Adjusting the rearview mirror
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Just like the Porsche 911 has slowly evolved since the 1960s, you can still see the similarities between the very latest Porsche Boxster and the model that debuted back in 1996. The Boxster has grown in size, weight, and performance over the years, but it remains pretty much the definition of a mid-engined sports car, and with that Porsche badge on the nose, one of the most desirable sports cars too.
The latest model has been around since 2016 and changed only a little in that time, but it didn’t need much tweaking. Power comes from a choice of four-cylinder turbo and more recently, six-cylinder non-turbo engines, and the roof is still an electric folding fabric arrangement - if you want a fixed-roof car, Porsche offers the Cayman.
The Porsche Boxster is one of the best sports cars on sale, and has been ever since the first model was introduced in 1996. It’s got the right badge, the right shape, and the right driver appeal, is built as well as any of the cars you might call competition, and is even pretty easy to live with. Basically, if you don’t need the practicality of a more conventional car, it’s hard to beat.
Performance is strong across the range. The initial fuss over the four-cylinder turbocharged engines has largely died down now, but even the basic 2-litre model has always been very quick - it’s hard to sniff at a 0-62mph time in the five second range. All Boxsters are impeccably balanced too, with some of the best steering you’ll find, and both the manual and PDK automatic gearboxes are great to use.
The cabin can comfortably accommodate two people and the soft-top roof is as quick and weatherproof as they come. Meanwhile, you get not one, but two boots - one in the nose, and one behind the mid-mounted engine, so there’s little compromise on luggage space. The car feels well-built and if you buy well, it should be reliable too, though bear in mind servicing and consumables may cost more than less exotic cars.
With the Boxster having been around for nearly three decades now, you don’t even necessarily need to buy the latest model to get the same thrills, but if you’re not set on a Boxster, other drop-top sports cars to consider include the BMW Z4, Audi TT Roadster, and Mercedes-Benz SLK. As a more budget-friendly alternative, the Mazda MX-5 is also one of the best.
There’s no real wrong answer here, but some models are more desirable than others. When Porsche introduced a four-cylinder engine to the range, enthusiasts kicked up a bit of a fuss, but from a pure performance standpoint, there’s no reason to avoid these turbocharged models - some drivers may even find them more fun thanks to their extra torque.
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If you have the budget though, the pick of the range is still the six-cylinder Boxster GTS 4.0, for its sound, response, and performance - and if you can’t quite stretch to it, remember that all previous Boxsters before the 718 generation was introduced came with six-cylinder engines too. As far as options go, PASM dampers and Sport Chrono are both desirable, but not essential.
The Boxster lineup is relatively simple, with Boxster, Boxster S and Boxster GTS models at its core, with one or two special editions released now and then, such as the recent Style Edition. There’s one model not mentioned below, the 718 Spyder RS - which is technically part of the Boxster range, but doesn’t carry the Boxster name.
The Porsche Boxster’s dimensions are:
The Porsche Boxster’s boot size is:
All current generation Boxsters built since 2017 are subject to a flat rate of VED or ‘road tax’, while a surcharge for costing more than £40,000 brand new is applied in years two to six. This means most recent Boxsters will cost £600 per year to tax, the earliest post-2017 models should now be dropping down to £190, while pre-April 2017 models are taxed on their CO2 emissions.
As a sports car from one of the most prestigious automotive brands, you can expect higher insurance costs on a Boxster than most other cars. All sit in groups 48-49, which makes even the most affordable car more expensive to insure than something like an Alpine A110, which starts in group 44, or the BMW Z4 with its lowest group 30 rating.
£75,718
What is the most popular colour for Porsche Boxster ?
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What is the most popular engine for Porsche Boxster ?
What is the average mileage for Porsche Boxster ?
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How many Porsche Boxster cars are available for sale?
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