Skip advert
Advertisement

Porsche Boxster S

How much would you be prepared to spend to get your hands on your dream car - assuming you had a few bob, of course? How about £50,000? £150,000? More? According to Porsche, we can put our lottery winnings away, as its new Boxster will grant our wishes for much less.

Just when you thought Porsche's range couldn't get any stronger, the Boxster has got better. The 911 is widely regarded as the ultimate driver's machine, but its brother is nearly as competent in every way. Combining great pace, beautifully balanced handling and a soundtrack to die for with a sensible price means Porsche now sells the world's best-value sports car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

How much would you be prepared to spend to get your hands on your dream car - assuming you had a few bob, of course? How about £50,000? £150,000? More? According to Porsche, we can put our lottery winnings away, as its new Boxster will grant our wishes for much less.

To put this bold claim to the test, Auto Express climbed behind the wheel of the first right-hand-drive example to land on British shores. On initial sight, the newcomer looks like a relatively conservative evolution of the original. You could be forgiven for thinking our bright yellow test car was an old model.

This is, in fact, the redesigned Boxster, which we are told shares only 20 per cent of its predecessor's parts. The visual nip and tuck has seen the 'fried-egg' headlights replaced by more traditional lamps, while striking twin front airdams and a resculpted rear are intended to give a more modern finish.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Boxster

2016 Porsche

Boxster

3,632 milesAutomaticPetrol3.4L

Cash £58,995
View Boxster

It might lack the classic outline of its big brother, the 911, but the Boxster's simple shape looks good. The trouble is, the old model is now so familiar that its replacement doesn't appear as fresh as it could have done if Porsche had been a little more adventurous.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Inside, the cabin has also received a more dramatic makeover. First-rate build quality remains, while new oval air vents give some welcome relief from the clinical efficiency of the rest of the interior. Crucially, Porsche's trademark centrally mounted rev counter and hooded dials still take pride of place, and the layout is ergonomically superb.

However, the real treat comes when you start the engine.The top-spec S we drove comes with the same 3.2-litre flat-six-cylinder unit as its predecessor, but power has increased from 260bhp to 280bhp. As a result, 0-62mph takes 5.5 seconds - only 0.2 seconds faster than the previous Boxster S - but on the road, the engine proves itself to be one of the finest in existence. Power is fed via a six-speed manual box, which enhances the driving experience with a wonderfully precise, mechanical feel.

In any gear at virtually any speed, relentless acceleration is available on demand, with a thrilling aural crescendo from the mid-mounted engine adding to the excitement. Drop the hood and you can get even closer to the action - although it would be a mistake to assume that with the roof down the interior becomes uncomfortably windy.

Even though there's nothing to rival Mercedes' Airscarfe system, the cabin is an oasis of calm, with wind noise only becoming a problem at motorway speeds. The fabric lid stows neatly, using far less room than a folding metal top.

Our car also had the optional Porsche Active Suspension Management, as part of the £1,426 Sport pack. This improves on the Boxster's class-leading ride and handling characteristics with continual adjustment of each damper.

Drivers can stiffen the set-up via a switch on the dash, but we found the supple normal mode ideal for B-road blasts. Another button sharpens throttle response by up to 30 per cent. Yet the steering remains unrivalled in the class for accuracy and feel. Lightly weighted, it's similar to that of the pricier 911.

At £38,720, this machine isn't exactly a bargain, but it has the measure of supercars costing twice as much. There are no limits to what the Boxster has to offer.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Porsche Boxster

Porsche Boxster

RRP £58,468Used from £58,995
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £7,568 off RRP*Used from £13,600
Nissan Juke

Nissan Juke

RRP £18,185Avg. savings £4,614 off RRP*Used from £9,600
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,575Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £7,850
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k
Geely EX5 - front

New Geely EX5 SUV to arrive in October, starting at £32k

This new electric SUV is coming soon to the UK from Volvo and Lotus parent company, Geely
News
15 Sep 2025
Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain
Nissan Qashqai electric render Avarvarii - front 3/4

Nissan Qashqai to finally go electric, but hybrid model will remain

There will be an overlap of powertrains for the big-selling SUV
News
15 Sep 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Savour the Scandi cool of a Polestar 4 at only £334 a month

Fancy something smart and sophisticated? You won’t look back with the Polestar 4. It’s our Deal of the Day for September 13
News
13 Sep 2025