As a two-seat sports car, thePorsche Cayman stands out. Practical enough for daily use and comfortable on a racetrack alike, its driving experience surpasses anything fast saloons/coupes can offer.

Though its pitifully small 7.0in touchscreen may no longer be cutting edge, it still looks smart and offers Bluetooth, DAB radio and Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring functionality.

The design

The Cayman isn't simply a roadster with a roof; it's an all-out sports car built for purposeful performance that can lap the Nurburgring just as quickly as its 911 sibling. Now in its second generation, this purpose-built sports car has set new benchmarks in its segment with features like wider front track that enhances stability, more power output, improved interior construction quality and more.

Porsche engineers created its new 981 generation model to not only satisfy its target customer but also offer greater comfort on a daily basis. To do this, they provided it with a longer wheelbase, stiffer bodywork and improved suspension systems - and was so well received by buyers that production will continue until 2023 when an all-new version will replace it.

Since its debut, the Cayman has undergone significant upgrades, including a facelift and two versions of its flat-six engine: 2.7 and 2.9-liter units that each deliver ample power; while those seeking extra performance may prefer opting for GTS model's 2.9-liter unit which produces 265 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque respectively. Furthermore, top-of-the-line Cayman GTS 4S features unique graphics package, sports exhaust, and red brake calipers for even greater performance!

No matter which model of Cayman you select, its ride quality remains outstanding. Although firmer than some rivals, its ride is far from jarring around town or when traveling at higher speeds and can even smooth out once speed increases. While standard Xenon headlights provide adequate illumination in bends, more advanced adaptive units may provide even greater visibility during corners.

The Cayman is known for having a compact cabin, making it challenging for taller occupants. However, its attractive 7.0in infotainment system boasts Bluetooth, sat nav and DAB radio connectivity; unfortunately Android Auto is unavailable and could prove detrimental for certain buyers.

Safety is of utmost importance, and the Cayman offers six airbags and traction control to keep you secure on slippery surfaces or when accelerating rapidly. Unfortunately, however, this model lacks automatic emergency braking or lane-keeping assist - which was disappointing; additionally, Euro NCAP did not review it, nor can you install Isofix child seat fittings into its cabin.

The engine

The Cayman is one of the most athletic cars in its class, excelling on curvy roads and racetracks alike with ease. Thanks to its rear-wheel drive layout, it remains steady when taking tight corners where real driving enthusiasts can enjoy themselves while offering a comfortable ride for everyday use. There are several performance upgrades available to increase handling and braking abilities further.

In its first generation, the Porsche Cayman featured naturally aspirated flat-six engines ranging in displacement from 2.7L to 3.4L, coupled with either manual transmission or PDK automatic. A facelift arrived with 2009 and both vehicles received new, more powerful engines; for example the Cayman S received direct injection while its base model continued with a 2.7-liter unit.

For emissions purposes, German manufacturer decided to switch its six-cylinder engines out for smaller four-cylinder turbo units - even though these were more fuel-efficient and could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in around 4.3 seconds.

Both the Cayman and roadster models benefit from Porsche's legendary seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the PDK. This system is known for its quick shifts and its ability to manage both their powerful yet fuel-efficient engines.

On a brisk drive, the Cayman's acceleration is unwavering; not slowing until reaching speeds greater than 80 mph. Its sound resembles that of older flat-four engines with its gruff yet unapologetic character.

People looking to maximize the power of the Cayman's turbocharged engine should consider opting for the GTS 4.0. Featuring the same 4.0-liter flat six engine as found in the Boxster Spyder, this car can reach 97 km/h from a standstill in just under four seconds - and features an efficient PDK transmission and rear wheel steering setup; not to mention being Porsche's most powerful offering!

The transmission

The Cayman is a sports car designed for drivers who appreciate every nuance of driving experience. Its mid-engine design and carefully tuned suspension grant it an agility few other cars can match; yet its precise yet forgiving nature helps even inexperienced drivers feel at home behind the wheel.

the Cayman feels like an extension of its driver, with lower front seats than those found in a 911 and sportier and more intimate seating arrangements than its older sibling, the 911. Its instrument cluster is dominated by a large tachometer reminiscent of Porsche racing heritage and an infotainment screen with clear graphics making navigation simple. Finally, its small trunk offers enough room to store luggage as well as attachments that enable roof rack or box attachments.

2009 saw one of the biggest upgrades ever seen on a Porsche Cayman GTS with Porsche's dual-clutch PDK transmission system - gearchanges are seamless and don't interrupt engine drive, providing for a much smoother driving experience compared to Tiptronic S automatic. Furthermore, keeping engine RPM higher helps make driving even more responsive in normal and Sport Plus modes of the 718 Cayman GTS.

In our tests, a Cayman S equipped with PDK reached 60 mph in just five seconds and could go as fast as 171 mph - easily outperforming Mercedes-Benz SLK and 2010 BMW Z4 by several tenths of a second each.

Though a Cayman with PDK might not offer as refined an experience as driving a 911, it remains an enjoyable and rewarding sports car to drive. Driving one also helps hone your skills behind the wheel, teaching you how to anticipate and control its powerful engine.

These minor shortcomings may dissuade some from considering a Cayman, but those who appreciate what this little car stands for should see its beauty in spite of them as an excellent investment opportunity. It offers pure purpose unlike many other vehicles of similar price tag can match.

The interior

The Cayman has always been known for striking an ideal balance between comfort and sportiness. Thanks to sprung door hinges, entering and exiting is simple while its driver seat features low hipped purposeful design while remaining comfortably low-hipped and purposeful for long drives - plus there's even electric height adjustment so as to suit different drivers' height preferences.

The infotainment system features a Goldilocks-sized 7.0in touchscreen that offers Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring. In addition, Bluetooth, DAB radio, and satellite navigation capabilities are provided as standard. You also gain access to Porsche Connect - which lets you remotely check fuel levels, tire pressures and other relevant driving data--you can unlock doors or activate alarm from your phone! It even features standard xenon headlights which offer decent illumination; upgrading intelligent lights which switch between main beam and dipped settings when necessary is also an option.

There's plenty of storage space in the cabin as well, with two 150-litre bins in the nose and a larger 270-litre boot at the back. Plus there's a handy compartment above the glovebox as well as pop-out cupholders hidden within its trim above the front dashboard for added convenience.

Add design-oriented upgrades to the Cayman, including 20in wheel packages and leather steering wheels with heated sections, for the GTS models, which go even further with black detailing for front air intakes and window surrounds, sporty key with aluminium insert, and an exhaust tuned to emit an intoxicating and soulful noise when driving hard.

All versions of the Cayman come standard with a three-year warranty; however, you can pay extra to extend that cover up to five or seven years and purchase an extended engine, transmission and mechanical components warranty of two million miles. Euro NCAP did not award five stars to this vehicle in terms of theft protection and break-in attempts - only four stars were given; it does come equipped with six airbags as standard however as well as being Isofix child seat compatible and boasting Isofix child-seat compatibility as well as standard roadside assistance packages of three years as standard.