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

Range Rover Sport

2020 Land Rover

Range Rover Sport

29,679 milesAutomaticDiesel3.0L

Cash £37,200
View Range Rover Sport
XC90

2022 Volvo

XC90

19,840 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £42,650
View XC90
Discovery Sport

2023 Land Rover

Discovery Sport

27,183 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £29,650
View Discovery Sport
Q3

2022 Audi

Q3

27,292 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £28,300
View Q3

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

Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £3,152 off RRP*Used from £14,700
Omoda 5

Omoda 5

RRP £23,990Avg. savings £2,161 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £5,494 off RRP*Used from £14,350
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £19,785Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £10,641
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years
MG Cyber X design render - front

MG Cyber X will morph into a mini-Mercedes within two years

Boxy small SUV is gearing up for production, and our exclusive images show how the model might look
News
30 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease
Ford Puma Gen-E - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Ford Puma Gen-E granted ultra-low £132 monthly lease

The EV grant has made the Ford Puma Gen-E a lot cheaper, and lease customers can cash-in with today’s Deal of the Day
News
29 Aug 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month
Renault 5 - front full width

Car Deal of the Day: Racy and retro Renault 5 for only £188 a month

The Renault 5 is taking the market by storm – and at this price it’s easy to see why. It’s our Deal of the Day for August 30
News
30 Aug 2025