Porsche 911 Carrera 4 3.6 PDK 3dr Car Review - March 2012

The 3.6 litre engine is quick to respond and provides ample power for the Carrera 4, and the PDK gearbox skips quickly and accurately through the gears. It is the driving experience which really makes the 911 stand out as it dances through the corners with handling that never once feels unnatural or forced, and more grip than could ever be tested on a public road. As you would expect from a car that has been honed to perfection over many years, the driving position is excellent offering good visibility and seats that adjust to suit the driver.

Under the bonnet, the 3.6 litre engine is the smallest available in the Porsche 911 and it still offers startling performance. Acceleration from 0-62mph is achieved in only 4.8 seconds, and with a car capable of reaching 175mph, its speed really is worth taking on to a race track to get the full driving experience. The noise of the engine is an ever-present in the 911, and there can be a little road noise at speed, but this is all part of the driving experience and actually adds to the exhilarating drive.

The distinctive round headlights at the front of the car flank the lid for the storage compartment, and the front end of the 911 has followed the trend of many sports cars in adding an air intake on the front bumper. The sleek lines and large wheel arches give the car a stance that suggests speed, and the spoiler at the back completes this look well. Inside, the white dials are easy to read and the cabin is very comfortable, but the buttons on the centre console may be a little small and fiddly.

Even the basic versions of the 911 come with a reasonable level of equipment, and leather seats and alloy wheels are the minimum that would be expected from a car like this. Climate control and a CD stereo are welcome additions in the cabin, but there are also some nice features such as satellite navigation and power seats to be found on the rather steeply priced optional extras list.

People who are buying a sports car such as the Porsche 911 will know that it isn’t going to be hugely practical, but it does offer four seats and the storage compartment in the front can hold one or two bags. Porsche also engineers its cars well so there should be very few problems in terms of reliability too.

The driving aids which are included with this car ensure that it is stable to drive and that all four wheels stay on the road, while there are airbags for those in the front and the back of the car should there be an accident.

The Porsche 911 is a genuine sports car, and does come with a price tag to match, with this version clocking in at £74,271. There are many cheaper cars available, but few can match such a complete driving experience as the 911.

It doesn’t get any cheaper when it comes to the running costs either, with the 3.6 litre engine able to deliver an average 28.0mpg. Insurance premiums will also be very high with such a powerful sports car, but the 911 doesn’t suffer with depreciation as much as some other sports cars do. The 911 Carrera 4 is delivered with a three year warranty and roadside breakdown assistance.