Porsche Boxster
Ratings
5 stars
Summary
Highly recommended. Little except new-style headlamps serves to tell the second-generation Boxster apart from the seminal original, but under its skin Porsche's ultra-desirable roadster has more powerful engines and a higher quality cabin.
Review
Porsche has always majored on evolution instead of revolution and the second-generation Porsche Boxster is no exception. It keeps the styling and mid-engined layout that made the original such a critical success, while adding a welcome dose of extra quality and improved driving dynamics to the mix. The end result is one of the most multi-talented sportscars you can buy.
The Boxster's styling sticks closely to the template set by the original - handsome proportions set off by strong details like the retro-911 look headlights and the swoopy writing of the rear badge. The cabin has been dramatically improved with new, upmarket materials and slightly more space for driver and passenger. Various oddments trays and stowage compartments add a bit of practicality, although luggage space is still pretty much limited to what you can cram under the front bonnet.
Handling is what the Boxster does best, its chassis combining keen reactions with a wonderfully adjustable neutral cornering balance that can be adjusted instinctively via the throttle. On the racetrack it's awesome - happy to slide and easy to correct. But it's brilliant on the road as well, especially with Porsche's PSM stability control system (which doesn't intervene too early) guarding the limits. Dynamically it's softer-edged than the new Porsche Cayman, the upside being better comfort over rough road surfaces.
Power is supplied by either a 2.7 litre or 3.2 litre flat six engine, with both giving serious urge and directing power to the rear wheels via a five-speed or six-speed manual gearbox. A "Tiptronic" automatic is also available, although it robs the car of much of its sporting character.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
5 star
Strong design pretty much guarantees being on the receiving end of serious envy. New headlamps look far better than the plasticky units of the original Boxster.
Handling
5 star
Whether travelling fast or slow, the Boxster drives brilliantly thanks to towering grip levels and a scalpel-sharp chassis.
Comfort
3 star
Interior feels gloomy with the canvas roof in place compared to retractable hard-top rivals but the driving position is relatively good for longer distances.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Vastly improved when compared to the plasticky-feeling cabin of the original Boxster. High quality switchgear and good ergonomics dominate now.
Performance
5 star
The basic 2.7 litre version will be fast enough for almost everyone - although it's impossible to deny the attraction of the more rapid 3.2.
Roominess
3 star
Limited luggage space and the hassle of having to keep opening and closing the front bonnet loses the Boxster points here, but the cabin has several large stowage compartments.
Running Costs
3 star
Used gently, the Boxster can crack 30 mpg - but under hard use the fuel economy plummets proportionately. Insurance and servicing costs are very high, but well-contained depreciation helps redress the economic balance somewhat.
Value for money
3 star
You're paying a substantial premium for the Porsche badge compared to less exotic rivals and options are expensive.
