Porsche Boxster 2.9 litres 2dr Car Review - April 2012

The balance of the car is wonderful, and the handling really comes into its own on a twisty country road where it deals with the corners with ease, and without the slightest hint of body roll. The steering is well weighted and the car offers plenty of grip, and although the ride is firm enough to offer good feedback for the steering, the ride never becomes uncomfortable. The driving position is wonderful and comes with a steering wheel and driving seat that can be extensively adjusted for comfort, and the car offers good visibility too.

The engine performance delivered by the 2.9 litre engine is very good, with acceleration from 0-62mph reached in a swift 5.9 seconds. The top speed of 163mph is also plenty for British roads and can be great fun on the track, while the level of refinement is very good for a cabriolet, although the engine does become audible when its being pushed.

The style of the Boxster is very good indeed, with the distinctive rounded headlights bulging on each side of the bonnet, and a very low bumper gives the car an attractive stance. The lines of the car are also very attractive, and the rear end is nicely curved, with tail light clusters moulded into the aerodynamic shape of the car. Inside the cabin, the Boxster is an attractive vehicle with a large white dial dominating the dashboard.

The level of equipment included with the Boxster isn't as good as in some rivals, but the alloy wheels certainly help to make the car attractive on the road. The leatherette trim is also quite nice, and the car does come with a CD stereo. It does seem a little stingy to only have the climate control and cruise control on the optional extra list.

The Porsche Boxster isn't a car where practicality has been a driving force in terms of the design, but it does offer space for two adults, and also has a boot that is fairly small, but not as limiting as some cars with folding metal roofs. Porsche has a very good record for making reliable cars, and the Boxster certainly benefits from being a car you can place your trust in.

Driving the Boxster is also a safe experience and the occupants are protected by a number of airbags, and there are also a number of advanced driving aids such as stability control and traction control to help keep the car firmly under control.

With a list price of £36,572, some people will view the Boxster as being quite expensive, but it is the least expensive Porsche to buy. Those looking for cheaper open top cars may opt for the Audi TT Roadster or the even more competitively priced Mazda MX-5, but the cachet of owning a Porsche is still strong and many people will find that the Boxster is only the first of many Porsches that they will own.

The running costs for a sports car like this will never be especially cheap, but the 2.9 litre engine is able to deliver a fairly good 30.0mpg. The high insurance group means that the cost of premiums will be quite high, but one plus point is that Porsche cars do hold their value very well. The car is supplied with a two year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside breakdown assistance.