Porsche Cayman S 3.4 litres 2dr Car Review - June 2013

The Cayman is one of the best driving machines available at this price, turning briskly into every corner with wonderfully weighted steering that offers a balance of feedback and accuracy. There is plenty of grip to give drivers confidence, and while the body control is very good, the ride isn't so firm as to be a problem. The 3.4 litre engine is the larger of the two which are on offer in the Cayman, with acceleration from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 176mph.

The cabin is a very comfortable place to be for the driver with adjustment available to get the perfect low slung driving position that you would expect in a sports car. Rear visibility is one issue for the Cayman with a small window and thick pillars.

The Cayman is a different beast to the 911 which has helped to cement Porsche's reputation over the years, but it still enjoys many of the same design features that have made the 911 so desirable. The front end with its bulging wheel arches and headlight clusters rising above the flat bonnet, and the air intakes at the front are supplemented by two large air intakes behind the doors of the car. The small rear end is more compact and tidy than the 911, and the package is completed by a wonderful set of alloy wheels that really do look great.

The car is supplied with a set of leather seats as standard, and there are several aspects of the interior of the car that also enjoy leather trim. The Porsche Communication Management system is the name for the touch screen hub to be found on the centre console, with satellite navigation and the audio features all controlled from this screen. There are however a wealth of optional extras on offer, and the temptation can often significantly add to the overall cost of the Cayman.

While practicality is not normally associated with a two seat coupe, the Cayman does come with a surprising amount of storage space, both in the clever compartments in the cabin and in the luggage space at the front and back of the car. Headroom and legroom for the two occupants are both very good, and offer more than enough space.

There are six air bags and a variety of different electronic systems built into the Cayman to ensure the driver and passenger remain safe, including an advanced stability management system to keep the driver firmly in control. Porsche don't always have the best reputation for reliability, but everything in the Cayman does have a high quality feel.

With a list price of £48,783, this is significantly more expensive than the 2.7 litre version of the Cayman, and the choice of which model to take will largely depend on whether or not you intend to take the Cayman to the race track. Running costs for the car are always going to be pricey, with insurance and tax groups both being high too. Fuel efficiency of an average 32.1mpg means there will be plenty of visits to the petrol station.

The on the road package from Porsche includes a two year unlimited mileage warranty, and all new cars are supplied with Porsche Assistance, which is an in-house roadside breakdown assistance service.