NOT so long ago, if you wanted a Porsche it was a 911, or a 911. Then, maybe, a Boxster. Recent years have seen the maker’s range expand to include the Cayenne SUV and what some have called a mini 911 – the Cayman.

As the flagship 911 continues to mature, the Cayman has conveniently filled the gap between the grand master of the tailslide and the entry-level Boxster drop-top.

In some circles the Cayman, with its more compact physical presence and engaging character, is being mentioned in the same breath as 911s from the past.

Essentially, some view the Cayman as a 911-lite. Sure, you can go to town with the options list. However, if you want to keep costs to a manageable sub-911 level, to do so is to miss the point.

And no matter how fast or accomplished the 911 has become in recent years, a leaner, more affordable alternative that delivers a more down-to-earth experience must surely be a good thing.

Countless Cayman owners can’t be wrong; the car has certainly ticked the box for people seeking a grittier 911-like experience.

This latest Cayman benefits from subtle improvements that all add up to make Porsche’s “other performance coupé” the best there is if driving is important to you.

Mechanical changes to the Cayman’s ride and handling have been small, indicating that it was already a sound platform. Like before, this Cayman’s steering is one of the best around: communicative, weighty and accurate.

Tthe Cayman will put a broad smile on the face of the keen driver.

Whether it’s the car’s ability to track straight and true through a series of challenging bends or offer the driver the chance to let things slide a little without causing a panic, it’s fair to say that the Cayman delivers an experience that’s close to perfection. Oh, and it’s very quick.

For all the badge snobbery, Porsche really does know how to make great sports cars. If you’re skilled enough you can play with the car, yet if you’re just learning the ropes it won’t embarrass or intimidate.

And it’s not just the mechanics of driving the Cayman that deserve praise. The driving position is spot on, the cabin ergonomics much improved over Porsches of old, the engine slung out behind you makes a great noise and it’s reasonably practical. Its trademark metallic whine is there when you’re trundling to the shops and its roar and bark is present when you’re making progress on a favourite B-road.

Opt for the PDK gearbox and you can keep two hands on that chunky sports steering wheel. Left to its own devices, zipping up through the gears is child’s play.

The Cayman now has an engine displacing 2.9 litres, which develops 265 bhp – an increase by 20 horsepower over the prior 2.7-litre model.

In parallel with improvement in fuel economy, so emissions from the engines have decreased – by up to 16 per cent.

While instantly recognisable as a Porsche sports car, the Cayman is individual in its design. Originally launched in 2005, its characteristic silhouette has remained fresh and contemporary.

Its distinctive coupé lines are combined with a long wheelbase and a rear aspect that slopes gently downwards. From the rear, the Cayman is defined by a large, opening rear lid, powerfully sweeping wheel arches and an automatically extending spoiler.

The rear lid opens upwards to provide access to the 260-litre luggage compartment. This, in conjunction with the 150-litre capacity luggage compartment in the nose.

The new halogen headlights with their integrated direction indicators are reminiscent of the lights on the Carrera GT, and the new LED rear lights tapering to the outside are integrated elegantly in the remodelled bodywork.

For the first time the Cayman is now available with a lights package featuring bi-xenon headlights, dynamic cornering lights and LED daytime driving lights.

The simple fact is this, if you want the best mid-range sports car out there you can’t ignore the Cayman. A combination of smart upgrades and the car’s intrinsic ability to reward and entertain make it the class leader.


Porsche Cayman

Price: £36,479.

Engine: 2.9-litre petrol, producing 265bhp.

Transmission: Transmission: Six-speed manual. transmission driving the rear wheels. Seven-speed DSG optional.

Performance: 0-60mph in 5.8 seconds; top speed 164mph.

Economy: 30.1mpg combined.

CO2 Rating: 221g/km.