Porsche 718

Overview

Originally the range starting model of Porsche worldwide, the 718 Cayman promises thrilling performance and driving dynamics of a more premium sports coupe in a much smaller package. The compact sports coupe is available in two versions – Standard and S – both of which come with a standard petrol engine and two gearbox options, as well as a host of personalisation options with exterior colour options, interior upholstery, and trims and wheels.

Interior & Features

The interior of the Porsche 718 Cayman isn’t as modern and futuristic as that of the 911 Carrera from which it seeks much of its inspiration. It has got a very simple layout, which though looks and feels great thanks to the choice of materials and leathers used.

The three-spoke multi-functional steering wheel as well as the three pod analog instrument console with centrally mounted tachometer looks familiar, which looks simple yet premium. The D-shaped scooped like AC vents are placed on the corners and at the centre of the dashboard, where one gets a small analog tachometer at the top of the dashboard. The centre console is dominated then by a large rectangular touchscreen infotainment system, below which there are controls for audio and climate adjustments in a cascading manner.

Exterior

The Porsche 718 Cayman has been time and again regarded as a scaled-down version of the range-topping 911 Carrera, which is a good thing to start with, considering how hugely popular its inspiration is. However, the fact that the original design has remained mostly unchanged all these years is quite unlikeable.

However, Porsche introduced minute changes and feature additions here and there to make sure it doesn’t lose out on its snob value. Take for instance, its frontal look, as while it still gets a simpleton front fascia with a sloping bonnet and round headlamps. The headlamps now get renewed LED units and daytime running LEDs. The front bumper too looks all-new with widely laid three-part air dams with sleek lamps on the outer corners.

The side profile of the Porsche 718 Cayman has got the traditional sloping coupe roofline like the 911 Carrera, which looks distinguishable due to smaller dimensions and smaller door panels and wheels. The two-door look and door-mounted rearview mirrors and flared wheel arches do give it a sporty stance.

At the rear, the Porsche 718 Cayman has got the stance of its own, thanks to bigger and curvier LED tail lamps and a black strip between them sporting the brand’s nameplate, which also has an integrated boot spoiler. The sloping windshield covering the majority of the rear along with quad tailpipes enhance its sporty appeal.

Ride & Handling

The Porsche 718 Cayman does get lightweight spring strut axle at both the front and rear, which do get the assistance of active suspension management and stability management to make sure it drives precisely. The sports suspension do ensure that it feels taut and accurate on corners, however, this does make the ride quality on a stiffer side.

Engine & Fuel Consumption

Powering the Porsche 718 Cayman is a mid mounted 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which makes a maximum power output of 350 PS and a peak torque output of 420 Nm. One can have this engine in the choices of a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Braking & Safety

The Porsche 718 Cayman is armed with a list of sophisticated safety features, the list of which includes front, side, curtain and knee airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, lane keeping assist including traffic sign recognition, lane change assist with turn assist, night vision assist, front and rear park assist, reversing camera, and park assist with surround view.

Verdict

The Porsche 718 Cayman, in a true sense, is a scaled-down version of the 911 Carrera when it comes to design and driving behaviour. While it doesn’t feel as futuristic and up to date as the bigger Porsche offerings, it packs in enough tech and features to justify its high asking price.