Porsche Cayenne S: Spotted

Why? Because it's a V8 manual and therefore rather cool

The salesman's face with this Cayenne must have been superb. "Are you sure? The manual gearbox is very unpopular. And a great deal of customers have opted for the larger wheels as well. When it comes to resale time this will be..."

Surprise!

Yes, as Cayennes go this probably won't be the most desirable. The S it doesn't offer the incredible performance of the Turbo or the more palatable fuel economy of the V6 cars (remember the diesel didn't arrive until later). It's also on small (well, 19-inch) wheels and therefore isn't as imposing as those with big rims; heck, even the glass isn't tinted. Then there's that silly stick sprouting between the seats and a third pedal by the brake. What a damn nuisance when you just want to select drive and pick the children up.

But for a select group of individuals (alright, those of us who populate this website) this Porsche SUV is actually very intriguing because it's the anti-Cayenne. It's specced for driving rather than posing and you suspect it might be rather good at it.

Hopefully too the deplorable private plate was added recently. Wouldn't want that to ruin the persona that's being created for this Cayenne's original owner. Perhaps they were told to get a big and safe SUV but ensured some fun remained. Perhaps they really wanted to wind up a Porsche garage with a dull spec. Either are laudable aims.

Let's get that plate gone pronto

Alright, so the original Cayenne S isn't terrifically fast. It'll take about seven seconds to hit 60 and the top speed is 150mph. The fuel bill will certainly be horrendous. But there's all that we love about manuals in something as daft as an SUV. With a V8. Petrol is getting cheaper too.

Moreover, don't assume it will be a terrible manual either. Speak to our editor Mr Trent and he will be rather complimentary about late GTS manuals. Alright, fairly different as Cayennes go but let's be hopeful. The Panamera manual is meant to be quite enjoyable too.

Perhaps the novelty appeal will wear off. Perhaps the shift actually is awkward and the clutch vague. But I can't help but like this Cayenne for what it represents, regardless of what the reality amounts to. Any buyer will surely have some strong negotiating power wanting to purchase a V8 manual Porsche off-roader too...

Just for a giggle I wanted to see what other manual petrol 4x4s of PH interest you could find. Of course the sensible option is the 260hp Mazda CX-7, or maybe a Forester STI for those feeling a little more adventurous. But there's nothing like the Cayenne S manual. Probably for good reason but it's rather appealing nonetheless.

PORSCHE CAYENNE S
Engine: 4,511cc V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Power (hp): 340@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 310@2,500rpm
MPG: 18
CO2: 380g/km
First registered: 2005
Recorded mileage: 84,000
Price new: N/A
Yours for: £8,995