Car Gazing #004: Porsche Boxster
Porsche Boxster
(+) The new Boxster offers an even more impressive experience at the wheel with faster responses and improved refinement. The cabin has more standard equipment while boot space has also grown.
(-) Not much. Styling may not set the new Boxster apart from its predecessor enough for some. Cabin design also a little unexciting.
ON THE ROAD
Performance
The 240bhp 2.7-litre and 276bhp 3.2-litre S are responsive engines with sparkling performance. There’s plenty of pulling power for fast acceleration, while the manual ’boxes have a shorter throw than those in the old Boxster. The standard car offers decent poke but the S version has an extra 36bhp and for many it will be worth the extra outlay.
Ride & handling
Variable steering response provides low-speed manoeuvrability without affecting high-speed stability, but feedback is still peerless. Near-perfect balance and a wider track give fabulous poise and grip on all roads. Optional Active Suspension Management improves handling to the ride’s cost.
Refinement
An extra layer and new materials for the reshaped roof mean the cabin is far more isolated from wind noise, even at very high autobahn speeds. The Boxster can’t quite match the steel-roofed Mercedes SLK when the cabin is covered. The optional windbreak cuts back on buffeting in alfresco mode.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
Discounts are highly unlikely, but strong residuals should take the sting out of that – expect more than 70% of the purchase price back if you sell after three years. Fuel economy sits between the most costly Mercedes SLK and BMW’s more frugal Z4.
Quality & reliability
The materials used are of high quality, feel robust and are well put together. We found no squeaks or rattles in any part of the cabin. The Boxster should provide years of hassle-free motoring.
Safety & security
Front and side airbags are joined by extra head airbags deployed from the door – a first for the roadster market. Powerful anti-lock brakes, now ventilated and cross-drilled on every model, offer strong, predictable stopping ability. Electronic stability control is fitted to every model. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted as standard, but like any soft-top the Boxster will be vulnerable to thieves.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
The steering wheel adjusts for rake as well as reach, while the seats travel further back to offer more room for taller drivers. Some switches and displays are obscured by the wheel, but most are sensibly placed and easy to use. The heater is more powerful than that in the old Boxster.
Space & practicality
The Boxster continues to lead the prestige roadster pack with 280 litres of boot space split into two compartments, both offering very usable room. The spare wheel is replaced by a repair kit to provide increased boot space. The roof doesn’t encroach on the luggage area when folded away, a process which takes just 12 seconds and can now be done at speeds of up to 31mph. Cabin stowage is not so great.
Equipment
Climate control, electric windows and a CD player are standard, and alloy wheels are 17-inch designs on the Boxster and 18-inch on the S. Optional extras include heated and leather covered seats, satellite-navigation, a hard top and ceramic brakes which are an eye-watering £5349.
source: www.whatcar.com
(-) Not much. Styling may not set the new Boxster apart from its predecessor enough for some. Cabin design also a little unexciting.
ON THE ROAD
Performance
The 240bhp 2.7-litre and 276bhp 3.2-litre S are responsive engines with sparkling performance. There’s plenty of pulling power for fast acceleration, while the manual ’boxes have a shorter throw than those in the old Boxster. The standard car offers decent poke but the S version has an extra 36bhp and for many it will be worth the extra outlay.
Ride & handling
Variable steering response provides low-speed manoeuvrability without affecting high-speed stability, but feedback is still peerless. Near-perfect balance and a wider track give fabulous poise and grip on all roads. Optional Active Suspension Management improves handling to the ride’s cost.
Refinement
An extra layer and new materials for the reshaped roof mean the cabin is far more isolated from wind noise, even at very high autobahn speeds. The Boxster can’t quite match the steel-roofed Mercedes SLK when the cabin is covered. The optional windbreak cuts back on buffeting in alfresco mode.
OWNERSHIP
Buying & owning
Discounts are highly unlikely, but strong residuals should take the sting out of that – expect more than 70% of the purchase price back if you sell after three years. Fuel economy sits between the most costly Mercedes SLK and BMW’s more frugal Z4.
Quality & reliability
The materials used are of high quality, feel robust and are well put together. We found no squeaks or rattles in any part of the cabin. The Boxster should provide years of hassle-free motoring.
Safety & security
Front and side airbags are joined by extra head airbags deployed from the door – a first for the roadster market. Powerful anti-lock brakes, now ventilated and cross-drilled on every model, offer strong, predictable stopping ability. Electronic stability control is fitted to every model. An alarm and deadlocks are fitted as standard, but like any soft-top the Boxster will be vulnerable to thieves.
IN THE CABIN
Behind the wheel
The steering wheel adjusts for rake as well as reach, while the seats travel further back to offer more room for taller drivers. Some switches and displays are obscured by the wheel, but most are sensibly placed and easy to use. The heater is more powerful than that in the old Boxster.Space & practicality
The Boxster continues to lead the prestige roadster pack with 280 litres of boot space split into two compartments, both offering very usable room. The spare wheel is replaced by a repair kit to provide increased boot space. The roof doesn’t encroach on the luggage area when folded away, a process which takes just 12 seconds and can now be done at speeds of up to 31mph. Cabin stowage is not so great.
Equipment
Climate control, electric windows and a CD player are standard, and alloy wheels are 17-inch designs on the Boxster and 18-inch on the S. Optional extras include heated and leather covered seats, satellite-navigation, a hard top and ceramic brakes which are an eye-watering £5349.
source: www.whatcar.com
posted by joiz |
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