Porsche Boxster - Pictures

Designed from the ground up exclusively as a soft-top, the Boxster may be light, but it’s also extremely stiff. Bear in mind the wind deflector isn’t standard, though – you’ll need it to reduce cabin turbulence.

Although it has a great driving position, we’d like the Boxster to have more steering reach and a broader seat backrest – the padding pushes into your shoulder blades and can become uncomfortable on long trips.

A six-speed gearbox is available for £1,426, which also includes PASM active suspension. We would avoid the £380 Sport shifter fitted to this car – it merely shortens the throw, and makes the lever very stiff when col

Want embossed headrests? That’ll be £126. Leather trim or climate control? All extra. With the average customer spending thousands on options, it’s no surprise Porsche is the world’s most profitable car company.

As with the Audi, the Porsche’s roof can be lowered on the move (at up to 31mph), so you won’t get caught short at the traffic lights. The Boxster is also unusual in featuring head airbags hidden in the door panels.