<p>The 2nd generation Porsche Cayman is now available with a new 6-cylinder 2.7-litre engine which produces 271bhp. Our test car came with the 7-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic trasmission. This is a car which has always been a reference point for handling capability and obsessive build quality. We were therefore rather excited to take this entry level Cayman for a good drive. </p>
<p>EX<b>TERIOR: </b>We remember how the 1st generation Cayman caused a bit of a stir amongst 911 fans. Many people thought that this smaller Porsche was going to be identified as a car for people who couldn't afford the 911, people who didn't quite make it. Others said that it looked ungainly from certain angles. We walked several minutes around our test car and we wouldn't mind being the proclaimed underachieving people who drive a Porsche Cayman 2.7. Our car came in a sober Agate Grey Metallic with optional 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels which nicely filled the wheelarches. It was in fact quite hard to distinguish it from a Cayman S which comes with red brake calipers. We particularly like the harmonious joining of the rear light clusters to the rear spoiler.</p>
<p>INTER<b>IOR: </b>The Panamera started the revolution about the style of a Porsche interior. The dashboard is elegant and the interior has an impeccable finish. The centre tunnel is higher than what we were used to. Behind the gearstick you find an array of buttons for suspension settings, electric rear spoiler and stability control. There is a chronograph mounted at the top of the dashboard which comes in an optional pack with the Sport Plus button which allows the Launch Control function. The PDK paddles sit nicely behind the steering wheel and the tipical Porsche all-in-one backrest-headrest seats are very comfortable. You can easily adjust your driving position to maximum control. The Cayman also has a decent and easily accessible luggage space at the back and a rather deep storage space under the bonnet.</p>
<p>DR<b>IVING: </b>I could write on this paragraph for hours but I'm going to make it simple by saying that the Porsche Cayman is, without a slight doubt, the best handling car out there. Absolute power is nothing without a well sorted chassis and precise controls. We hate to say that, despite being very direct and precise, the electric assistance of the power steering took away a little bit of feel but the car is supremely balanced. The ride is very supple and it's rather comfortable for such focused car. Anyone could drive this car on a twisty road at speeds beyond their expectations, it's totally fool proof. The PDK gearbox is a must, it's quicker off the mark than the 6-speed manual, more economical on fuel and produces less CO2. The PDK can also be set to manual-only if you fancy taking full charge of this fantastic car. </p>
<p><b>PRICES: </b>The Cayman 2.7 with a manual gearbox is available at £39,694. Our car had the optional (and yes, utterly fantastic) PDK gearbox (£1,922), the lovely 20-inch Carrera Classic wheels which surely contributed to the sweet handling are a rather bitter £2,671 and so the other optionals which could easily spiral the price well into the fifty thousand mark. Our advice is to go easy on optionals and keep the weight of this brilliant car to a minimum and you will have an awesome companion for your joyful journeys. </p>
<p>VERD<b>ICT: </b>At less than forty thousand pound, this car is a bargain. Very few cars will give you such a grin on your face as the Cayman. The base model makes you have fun at speeds which are still legal and Porsche residuals are always high so it's a safe investment. Make sure you set yourself comfortable and, for driving experience alone, this car is definitely worth its price. The power delivery of this new 2.7-litre engine makes the Cayman S almost unnecessary and for us it's the most rewarding car we drove for a good while. <b>MG
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