I test drove a 718 Porsche Cayman

There’s a certain expectation that comes with driving a Porsche Cayman. You go in thinking it’ll be good, balanced, precise, “proper sports car” good. But within the first few minutes behind the wheel, I realised this wasn’t just good… it was effortless.

Now, there’s a bit of a sad moment going on here for me, as the Cayman and Boxster are going through a major transition. Porsche is phasing out their current petrol-powered versions (already pretty much off sale in the UK aside from those already ordered) in favour of fully electric replacements. In their place, Porsche is developing new electric Cayman and Boxster models, aiming to retain the same balance, handling, and everyday usability, but with a completely different powertrain. It’s a big shift, and for many enthusiasts like me, a slightly bittersweet one.

Anyway, back to the test drive.

I picked the car up from Porsche Centre Exeter, a black Cayman Style Edition with a comfy but sporty contrast leather interior and PDK gearbox and headed out onto a mix of local A and B roads, with a short stretch of dual carriageway thrown in for good measure. First impressions? It’s a seriously good-looking thing in black, subtle but purposeful, and the interior immediately feels like somewhere you want to spend time.

Now, I’m 6’4”, so getting comfortable in sports cars can sometimes be… optimistic. But this? It fit me like a glove. Seating position, steering wheel reach, pedal placement, everything just worked. No awkward compromises, no “I could live with this”, just straight-up snug comfort. That alone was a bit of a win before even turning a wheel in anger.

What really stood out though was how quickly I felt at ease driving it. Within minutes, I wasn’t thinking about the car, I was just driving it. That might sound like a small thing, but in something with this level of capability, it’s actually pretty rare. I was able to chat away with Michaela, the Porsche product specialist who joined me for the drive, without ever feeling like I needed to concentrate too hard or “learn” the car. It just clicked.

Out on the B-roads, the Cayman really started to show its strengths. The steering is sharp but not nervous, and the front end just goes exactly where you point it. There’s a real sense of balance to it, predictable, planted, and confidence-inspiring without ever feeling dull. You can carry speed through corners in a way that feels natural, not forced, and it rewards smooth driving rather than punishing mistakes. The sound isn’t too bad either, a decent exhaust note, despite it being a 4 cylinder turbo with the modern filters dulling. Quick, responsive, and always in the right gear. It suits the character of the car perfectly, especially if you’re using it as more than just a weekend toy.

On the short dual carriageway stretch, the car felt composed and refined. It settles down nicely at speed, and while it’s clearly a sports car at heart, it doesn’t feel out of place just cruising along. That duality, fun when you want it, easy when you don’t, is probably one of its biggest strengths.

Now, in the spirit of being honest (I can’t call myself That Honest Car Guy without it can I?), it’s not a dramatic car. If you’re looking for something that constantly shouts at you or feels a bit wild, this isn’t it. It has modest power by todays standards, 296hp from it’s  2 litre flat 4, turbo-charged engine, with 0-60 in circa 5 seconds.  It’s more measured, more precise. Some people might even say it’s still too capable for a base level Porsche, like you’re only ever scratching the surface of what it can do on the road, even with that base 2 litre engine (which still has a decent amount of shove when you press the loud pedal).

But for me, that’s kind of the point.

This is a car that makes you feel like a better driver without intimidating you. It’s approachable, usable, and genuinely enjoyable whether you’re pushing on or just having a conversation on a relaxed drive.

So, who’s it for? Honestly, quite a wide range of people. If you want a sports car you can use regularly without it becoming tiring or frustrating, this absolutely fits the bill. And if, like me, you’re on the taller side and worry about fitting into something like this, don’t. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Final thoughts? The Cayman didn’t just meet expectations, it quietly exceeded them. It’s not about drama or showing off. It’s about getting everything right.

And that, in itself, is seriously impressive.

Thanks to Erin and Michaela from Porsche Centre Exeter, for organising and hosting this test drive.