick with the manual gearbox – because the controls on our car’s twin-clutch PDK transmission are counter-intuitive, and the set-up isolates you from the driving experience. The box also kicks down, preventing you enjoying the 3.4-litre flat-six engine through its rev range. And this highlights the flexibility of the manual TT – it has 80Nm more torque.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Clio

2021 Renault

Clio

31,052 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £10,800
View Clio
X1

2022 BMW

X1

31,628 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £19,200
View X1
UX 300e

2021 Lexus

UX 300e

34,892 milesAutomaticElectric

Cash £14,650
View UX 300e
X1

2020 BMW

X1

58,531 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,800
View X1

The Porsche also has 20bhp less power than the Audi, and its flat-six engine only comes alive above 4,000rpm. In contrast, the TT is on song from as low as 3,000rpm. So, you need to work the Cayman hard –and that’s why the manual box is better.  

Despite its power deficit, the Porsche never feels short of performance. It’s lighter than the TT – weighing 1,375kg to the Audi’s 1,450kg – and with its powerplant placed in the centre of the chassis, it has a dynamic advantage over the front-engined RS.

While the quattro system gives superb traction, the Cayman feels more agile and alive. Beautifully balanced handling makes it one of the most engaging cars at any price. It blends a rigid bodyshell and taut suspension with sharp steering, firm but delicate brakes and masses of grip. As
a result, it’s a joy to drive on any road; minimal body movement and peerless feedback make this an incredibly pure car.

We don’t have many criticisms, but the optional 19-inch wheels on our model gave more motorway tyre roar. Equipment is a bit miserly, too, although the £1,008 Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system is impressive and provides similar ride comfort to the TT RS. The Porsche costs more than the Audi – so does it justify this?

Details

Chart position: 1
WHY: The Porsche is the sports car benchmark – but has it met its match in the shape of the four-wheel-drive Audi?

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,966 off RRP*Used from £7,250
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,115 off RRP*Used from £14,295
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £37,995
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £4,500 off RRP*
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet
BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort - front

New BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort review: the best BYD yet

The new BYD Dolphin Surf Comfort is arguably the Chinese brand's most convincing model in its range
Road tests
11 Jun 2025
New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai
Renault Symbioz hybrid - front angled

New entry-level Renault Symbioz is £3k cheaper than a Nissan Qashqai

The Renault Captur has also been fitted the new full-hybrid powertrain, which gets a bigger battery for more pure-electric driving
News
12 Jun 2025