THE Porsche Cayman R was declared Britain's Best Driver's Car in 2011.

It followed an annual comparison test which pitched 11 of that year's most exciting new cars against each other on public roads and racetrack to determine which one offers the greatest thrill for its driver.

The 11 cars on test were worth a total of almost £900,000 and included a McLaren MP4-12C, Mercedes CLS64 AMG, Vauxhall Corsa VXR, Renault Megane Trophy, Caterham Supersport, Aston Martin Vantage S, Jaguar XKR-S, Lotus Evora S and BMW 1M.

But the judging panel felt that it was the £51,728 Cayman R's completeness, steering and ride that stood out - no mean feat considering that last year's winner, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, was also a contender.

In second place was the nimble Caterham Seven Supersport, at £22,995 one of the cheapest cars in the contest, while third spot went to the Aston Martin V8 Vantage S, with the 911 GT3 RS managing only fourth.

Despite the technical brilliance and undoubted pace of the £168,500 McLaren, speed does not necessarily equal fun, so sixth place was the best it could muster in the test, one place behind the Lotus Evora S.

Steve Sutcliffe, editor of Autocar magazine which ran the contest, said: "The Porsche Cayman R's steering is about as sweet as it gets and the ride is 150 times better than it has any right to be, considering how little body movement there is when you're really going for it.

"Right now this car is as good as it gets when it comes to pure driver satisfaction. And that's saying something when the opposition is as good as it is."