Porsche Boxster 2.7

More impressive is the 29g/km drop in CO2 emissons (34g/km with the auto) which sees the Boxster fall below the 200g/km threshold, and in the PDK’s case, tumble two VED bands in a single stroke.

What’s it like?

It’s not unusual for the less powerful derivatives of performance cars to edge their brawnier counterparts in the satisfaction stakes, if only because more of their potential pace can be wrung out on the road (rather than left frustratingly unused in the box).

There is an element of that sentiment in the standard Boxster. The car is barely any lighter than the S, but it feels a little leaner and revs with almost the same howling enthusiasm. However, Porsche’s immaculate fettling underneath has produced a car of such masterful ability that the 2.7-litre’s lower output barely seems to scratch the dynamic surface.

On the sun-bleached smooth roads of the south of France, the Boxster’s chokehold lateral grip and grasping traction (complimented by the optional mechanical rear differential) mean the roadster feels like it could cope with more power than even the S sends to the back wheels.

Which isn’t to suggest that the cheaper car is by any means a disappointment. It isn’t. Even without the endearing final punch of the 3.4-litre engine’s higher yield, the Boxster bristles with flat-six brio. An absence of torque beneath 4500rpm is palpable in the PDK’s willingness to kick down three gears even in its gentlest mode, but keep the 2.7-litre motor spinning near its 6700rpm peak and it answers the throttle with an assertive yowl.

Opt to include the Sport Chrono Package and the Boxster gets a Sport Plus button that activates a ‘racing track’ shift strategy on the PDK, yielding 5.5 second to 62mph performance. At the opposite end of the scale, the ability to remap the engine (and gearbox’s) responses via the push of a button is part of what makes the Boxster’s improved economy possible - and while the default setup lacks the whip-crack riposte of the thirstier alternatives, its easy-to-live-with congeniality underlines the roadster’s continuing appeal as a use-everyday machine.

Should I buy one?

Of course you should. But if electrifying performance is your main criteria for buying a Boxster it would probably be wise to invest the extra money in the S model. Porsche’s uncanny ability to engineer quantifiable gaps between its variants means the more expensive car retains a tangible edge over its sibling.

However, if flat out pace is less of a concern than, say, running costs or any of the other fine features that make the new Boxster a superb ownership prospect, the standard car is a more than worthy entry to the range. Like the S, it’s ride, refinement, enhanced appearance and dazzling chassis make it easily the finest roadster within the reach of modest money.

Porsche Boxster 2.7

Price: £37,589; Top speed: 163mph; 0-62mph: 5.5 secs; Economy: 36.7mpg; CO2: 180g/km; Kerb weight: 1340kg; Engine: Horizontally-opposed six-cylinder, 2706cc petrol; Power: 261bhp; Torque: 206lb ft; Gearbox: 7-speed dual-clutch