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Porsche Boxster 718 2016 review

EXPERT RATING
8
Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Porsche Boxster 718 and 718S, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch.

Peter Barnwell road tests and reviews the Porsche Boxster 718 and 718S, with specs, fuel consumption and verdict at its Australian launch. 

The trumpeting flat-six engine has gone — but fear not Porsche purists, the new four-cylinder turbo Boxster 718s do not disappoint.

The sound has evolved into a grumbling offbeat warble low-down then progressing to a high-pitched "techno" swoosh at high revs.

This is the first flat-four from Porsche since the mid-'70s and is essentially the six with two cylinders lopped off and a turbo bolted on.

In 2.0 and 2.5-litre forms it's a quicker and more powerful car than any previous equivalent Boxster. Even the "base" model inspires with its performance and handling.

The 2.5 in the S version runs a variable geometry turbo, a rarity in mass-produced petrol engines that makes a huge difference to throttle response. The 2.0 has a conventional turbo.

The exterior has a sharper look to its flanks with more defined creases on the guards and highlights along the side.

Boost pressures aren't high, as in the Benz and Audi small turbo hot rods but with variable valve timing and direct injection the engines produce 220kW/380Nm and 257kW/420Nm. Peak torque is on tap from a mere 1900rpm.

Those outputs are greater than the previous naturally aspirated six-cylinder. Both engines are slightly heavier than the sixes they replace yet use less fuel — the 2.0 returns figures you'd expect from a city runabout at 7.0L/100km.

Drive is to the rear wheels from the low slung, mid-mounted engine through a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

The sprint from rest to 100km/h in the 2.0 manual takes 4.9 seconds while the 2.5 takes 4.4. Automatic-equipped cars are quicker again.

On a drive through the Gold Coast hinterland, both Boxsters proved entertaining and engaging to drive, whether in manual or auto guise.

The Boxster provides multiple drive modes ranging up to Sport but if you choose the Sports Chrono Pack, it gives you another setting, Sport+, that gives you other go faster electronic features.

Brake upgrades fit the 2.0 with the stoppers from the previous Boxster S while the 2.5 has 911 Carrera brakes. Wheels are 18-inch on the regular Boxster and 19-inch on the S.

The 718 maintains a likeness to the previous car but has 80 per cent new chassis and body parts, mostly in aluminium. Porsche altered the entire substructure to accommodate the four-cylinder engines.

The exterior has a sharper look to its flanks with more defined creases on the guards and highlights along the side. The roof, bonnet, bootlid and screen carry over but everything else is new.

Subtle but significant interior changes include a new multimedia screen with reverse camera and changes to the dash layout and styling.

Roof operation remains as before with deployment taking a mere 10 seconds up to 50km/h.

Satnav is standard on the 718 but if you want to go to the next tech level to access Apple CarPlay and everything it brings, that will be an extra $1090 for the optional CarConnect. That's a bit rich when there are city hatchbacks with this as standard. The Bluetooth is fast and the sound is clear.

Cabin upgrades cover leather, audio and instruments and the luggage spaces front and back are bigger than you'd expect.

On the road

On a drive through the Gold Coast hinterland, both Boxsters proved entertaining and engaging to drive, whether in manual or auto guise.

Porsche has ratcheted everything up a notch or two (including the price), delivering a car that will satisfy the most demanding driver.

The 2.0-litre has superb acceleration and dynamics but it is dramatically bested by the razor sharp 2.5 which is a serious step up in all respects.

They are both well balanced on the road and are relatively unaffected by rough surfaces. The steering is direct and well weighted while the new brakes are also impressive, especially on the 2.5. Even ceramic brakes would be superfluous.

In comfort terms, Porsche's sports convertible is impressive, capably absorbing pretty much anything thrown up by the often poor back roads.

Verdict

The sound has gone but the fury is stronger than ever.

Is the 718 the best Boxster yet? Unequivocally yes, Porsche has ratcheted everything up a notch or two (including the price), delivering a car that will satisfy the most demanding driver. That's the essence of the Boxster sports convertible — driver satisfaction.

What's new

Price - About $9000 more than the previous Boxster's starting point but the 718 has more standard equipment and superior performance.

Technology - The engine is new, it has better brakes, multi-mode dynamic settings available for the first time, Apple CarPlay (optional).

Performance - Power is up from the previous model, as is performance yet fuel consumption is reduced by about 10 per cent, as low as 7.0L/100km in the 2.0-litre manual.

Driving - Has stop-start, revised electric power steering, brake upgrades, suspension improvements, rock solid chassis — all making positive contribution to drive feel.

Design - Visual changes give the exterior a sharper look with improved aerodynamics. Mild interior upgrade to accommodate new infotainment setup.

At a glance

 

Is the new Boxster the next best thing to 911 Convertible? Let us know in the comments below.

Click here to see more 2016 Porsche 718 pricing and spec info.

Pricing guides

$76,395
Based on third party pricing data
Lowest Price
$44,330
Highest Price
$108,460

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
(base) 2.7L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $46,530 – 54,120 2016 Porsche Boxster 2016 (base) Pricing and Specs
Black Edition 2.7L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $49,720 – 57,090 2016 Porsche Boxster 2016 Black Edition Pricing and Specs
S 3.4L, PULP, 7 SP AUTO $58,410 – 67,100 2016 Porsche Boxster 2016 S Pricing and Specs
GTS 3.4L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $63,580 – 73,040 2016 Porsche Boxster 2016 GTS Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
8
Peter Barnwell
https://www.carsguide.com.au/authors/peter-barnwell

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Pricing Guide

$56,210

Lowest price, based on third party pricing data

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.