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

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

Our latest car deals

Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £36,645Avg. savings £2,892 off RRP*Compare Offers
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £28,085Avg. savings £1,204 off RRP*Compare Offers
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £31,535Avg. savings £3,985 off RRP*Compare Offers
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,155Avg. savings £2,485 off RRP*Compare Offers
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales
Omoda E5 - front tracking

Cheap electric car finance could be on the cards as government aims to boost sales

A newspaper column and whispers suggest that government-backed cheap EV loans could be coming to stimulate market
News
2 Dec 2024
Nissan Qashqai alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Nissan’s big-selling SUV
Nissan Qashqai alternatives - header image

Nissan Qashqai alternatives: cars you could buy instead of Nissan’s big-selling SUV

Nissan’s Qashqai has been a hit since the first generation launched in 2006, but if it’s not quite your cup of tea, we’ve rounded up the best of the r…
Features
1 Dec 2024
New Ford Puma Gen-E arrives to challenge the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger
Ford Puma Gen-E - front studio

New Ford Puma Gen-E arrives to challenge the Hyundai Kona and Jeep Avenger

Despite being based on the petrol car, electric Ford Puma gets bespoke features and a massive boot
News
3 Dec 2024