Porsche 718 Boxster review - Practicality, comfort and boot space
For a two-seater roadster, the 718 Boxster is remarkably spacious and practical
Despite its thoroughly overhauled exterior, the 718 Boxster is no bigger inside than its predecessor. That said, this is still one of the roomiest and most practical roadsters you can buy.
There are two boots, one in the nose and another at the rear, behind the engine. But, unlike the BMW Z4 the Boxster’s carrying capacity isn’t compromised when the roof is folded.
The cabin is wide and there are plenty of handy storage trays, including a large glovebox and Porsche’s trademark pop-out cupholders. However, the door bins are narrow and shallow, making them suitable only for small items.
Size
In terms of its external dimensions, the 718 Boxster is pretty much the same size as its predecessor. The revised bodywork has resulted in a 5mm increase in length and a 1mm drop in height, but it’s the same width as before.
The wide opening doors make access relatively easy, and while the Boxster is quite low, you don’t have to clamber over wide sills as you slide behind the wheel.
With the fabric roof in place over-the-shoulder visibility is compromised, while the glass rear screen is quite small. As a result we’d recommend forking out for rear parking sensors (around £360, while front and rear sensors can be added for around £620). At least the wide windscreen and relatively thin A-pillars give a panoramic view forward.
Used - available now
2016 Porsche
Boxster
36,096 milesAutomaticPetrol2.7L
Cash £26,270
2016 Porsche
Boxster
21,773 milesAutomaticPetrol3.4L
Cash £50,000
2016 Porsche
Boxster
15,118 milesManualPetrol3.8L
Cash £62,000
2016 Porsche
Boxster
70,000 milesAutomaticPetrol2.7L
Cash £23,450Lowering or raising the powered roof can be achieved in 10 seconds or so and while travelling at speeds of up to 20mph. The top folds neatly away underneath a panel behind the seats.
Legroom, headroom and passenger space
You don’t buy a two-seater sports car for its practicality and space, but the Boxster is better than most when it comes to interior comfort.
There’s plenty of leg and shoulder room for both the driver and passenger, while headroom is decent with the roof raised. However, the small side and rear-windows create a slightly claustrophobic feel. This can be countered by specifying a lighter coloured interior trim, such as the red leather seen in these pictures.
You can’t really consider the 718 Boxster a family car, but Porsche will add an Isofix child seat mount and an airbag cut-out switch for the front passenger seat for around £150.
As with all Porsche models you sit low and there’s a wide range of seat adjustment, plus the steering wheel can be tailored for height and reach. The standard Sports seats are well-padded and supportive and can be enhanced with the 18-way electric Sports seats Plus option for around £2,000.
Boot
Thanks to its mid-engined layout the Porsche Boxster has not one but two boots. At the front is a 150-litre compartment, while at the rear is a slightly smaller 125-litre load bay.
The nose-mounted boot is deep, well-shaped and capable of carrying at least two or three squashy bags. At the rear is a much shallower boot, but it’s wider and features a large opening. Unlike rivals such as the BMW Z4, the mechanism for the Porsche’s folding fabric roof doesn’t intrude into the luggage space when it's lowered, meaning you get the same amount of luggage space whether the roof is up or down.
