knock-out punch!

Although six years have passed since the Stuttgart concern launched its entry-level roadster - and a full nine since the appearance of the shapely Boxster concept at the 1993 Detroit Motor Show - the mid-engined two-seater shows no sign of losing its appeal. Tweaked inside and out in readiness for its seventh consecutive year on sale, the facelifted Boxster is the biggest investment Porsche has made in the model since its launch.

Externally, the differences include a general sharpening of the lines, the introduction of curvier rear flanks and rejigged bumpers front and back. While extremely subtle, the changes have had a marked effect on the Boxster's overall stance when viewed in the metal. The front end has a tautness that its predecessor lacked, and the smoothing out of the bonnet line and introduction of a new glass screen and roof assembly have done wonders for its profile.

In terms of driving, though, it's the revisions under the bonnet that will please most would-be owners. Thanks to the new VarioCam system and revised engine management, the standard 2.7-litre car now produces 228bhp, while the flagship S's output has been raised to 260bhp. On the road, the improvement is more noticeable in the S, as there's a marked increase in throttle response and mid-range punch.

Although the Boxster's liquid-cooled flat-six has never been short of torque, the added flexibility delivered by the VarioCam gadgetry results in a more relaxing drive and allows you to enjoy the delights of the chassis without rifling through the gearbox in search of the right ratio. And the chassis remains exactly the same as it was - superb. New 18-inch alloys that offer an 11kg saving over the old ones have injected a greater sense of feel to the front end, but as before it's the standard 17-inch rims that provide the purer and more faithful driving experience.

Facelifts, as with film sequels, don't always succeed, but when a car is as competent as the original Boxster, it's difficult to go wrong. By enhancing the good bits and leaving the great ones well alone, Porsche has retained the spirit of the original in a tidier, more user-friendly package.