Car Statistics: Porsche - Cayman Series 05 (5 stars)

Styling (3 stars)

A front end derived from the 911 and muscular, bulging rear wheelarches look great - but the profile and the sloping hatchback are awkward as are the fussy front spotlights.

Handling (5 stars)

First class. More agile than a 911 with more grip than a Boxster, the Cayman spears into corners and the direct steering offers peerless communication.

Comfort (4 stars)

The leather clad sports seats combine well with the compliant ride and smooth engine to produce a decent tourer. The driving position is excellent.

Quality (5 stars)

Just as good as the 911. The Cayman's doors close with a reassuringly heavy thunk and the interior is trimmed with high-quality leather and plastics.

Performance (4 stars)

The Cayman's 3.4-litre flat six is one of the world's best. Crisp throttle response, lots of low rev torque and searing acceleration above 5000rpm. The S model is almost as fast as a 911.

Roominess (4 stars)

Excellent, for a sports coupe. Between the front and rear boots you can fit a surprising amount of luggage and there are plenty of useful cubbies and stowage compartments, too.

Costs (3 stars)

You don't buy a Porsche if you're penny pinching, yet although dealer servicing will be very expensive and insurance is a punishing Group 20, the resale values promise to be rock solid.

Value (4 stars)

A Cayman S certainly isn't a trivial investment - but look at it as being the equivalent of a 911 at a substantial discount and it starts to make a compelling case for itself. Be careful with the options list though.

Stereo (4 stars)

With that engine and the exhaust enhancing button who needs a stereo? Usefully, though, the standard-fit CD unit is powerful and the extra cost BOSE system is even better. Optional satnav is easy to use.