A mid-engined two-seater vehicle, the Porsche Boxster is the first roadster released by the German car manufacturer since the 550 Spyder entered the market between 1953 and 1956. Introduced towards the end of 1996, the first-generation Boxster model was powered using a 2.5-litre flat six-cylinder engine and followed a design that drew heavy inspiration from the Boxster Concept vehicle which was unveiled in 1993. It was in 2005 when the second-generation Boxster was launched. New engines were introduced in 2007 and cosmetic and mechanical improvements were added to increase engine output and overall performance in 2009. The third-generation Boxster was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in 2012. The Porsche Boxster got its name as a conjunction of the words “boxer”, such as in a boxer engine, and “roadster”, a reference to the convertible top and two-seater capacity characteristic to the vehicle.
Pros
While the German car manufacturer has made it clear that upgrades have been introduced in order to make the car more practical while performing better, the Porsche Boxster ensured that fundamentals are unaltered, staying true to what has made it shine for more than decade. This means power from a naturally aspirated six-cylinder boxer engine that is mounted between axles in front of the rear axle line and is in charge of driving the rear wheels.
As for the improvements, these include an aluminum monocoque structure with part magnesium and part high-strength steel, which allowed for as much as 35kg to be dropped. But even with the weight loss, the Boxster has increased structural rigidity and fares better in terms of crash performance. There’s also a wider wheelbase by 60mm and bigger tracks by 40mm in front and 18mm at the back, but the latest Boxster is at its sleekest with increased length by 32mm and reduced height by 13mm.
It’s a new Boxster so new interiors are in order. The car benefits from a cabin design theme that has been proven effective on the Panamera, Cayenne, and 911 and all ancillary buttons are neatly arranged behind the gearlever, an arrangement that was made possible by adopting electric parking brakes and a unique cup holder layout. Finishes have also been improved, providing the Boxster with interior sophistication that not only competes well with those in its class but those in higher classes as well.
The Boxster’s engine is a masterpiece. Expect excellent response, unparalleled flexibility, and creamy smoothness when used. Rev it up to more than 7500rpm and you won’t hear it falter in even the slightest way.
Cons
Because of the engine layout, the boot is split into front and rear compartments. This isn’t entirely a bad scenario but it may take some getting used to. Also, boot space is modest at 150 litres in front and 130 litres at the back so don’t expect to be able to cram in so much even though you technically have two boots available.
Get the Boxster S and you’ll receive a boost of 5bhp. Unfortunately, this isn’t much really. The Boxster performs very well regardless and whatever improvements were introduced to make way for the boost will have been for naught.
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