Porsche

Boxster/Boxster S

The Porsche Boxster has re-written the rulebook when it comes to performance, comfort and sheer thrill factor. Blistering pace combined with outstanding technology make this vehicle a feature on any driver’s wish list.

Test Drive

Porsche Boxster (2013)

With more swagger than a John Wayne movie and more punch than a world heavyweight champion, the Porsche Boxster is guaranteed to put the wow factor back into driving.

It’s fun, flashy and fabulously fast with all the techno treats you could wish for packed into the compact cabin, where even the brown leather upholstery looks stylish. Porsche somehow makes brown seem interesting.

The Boxster looks amazing from every angle thanks to its low, athletic stance, sweeping light clusters, 20-inch Carrera S alloys, snug-fitting brown roof and centrally positioned twin tailpipes.

The interior oozes premium craftsmanship with its heated leather seats, leather door panels and leather dashboard – all, in the now fashionable and very trendy chocolate brown.

Elsewhere creature comforts include an amazing sound system, sat nav, a colour touchscreen and plenty more besides.

The test car featured a number of optional extras which bumped the asking price up from £37,589 to £52,686.

For me, the pick of these optional extras is the sports exhaust costing £1,473 which really cranks up the volume giving the Boxster a throaty roar with even the slightest pressure on the accelerator pedal.

Other options include front and rear park assist (£599), Porsche Communication Management System (£2,141) and bi-xenon headlights with dynamic lighting function (£1,060).

And the Boxster is deceptively spacious when it comes to storage with the more traditional boot plus another very deep storage section under the bonnet.

This is made possible because the Boxster has a mid-engine layout and that also means extra poise, agility and balance.

There are a number of handy storage compartments throughout the car too such as a sunglasses section, adjustable door pockets and drinks holders that pops out from the dashboard.

The Boxster was powered by a 2.7-litre petrol-driven engine delivering 265bhp. It is incredibly fast and can sprint to 62mph from a standing start in just 5.8 seconds before it redlines at 164mph.

Yet it’s the manner in which it achieves those performance statistics that truly impresses with such ease and finesse. It’s blisteringly fast and certainly not for the faint-hearted as the Boxster powers through the six-speed manual transmission. There is even a sport mode to make those driving dynamics even more edgy.

Road-holding is superb and any tight bend can be attacked with confidence.

Surprisingly, the ride is very good despite sitting just inches above the Tarmac. That’s due to the very supportive sports seats which also feature the distinctive Porsche crest embossed into the headrests.

And then with the slightest hint of sunshine, the roof can be opened in seconds making for the true wind-in-the-hair driving experience.

My only very slight gripe after a week behind the wheel was just that – the wheel. It seemed a little too large and I would have liked to have been able to control some of the car’s features from it.

But that aside, what a great car and one that is guaranteed to keep pure motoring enthusiasts smiling for days on end.

Test Drive

Porsche Boxster S

With its 3.4-litre engine bursting with power and acceleration and the added fact that the roof can be lowered or raised in seconds, the Porsche Boxster S is the perfect car for summer driving.

When a car is fitted with something called a launch control, it gives a little indication into what this vehicle is all about – speed, acceleration, performance and road-holding. And the Boxster S has all those qualities and plenty more besides.

Boasting jaw-dropping good looks, smart alloys and incredible streamlining, it will stand out in any crowded car park and the quality of build and design is apparent at every turn once you take your seat – leather of course – behind the multi-function steering wheel.

The black leather trim is everywhere, including the dashboard and the skilled craftsmanship is on show all around.

All the controls and read-outs are perfectly positioned for driver convenience and there are bags of top notch gadgets and features to make the driving experience that little bit more perfect.

For example, there’s a brilliant sound system compatible with all the modern devices, automatic climate control, sat nav and loads more.

But this car is really all about performance and it loves to show just how good it is.

The seven-speed automatic transmission is exceptionally fast and offers blistering acceleration whenever required – 0-62 in 5 seconds gives a little glimpse into how well this car performs. And there is the option of paddle shift controls on the steering wheel if so desired.

Road-holding is exceptional and, although cabin noise is not the quietest, the roar of the Boxster S engine more than makes up for the lack of tranquillity.

The only downside is storage really. Although the boot can hold a decent sized holdall and there is a very deep storage bucket under the bonnet – you would really struggle to fit in a decent sized suitcase.

The test model was priced at £43.8k but was bumped up a further £9k with optional extras, but that’s still a great asking price for such a quality sports car.

And as one would expect, Porsche has fitted the Boxster S with a whole host of safety specifications including head airbags plus the more standard issue ones, Porsche Stability Management which comprises anti-lock brakes, traction control, engine drag force control, automatic brake differential and a few other bits of wizardry to make braking as safe as imaginably possible.

All in all, the Boxster S has looks, performance and so much more. So, bring on the summer and even lowering the roof won’t slow you down as it can be opened or closed while driving at speeds up to 30mph.

Test Drive

Porsche Boxster

For me, the Porsche Boxster has always defined the perfect sports car and despite changes throughout the years, it still maintains that clear-cut appeal.

With its two doors and two seats there’s simply no messing – this is the car for someone who has £35k to spare and enjoys living life in the fast lane because let’s be honest, that’s where most of your driving in the Boxster will take place.

From the second you lay eyes on this beautifully-crafted vehicle, you cannot fail to be impressed by its classic styling with rugged shoulders and curves that go on forever. Then, there’s the black alloys with the Porsche name clear for all to see in the centre.

And that quality of style is matched inside too with a black leather trim that not only covered the seats but also encased the dashboard and part of the doors too.

Elsewhere there are leather touches to the steering wheel and gear stick.

Three dials clearly display all the information you might need – speed, revs, fuel and time. The seats are very comfortable with body-hugging support and visibility is surprisingly good.

The model supplied for my test drive was the hardtop 2.9-litre with a very tight six-speed manual transmission.

But this car is all about performance and it just loves to perform. Boasting 0-62mph in just 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 163mph you just know you are in for something that little bit special, and believe me, the Boxster lives up to the big build up.

The engine roars like a wild animal and once unleashed it races from the blocks with incredible controlled power.

Road-holding is superb and the acceleration at your disposal seems never-ending.

It’s not that quiet in the cabin, but for me, that’s another plus point.

The Boxster’s suspension is also very impressive as it easily absorbs all the lumps and bumps today’s road surfaces throw in its path and those seats boast plenty of lateral support as well as optimised under-seat suspension.

Admittedly, after a longer run, you may not be your most refreshed and there could be days when you dream of a face-the-elements 4×4, but for sheer fun, little else will do.

Safety specifications on the Boxster are also very comprehensive with dynamic cornering lights, a highly advanced braking system, Porsche stability management, numerous airbags as well as several passive safety features and anti-theft protection.

All in all, the cheapest of the Porsche range is still one of my all-time favourites and I always look forward with anticipation to next time!