Porsche 911 Carrera S 3.8 3dr Car Review - April 2013

The 3.8 litre petrol engine is one that has been tuned to deliver superb performance, and in this area it certainly doesn't disappoint, propelling the car from 0-62mph in an eye-popping 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 188mph. However, it isn't just the engine that makes this a great car, but the chassis and handling, with a ride that is both sharp and comfortable at low speeds. Porsche has switched to a new electromechanical steering system and, while there was initial scepticism about the change, we needn't have worried. It's brilliant.

But all of this technical excellence would be for nothing if the 911 didn't drive like a 911 should. And we're happy to say that, despite the overhaul, the new car still offers that intoxicating 'je ne sais quoi' that only a 911 can.

The Porsche 911 is a car that has been developed over decades, and while the shape has been smoothed and curved for the best aerodynamic performance, there is no doubt for anyone seeing the car that it draws on all the 911 heritage. The sleek lines may be smoother than those in the original 911, but the rounded headlights and tidy back end covering up the engine all help to convey the heritage of the vehicle.

In terms of standard kit, it would have been nice if Porsche had have added a few more features to the standard spec. Cruise control, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and metallic paint all reside on the optional extras list, which is a pity given the 911's prestigious image and high price.

The Porsche 911 may not be the ideal car for a family runabout, but it is not as impractical as many people think, with some luggage space to be found in the boot, which is at the front of the car. The back seats themselves are really too small to be used for anyone but young children, they are handy as extra luggage space.

Reliability shouldn't be an issue as Porsches are built with a typically-Teutonic attention to engineering and perceived quality; plus, you get a three-year unlimited warranty, which should assuage any fears you may have.

The 911 has not been tested by Euro NCAP so it's difficult to comment on how safe it is; however, it comes with a surfeit of driver aids and airbags as standard. Plus, if there's any car on the planet with the sort of handling that's good enough to prevent you having an accident in the first place, it's the 911.

The price tag for the 911 Carrera S is a little intimidating at £81,242, but it is arguably the pick of the 911 range. Plus, given the immense driving experience on offer, it's arguable that the 911 is worth every penny.

When it comes to running costs, the 3.8 litre is marginally less efficient than the 3.4 litre version of the car, delivering an average 29.7mpg; however, this is actually fairly respectable for this type of car. Insurance is also likely to be quite expensive, and with CO2 emissions of 224g/km, the Porsche will be expensive to tax under VED band K.