Porsche Boxster Reviews

"It's a Porsche, mate."These words from a father and his young son as they passed us in the shopping centre carpark.The one thing all kids learn to identify and all Dads aspire to own from an early age is a Porsche, and it goes a long way to explaining the appeal of these cars.One of the real eyecatchers in the Porsche range is the soft-topped Boxster sports car.The Boxster S is the more expensive and more powerful of the two models and our test vehicle was equipped with optional Tiptronic automatic transmission.At $132,500 plus $7000 for the auto it's a fair old ask, but then the Boxster isn't just any old car – it is after all a Porsche! 3.2-litre boxer engine develops 206kW/ 320Nm. There's plenty of power on tap, no matter what gear you're in. Five-speed tiptronic has manual change if desired, minus the clutch of course. There's no manual stick shift mode, just the steering wheel mounted change buttons. You can slip seamlessly between modes however. Can't understand the auto/Porsche thing. It takes all the fun out of driving. Slamming home a gear with your thumbs doesn't quite have the same feel. Change up is awkward too. Tiptronic lacks the fine control of a manual box, especially when pushing the car through a series of corners. It has an uncanny sense of anticipation, however, and seems to know when you've gone from cruising to more serious driving almost instantly. We can say unequivocally that one thing the car doesn't lack is power. Plant the accelerator and the thing hunkers down and takes off with a veritable roar. Handling is exemplary. The car carves up corners and will make a novice look good. Trade off is ride which is firm to bone rattling if you get off on to some back roads. Surprisingly economical with a claimed fuel consumption of 11.0L/100km in tiptronic form. We got 12.1L/100km from the 64-litre tank – of premium unleaded. Two boots fore and aft, but no spare in sight. Just a bottle of goo in case things go wrong. Getting in and out is a real pain. It's a long way down and the doors open wide, which can be an issue in narrow driveways.

"The flat sixes are bullet-proof," he says "And if they do perchance need an engine rebuild, it's not as expensive as you might think.""They are engineered for racing and use the best designs and best quality components."And that is patently obvious when you jump into the new base model $107,400 Boxster.This is the kick off point for Porsche and it's absolutely engaging in more than performance and handling.The Boxster delivers on auditory pleasure, design purity, style, tactile function and any number of other fronts.Take the electric folding soft top for example. Where other makers use a halting robotic mechanism, the Boxster's roof folds in one smooth quick action lifting then closing the storage lid and folding the vinyl at the one time. It's a joy to watch if you are mechanically inclined.A new Boxster recently came onto the market with a familiar look that hides an all new vehicle. The styling has links to the previous model with subtle differences, more room, stronger chassis and extra features inside.Porsche has remained true to the sports car concept by refusing to use a metal folding roof on Boxster.Under the aluminium bonnet is a 176kW, 2.7-litre flat six cylinder engine that makes a glorious sound that gets better as revs rise. At redline, it's wailing away like a real GT race car.The five speed manual transmission is easy to use and accurately geared for the engine's torque. It's pretty quick too capable of putting down a 0-100kmh time in the six second bracket.Ride is surprisingly comfortable for such a focused car and the handling is astounding due in part to the mid-engine, rear wheel drive layout. Massive tyres, a wide stance and low centre of gravity all gel when you need it.Likewise the Brembo brakes and steering – fully dialled in for maximum feel and performance.And that's the best way to describe this exciting car – fully dialled in.

The mid-engined two-seater now clears the 0 to 100km/h sprint in 6.2 seconds with extra kilowatts, extra cabin space and another 20kg on board for a value-added $107,400. The Boxster S is quicker again and starts at $132,500.The result is a more refined, more comfortable Boxster pair with extra style and urge, an inside and out evolution of the 1996 original. It looks better, goes harder and sounds better.This 2005 Boxster sits 9mm longer and 19mm wider with wider track and bigger wheels. The roadster body has more muscle tone, the cabin has more comfort and the Boxster boasts the world's first head airbags for a convertible.The roof can be raised or lowered at speeds up to 50km/h, there's a new six-speed manual gearbox that's standard on the Boxster S and there is no spare wheel.Extra charisma is standard for both Porsches.The Boxster's 2.7-litre boxer engine produces 176kW. The Boxster S develops 206kW for its 3.2 litre, six-cylinder unit.Both produce more power and torque plus deeper bass engine notes than ever.A new induction system divides the airflow into the separate cylinder banks at low speed for more torque and reconfigures for maximum airflow close to 5600rpm.The upgraded Porsche Boxster also has a new exhaust system for fewer emissions and extra wail.These are flexible motors, the S's 3.2 litres with the sharper edge. Both motors love the new six-speed gearbox (optional on the Boxster).While the five-speed Tiptronic, available on both cars and loved by many, is a clever and efficient transmission, the manual offers extra snap, crackle and pop; 3000rpm in fourth sounds adequate, 4000rpm in third offers a sweeter tune, bouncing off the rock walls where this back road is carved through the hills of the Hunter Valley.The kangaroos head for the high ground, the magpies cock their heads as these new songs sweep through the scrub.The Boxsters move on, stirring up dust on the road's edges, sending dead leaves flying.These are cars with attitude and traction, sweet steering and great brakes. There is comfort and surety at high speed, flexibility at low speeds.These are balanced cars, now with 17-inch wheels on the Boxster, 18-inch wheels on the S.Both underfloors are covered for better aerodynamics, higher road speeds and less lift.The brakes are bigger with ventilated discs all round and Porsche's Stability Management system, using brakes to correct under and oversteer, is standard gear.And the steering is now rack and pinion with variable transmission allowing for a little movement at the straight ahead and becoming more and more direct as the wheel is turned. (Among cabin improvements is a height and reach adjustable steering wheel which complements a deeper seating position.)The Boxsters' cabins are better than before with extra room, class and comfort features.Ergonomics and extra gear were among prime considerations in this remake of a car which has become as much part of Porsche heritage as the famed 911s.Ultimately the 911 may be a more extreme, and more rewarding, driver's machine.But this second generation Boxster now has a character hard to ignore and even more ability as a super quick point-to-point sports car.It is one of those machines which makes an ordinary driver look good.On the first run the Boxster S on its new 19-inch wheels feels a touch too hard edged over cracked bitumen, the Boxster has a more gentle, lighter feel on these roads.Push on and on. Now the S and those extra 30kW begin to take hold on the driver out for a decent drive.As quick and agile as the Boxster can be, big brother S offers extra sparkle and smiles.The S is most appreciated with that six-speed gearbox and optional Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM).This is a very clever package, which debuted on the new 911 Carrera and adapts to road and driving conditions in the blink of a bump.It lowers the car by 10mm and offers the choice between a sporting suspension for long drives or a harder set-up for the club racer.Left alone, the PASM monitors all types of forces on the suspension from braking to cornering, acceleration and bumps. It adds to the confidence and the comfort.So it's a little dab at the brakes, back to second, point the Boxster in and power through, adding a little extra and grabbing third on the exit. There is little trace of tyre noise, the Porsche has high limits of traction for the hardy and the ham-fisted.Now hard through to somewhere over 6000rpm and up to fourth, now slicing through to fifth and sixth.The five-speed manual has been improved but this six-speeder is the one for quick and delicious changes.Chasing down the road the wind ruffles the top of the cap and there is little need for the stereo, there are too many songs to be heard from behind the driver's head.In front are those more pronounced guards, sitting either side of the aluminium bonnet and acting as mobile sights. More directly in front is that large tachometer, a digital reading for speed in the bottom of that analogue gauge. The analogue speedometer sits to the left with other warning lights and gauges.But this is a game mostly played by ear and a game best played on a demanding piece of driver's road. These Boxsters are sports cars for the open road. That the Porsches look good as boulevard cruisers, prettier than ever, is a bonus.PS: Dropping the spare wheel saves 10kg and Porsche supplies a tyre sealant and air compressor for emergencies; Porsche Australia will keep an eye on the issue.

"The question is, what do we do to update this car without changing its essential character," says Porsche Australia managing director Michael Winkler."The original Boxster was a gutsy decision by the family 10 years ago when we, as a company, were on the verge of bankruptcy. That decision to develop the car and carry it to production was a watershed."As with the previous Boxster upgrade, Porsche has taken small steps to produce an overall better result.The icing on the cake for buyers is that with better specifications, a little more power and a more aggressive look, the 987 Boxster comes in a shade more affordable."It is a case of price down and value up," Winkler said. "About half of that is tariff related but the rest is just because we are good guys."At $107,400 for the base 2.7-litre, the Boxster convertible is $1100 cheaper than before.Throw in the previously optional 17-inch wheels ($2990), CD changer ($1590), PSM stability control ($2990) and trip computer ($990), and that becomes a $9660 saving, or a nine per cent value increase.The punchier 3.2-litre Boxter S arrives $600 cheaper at $132,500. Boxster S adds similar additions but with 18-inch wheels ($3190).The value equation there puts buyers seven per cent ahead.However, the decision to buy a Boxster is rarely – if ever – about the dollars.Porsches are overwhelmingly passion purchases – culminations of long-held desires or rewards for life landmarks.And they are all about performance.While the new Boxster shares some 50 per cent of its components with the 911, the door handles are the only external common parts."The two models (Boxster and 911) have moved further apart ... there is a greater differentiation and that is in answer to what our customers have been saying," Winkler explains.According to Juergen Kapfer, head of drive-train development at Porsche AG in Germany, development of the 987 was free of any financial constraints and "it shows that in the car we have produced".Kapfer said that despite building a larger car with more room, more presence and a substantially stiffer body, weight-savings in greater use of aluminium (front and rear boot lids), lighter sound-deadening materials and the deletion of a spare wheel result in a car of similar weight to the previous model."Of course, taking out a spare wheel is a very quick and effective way of reducing weight," Kapfer said. "There are only a couple of markets in the world – Brazil is one – where a spare wheel is compulsory."In those markets we have to put one in, of course, but it does take space from the rear luggage bin."Winkler said the decision to go with a pump-and-go repair kit for Australia was not taken lightly, but Porsche would not be offering the option of a spare wheel.Improvements to the 2.7-litre and 3.2-litre flat sixes have resulted in slight power gains – up 8kW to 176kW@6400rpm and 15lW to 206@6200rpm respectively.Torque has also been improved – particularly at the lower end – through the use of a double chamber induction system and a variable butterfly valve coupled to a redesigned exhaust.Revision of the PSM (Porsche Stability Management) system has made one of the least intrusive nanny programs even less so.If deactivated, PSM will only intervene if sensors detect both front wheels are locked.The first tangible thing you notice about the 987 – apart from greater cabin space – is the guttural engine and exhaust note.This is the way the flat six used to sound before it was choked down over a progression of model changes.It is loud, primal and – as each gear peaks – a symphony to be immersed in.The dynamic characteristics of the Boxster have changed little – they are still simply brilliant and as forgiving as a saint.Feedback from the active steering – the further off-centre the wheel, the sharper the action – is sensational, with the driver never in any doubt about what is happening around the vehicle.A 25 per cent reduction in gear lever travel only makes an already tactile and precise action even moreso.A variation in final drive ratios to accommodate the larger wheel circumferences has the knock-on effect of producing slightly quicker 0-100km/h sprints (6.2 seconds in the Boxster and 5.5 seconds for the S) and higher top speeds. Porsche also claims an improvement in fuel economy.

The user-friendly and reliable Porsche Boxster is one of the great sportscars of the '90s.  Porsche's attempt to move away from its traditional roots with a range of front-engined sports cars in the 1980s proved disastrous.It was not that the cars were bad, it was simply that diehard Porsche fans refused to accept anything other than a car with a rear-mounted, air-cooled, boxer engine. Sales of the front-engined cars did not go well.  Given that history, the arrival of the Boxster in 1997 was much anticipated.The German sportscar maker was acutely aware it had to expand its range beyond its traditional models or face extinction. The front-engine experiment had failed, so a lot was riding on the Boxster.Unlike the front-engined models – the 924, 944 and 928, which represented a major departure for Porsche – the Boxster honoured the past, despite being quite different from the great old Porsche models.For a start it looked like a Porsche. It was reminiscent of the Speedsters of the 1950s, and bore a clear resemblance to the 911. That became even clearer with the release of the new 911 in 1998, which shared many body panels with the Boxster.Some traditionalists remained unconvinced the Boxster was a real Porsche, but sales surged. Aided by a relatively affordable base price of $109,900, it attracted people to the brand who otherwise would never have considered buying a Porsche.The Boxster was a marked departure from past Porsche practice, though that wasn't immediately obvious.  The engine – a horizontally opposed, 2.5-litre, six-cylinder boxer unit – was totally new. Most notably it was water-cooled instead of being air-cooled, as was previous Porsche practice, apart from in the front-engined cars.With an alloy block and heads, twin overhead camshafts on each bank and four valves per cylinder, the fuel-injected Boxster engine produced peak power of 150kW at 6000rpm. Maximum torque was 245Nm at 4500 revs, but, importantly, more than 200Nm was available between 1750 and 6400 revs, which made it smooth and tractable.Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through either a five-speed manual gearbox or the optional five-speed Tiptronic auto, which added $7000 to the price.  The smart Tiptronic auto would choose the correct gear for the moment based on what the driver was doing – accelerating, coasting or braking – but it also offered the fun option of self-shifting using buttons on the steering wheel.Acceleration was brisk with either transmission, the 1250kg manual two-seater able to reach 100km/h in 6.9 seconds, the auto marginally slower. Top speed was quoted as 240km/h.  In another departure, the engine was mid-mounted rather than being behind the wheels.Rear-mounting was the source of Porsche's reputation for being difficult to drive quickly if you couldn't conquer their habit of oversteering when you lifted off the throttle.  There was no such problem for the Boxster. With independent suspension front and rear, its road manners were impeccable and it had a wonderful balance.Powerful four-wheel disc brakes slowed it with the help of standard ABS; traction control was optional. Standard wheels were 16-inch alloys; 17-inch alloys optional.The seats were comfortable and supportive and the folding roof worked a treat, disappearing into the rear compartment in 12 seconds.  It was just as easily raised to make the Boxster quiet and thoroughly weatherproof, even at high speed.Two quite generous luggage compartments meant you could take all the luggage you needed for a trip, and you didn't lose luggage capacity when the roof was down.The Boxster's interior was criticised by some for being bland. Some of the plastic trim was a little too hard and plain for such a costly car, they said, so Porsche upgraded the interior in the 1999 model.Even so, the original Boxster interior is roomy and quite well appointed, with lashings of leather to soften the hard plastics of the dash and console.  Standard equipment included air-conditioning, a super sound system with CD stacker, twin airbags and remote central locking.Porsches are generally among the most bulletproof cars on the road. Many are kept locked away in garages during the week and come out only on sunny days. But plenty are used every day around town.Porsches are easily the most user-friendly sportscars on the market. They are just as happy to trundle along in traffic as blast along on track days at warp speed.They also give very little trouble. Plenty of old Porsches on the road have 200,000km or more on the odometer – we've seen a mid-1990s 911 with more than 300,000km.  The bottom line is: Porsches are built to last, and they do that with admirable reliability.If you're shopping privately, check the bona fides of a car before you part with your money. It's best to buy a car that has been delivered locally rather than an import, even though imports sometimes cost less.  Check for a service record from a reputable Porsche service agent.

Boxster is arguably the purest Porsche of all.