The Opinion: Porsche Boxster 2.7 ‘It’s hard to fault’

The Porsche BoxsterPorsche BoxsterGermany, 1996 > 20163 series
38 versions
116 photos
2 videos
has been the best car in its class to drive since its launch in 2000 and let’s not beat around the bush, this latest car is even better.

There are so many configurations today that I’d better make it clear exactly what car I was driving. This BoxsterPorsche BoxsterGermany, 2012 > present3 photos
was a 2.7 manual with 20” wheels and a healthy price tag of £50,000 by virtue of its satellite navigation and other options.

My first observation must be presented within a context. The Boxster was parked in the garage at home when I first saw it and in the other bay was a Daimler SP250Daimler SP 250 'Dart'United Kingdom, 1959 > present – about which I’ll talk about in a future post – and the PorschePorscheGermany, 1931 > present43 models
4639 photos
29 videos
looked like a very big car, especially for Porsche’s baby sports car.

The fact that this particular car came with 20” wheels only highlighted the fact and they also made me worry slightly for the Porsche – 20” wheels are awfully big things to move on a car of this size however good they look.

Despite only being the 2.7 the Boxster sounds great, evidenced when I started it up in the garage to go and have a play, although the noise is surely more in evidence as the engine tries to warm itself.

It is also pleasingly well made on first acquaintance, although the high mounted centre console exacerbates the feeling of size. This certainly feels like a more ‘grown up’ car than its predecessor.

The feeling of maturity shines through on the road, even on 20” wheels the Boxster rides well and soaks up bumps with aplomb. It might be better on smaller rims but this is one car where I could not advise anyone not to go for the larger wheels if they want them.

After driving the Toyota GT86Toyota GT 86 Gen.1Japan, 2012 > present14 versions
33 photos
1 video
there is certainly plenty of grip on show too. It is incredibly neutral and the speeds that can be achieved are incredible – where safe.

In fact, that chassis is so good that for the first time I believe that I’d have to go for the 3.4 S model.

And there lies the crux of the problem for the Boxster, it is so good that it has lost a little of it’s joie de vivre. Quite simply the Porsche has become so good that it fails to test the driver.

I accept that this is barely a criticism and that I am not typical. It is impossible not to give the Boxster a nigh on perfect score and it is only fair to do so, but I had more fun in other cars at the weekend. Maybe an S is the solution?

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