Following a market repositioning, the 718 Cayman – now available with either a 2.0- or 2.5-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine – is the new entry-level model in the Porsche range.

Whereas the Cayman was previously more powerful and priced above its roadster sibling, the two models now share power outputs. The Cayman’s 2.0-litre engine produces 221 KW and 380 Nm (from 1950 to 4500 rpm) from its 2.0-litre engine, while the 2.5-litre unit in the S derivative (endowed with variable turbine geometry technology, previously reserved for the 911 Turbo) develops 257 kW and 420 Nm (1900 to 4500 rpm).

When equipped with dual-clutch Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) transmission and Sport Chrono Package, the Cayman is said to accelerate from zero to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds and go on to a top speed of 275 kph, whereas the S should complete the sprint benchmark in 4.2 seconds and top out at 285 kph.

From an aesthetic point of view, the Cayman’s sharper front end features larger air intakes and newly designed bi-xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. There are more pronounced fenders and side sills and the rear looks wider thanks to an accent strip in high-gloss black with integrated Porsche badge between the tail lights. The new tail lights feature three-dimensional technology and four-brake spot lights, the firm says.

As for the interior, the upper part of the dashboard has been redesigned and features integrated air vents. A new sports steering wheel (as fitted in the 918 Spyder), Porsche Communication Management (PCM), mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and 150-watt Sound Package Plus are standard.

The Cayman is said to offer improved lateral rigidity and wheel tracking (compared with its predecessor) by virtue of firmer springs and stabilisers, as well as revised shock absorber tuning. Furthermore, the Porsche's steering has been configured to be 10% more direct and, in combination with the redeveloped tyres, the half-inch wider rear wheels are said to deliver greater cornering stability.

Driving dynamics options include the Sport Chrono Package and Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV). As in the other Porsche sports cars, the Sport Chrono Package can be operated via aswitch on the steering wheel. Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), if specified, lowers the ride height by ten millimetres. Additionally, the S-model can be equipped with PASM sport suspension for the first time, resulting in a 20-mm lower ride height.

Porsche 718 Cayman prices in South Africa

Cayman R854 000

Cayman S R934 000

(available from September 2016, prices includea 3-year Drive Plan)

Watch a video featuring the 718 Cayman and Cayman S:

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