I'm with you on this one, after 6 months of ED 30 ownership I'm beginning to think that the whilst these front wheel drive cars offer extraordinary ability the natural progression is to rear wheel drive.
I took a Cayman S out last week and it was wonderful, the steering was uncorrupted, the traction was so good that it would take full throttle before the apex of tight second gear bends and the chassis was still alive communicative and playful. It was a real leveller too and my Golf (which normally makes me feel proud and slightly aloof) felt rubbish when I got back in.
I won't be buying the Cayman, it was too fast - indicating 110mph at the top end of third (and it really wanted you to be there) and only fun when really leaning on it, otherwise it was cramped, noisy (deliciously so when you're in the mood, tiring otherwise) and twice the price of my Golf.
It's a real dillema moving on from these GTI's because they're just so bloody good at everything they do, but despite (because of?) their sophisticated chassis and electronics they do lack purity of experience and the driven wheels play a major part in this.
I'd consider an Elise (base model 'S') if you've got something sensible in the garage for the other 364 days.
