Porsche Boxster

Expert Rating:

What is it?

The Porsche Boxster has resided at or near the top of the premium roadster sector since the day it first went on sale back in 1996. Now it's firmly on top thanks to the entry level model's engine growing in size from 2.7- to 2.9-litres, increasing power to 252bhp along the way. The 3.4-litre S model continues to top the range with 306bhp, while both versions of the Boxster are now available with either the standard six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed PDK 'box that uses twin-clutch technology to offer both manual and automatic modes. The PDK gearbox helps shave a small amount of time off the 0-62mph sprints for both Boxster models, though it does add £1,920 to the price tag.

Visible clues to the facelifted Boxster are the reshaped front and rear lights, LED daytime running lights that sit in larger front air intakes, a re-profiled rear bumper that now includes a diffuser, and larger 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. Other options for the Boxster buyer now include a limited slip differential, which is great for keen drivers who indulge in track days and an upgraded Porsche Communications Management system for the satnav and stereo.

Is it any good?

Oh yes. The Boxster was never a car that needed a great deal of improvement in the first place, but Porsche has found small areas to polish the car's performance and turn it into one of the most alluring sports cars ever to touch tarmac. The standard Boxster's 2.9-litre engine goes and sounds great, delivering 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 162mph. It's even relatively easy on the environment at 221g/km of carbon dioxide (214g/km for the PDK gearbox model). Every corner is taken with a graceful composure the Porsche's rivals simply cannot match and the steering is a delight to use in any situation.

As for the Boxster S, it's more, more, more of the same. The extra power delivers more thrusting overtakes and hurtles the Boxster out of corners with slingshot force. Yet the S never overwhelms or intimidates its driver. The suspension, like the standard model's, caresses the road and protects the car's occupants from any nasties lurking on the road's surface. Put together, on any road, and the Boxster S has just about the perfect mix of power, pace and poise for British roads.

We love the light, accurate shift of the six-speed manual gearbox, but we're not wholly convinced by the twin-clutch PDK transmission. We found the steering wheel paddle shifters move in the opposite direction to what is instinctive (push to change up and pull to shift down). We also found the changes were not always as smooth or well timed as we'd like, and in Sport mode the gear changes can be downright abrupt.

Should I call the bank manager?

Cast your eyes over Porsche's price list and you could well be reaching for the receiver and punching in the number of your bank manager. At £33,704 for the Boxster and £40,388 for the S, both are tantalisingly affordable for many buyers. You get a lot of hugely able sports car for the money with either version, as well as the essentials of alloy wheels, air conditioning, ESP traction control and leather seats. However, it's best to reckon on spending a further £10,000 to create the Porsche that you really want, and the used car trade will reward with healthy residual values.

Summary

A little goes a long way with the revised Porsche Boxster. Small changes to the engines and suspension have put the Porsche right back at the head of its class, leaving rivals to play catch-up once again. The PDK automatic gearbox will appeal to plenty of buyers, but if you value your driving thrills in their purest form, stick with the manual version. That way you will have the best premium open-top sports car available anywhere on the planet.

Alisdair Suttie