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10 February 2012

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Porsche Boxster road test report

Porsche Boxster

Do you want quickly or very quickly? That’s the simple choice between the Boxster and its more pokey sister the Boxster S. With the engine mounted in the middle of the car and Porsche keeping the overall weight of both Boxster models to a reasonably low figure, it’s no wonder this roadster handles so well. Don’t be fooled – Porsches do lose their value. However, the good news is they tend to lose their value at a much slower rate than most other cars.

A front-facing image of the Porsche Boxster

Performance

Do you want quickly or very quickly? That’s the simple choice between the Boxster and its more pokey sister the Boxster S. Both use Porsche’s classic ‘flat’ six engine configuration, the standard car with 2.9-litres and the S with 3.4-litres, and with the engine mid-mounted for perfect weight distribution. With 255bhp, the standard Boxster is no slouch and sees of 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, or 5.8 seconds if you choose the optional PDK sequential manual gearbox. The S covers the same sprint in 5.3 seconds, or 5.2 with the PDK’ box, while the S’s top speed of 170mph shades the standard version’s 163mph. As standard, both Boxsters come with a six-speed manual gearbox, which we reckon is the better bet. The double clutch PDK ’box may have swifter changes, but the steering wheel-mounted shift buttons take a lot of getting used to as they work in the opposite way to what feels intuitive. To change up a gear, you push the button toward the dash and to swap down a gear you pull the button back towards yourself. Strange and not as satisfying as the snick-snick manual.

Ride & Handling

With the engine mounted in the middle of the car and Porsche keeping the overall weight of both Boxster models to a reasonably low figure, it’s no wonder this roadster handles so well. The car always feels like it has more grip than any given corner will require, while the steering lets the driver know exactly what’s going on at the front wheels. More confidence comes from the poise of the Boxster, whether it’s under hard acceleration, full-on braking or committed cornering. The balance of the car and its controls simply inspires the driver to enjoy him- or herself to the full. Drop the convertible roof and the thrills are even more exciting as you can hear the howl of the engine more clearly. Just as impressive when pootling along is the comfort provided by the Boxster. Its suspension has well judged amount of give to mollycoddle its occupants on bumpy roads without any risk of losing its composure during press-on driving antics.

Build Quality & Reliability

Porsche is a byword for quality and reliability, and neither Boxster model does anything to undermine this reputation. Some of the cabin plastics may not be to every taste and can appear a touch gaudy depending on colour of interior trim you choose, but there’s no faulting the high grade of materials used throughout the car. The fabric roof works with millimetric precision at the touch of a button and seals out even the worst weather with ease when raised. As for mechanical durability, the Boxster has proven itself to be a very tough car and more than up to the job of deploying its performance time and again without deterioration.

Safety & Security

A fabric convertible roof will never be completely resistant to attack from thieves or vandals, but that’s about the Boxster's only security weak spot. Deadlocks, an alarm and immobiliser are all fitted, and you can also opt for Porsche’s own tracking device to be fitted to help find the car if it is pinched. Front, side and curtain airbags take care of safety in the event of an accident, while ABS anti-lock brakes and Porsche’s PSM stability control help avoid such nastiness in the first place.

Space & Practicality

For a two-seat roadster, the Porsche Boxster is one of the most practical cars you can buy. With a large boot under the bonnet and further storage in the shallow boot at the back, it can carry a surprising amount of luggage and even the odd set of golf clubs. You will need to pack light for a two-week holiday, but at least you stand a chance of fitting everything into the Porsche, which you won’t in most rivals. The cabin provides ample space for drivers of all sizes, with reach and rake adjustment at the steering wheel to help. There’s good all-round vision with the roof raised and only the plethora of small buttons on the centre console lets things down a mite. However, there are enough storage points around the cabin to keep phones, i-Pods and sat navs from rolling around. Getting in and out of the Boxster is no problem thanks to wide opening doors and a driving position that is low but not flat on the floor.

Ownership & Value

Don’t be fooled – Porsches do lose their value. However, the good news is they tend to lose their value at a much slower rate than most other cars. Choose the right colour and cabin combo and you could enjoy some very cost-effective motoring in a Boxster. Beware of options prices, however, as this can soon add a large chunk to the final bill. The Boxster starts at £33,704 and the S from £40,388, but extras such as metallic paint, rear parking sensors and satellite navigation will soon bump up the price. Then there’s the PDK gearbox at £1920. Fuel economy of 30.1mpg for the Boxster and 29.7mpg for the S make this pair two of the most frugal sports cars money can buy. Emissions of 221g/km for the Boxster and 223g/km for the S even manage to keep them out of the highest company car and road tax brackets.

Submitted: 11/09/2009 12:00:37

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