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

Tiguan

2019 Volkswagen

Tiguan

81,683 milesManualDiesel2.0L

Cash £11,600
View Tiguan
GLB

2023 Mercedes

GLB

13,455 milesAutomaticPetrol1.3L

Cash £29,197
View GLB
A3 Sportback

2024 Audi

A3 Sportback

35,762 milesAutomaticPetrol1.4L

Cash £18,000
View A3 Sportback
Stonic

2024 Kia

Stonic

34,755 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £12,000
View Stonic

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

Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £13,600
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,776 off RRP*Used from £13,850
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £4,647 off RRP*Used from £13,800
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £27,005Avg. savings £7,778 off RRP*Used from £11,890
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025