Porsche Cayman

   The Porsche Cayman is produced since 2005. It is available as a coupe. It is based on the Boxster roadster, but uses a different engine.

   In terms of performance the Porsche Cayman stands between the Boxster and the 911. It is powered by a 2.7-liter unit, and the Cayman S comes with the 3.4-liter petrol. Both engines are flexible for driving in town, but the real performance comes when the revs are over 4000 rpm. Both engines are coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox, which works brilliantly. Automatic gearbox is available as an option.

   The Cayman comes with a stiff suspension, nevertheless it absorbs all the bumps well. The brakes are superb and Porsche's PSM stability control keeps you out of trouble. The most important, that it has plenty of grip. Furthermore it is suitable four long distance touring.

   Road and wind noises are hardly noticeable. The only thing that you hear inside is the gloriously roaring engine at higher revs, but it you probably wouldn't like this sound to disappear.

   Only 10 000 Porsche Caymans are built every year. In fact this car is more exotic than the 911 with 27 000 cars produced yearly. At the moment there is a great demand for the Cayman, but it's resale values will be strong. Running a Porsche isn't cheap, but the prices are sensible for a prestige sports car. It is worth mentioning that the Porsche is popular for it's undemanding cars.

   The Cayman is strictly a two-seater, but there's plenty of room inside. A view out is exceptionally good to all directions. Driving position has a great adjustability, but the crowded minor switchgear is not easy to use. Some of the plastic switches in the Cayman aren't the last word in style.

   Due to it's mid-engine arrangement, it has a 150-liter front boot and up to 260-liter boot behind the engine. Furthermore there is enough oddments space inside the cabin.

  The Porsche Cayman comes with six airbags to protect you from the worst. The passenger seat features weight sensor, that automatically switches off the passenger airbag when child seats are detected. Furthermore the Cayman is a harder nut for the thieves than the Boxster roadster. Unfortunately any luggage in the rear boot is on view to passers-by.

   Even the basic Cayman is fitted with everything, what you can expect form an expensive sports coupe. Nevertheless there are plenty of options including carbon ceramic brakes, electronically controlled suspension damping, two-tone leather trim or a full satellite navigation and communication package.

   Production of the Porsche Cayman still continues.

   Advantages: Everything about the way it drives; occupants, their luggage and mechanicals accommodated brilliantly.

   Disadvantages: Dash could be clearer and simpler to use; supplies likely to be limited by modest production plans.

   Verdict: The Porsche Cayman is a more affordable alternative to the 911.

   Also consider: Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz SLK.