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
Join the debate
xxxx
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
Excellent another Porsche review
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
Los Angeles
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
Still the best roadster available for an acceptable price, best looking too, outdone, though not outclassed, by the cheaper to own Mazda MX5.
Fidji
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
I'd have the 2.7 over the 3.4, but I'd want a manual 'box. The Boxster is a precision tool, so excessive power is unnecessary. In fact, an engine with about 200bhp would be fine. Whilst it is a very good car, my money would go elsewhere.
newdevonian
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
[quote Fidji] my money would go elsewhere.[/quote] How can you say that, Fidji? Queen Vicky told you this was the best car available, just so long as you weren't senile. In a strange way I do miss her. However I reserve the right to change my mind, if it turns out it was a bloke all along.
Fidji
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
[quote newdevonian]How can you say that, Fidji? Queen Vicky told you this was the best car available, just so long as you weren't senile. [/quote]
I bet he (I mean 'she') is reading this and is desperate to stick his ore in. I like reading opinions different to my own, but not when they resort to insults and accusations. That's why I like the majority of posters on these forums.
[quote newdevonian]In a strange way I do miss her.[/quote]
I don't.
Evo_ermine
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
I'd love to own a lot of things in life, my own house for instance,and possibly a chimpanzee, but I'd really love to own and keep one of these for a long time.
Boris911
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
[quote Los Angeles]outdone, though not outclassed, by the cheaper to own Mazda MX5[/quote] Yes I think that's a fair statement L.A. The mazda is 17k before discounts here, the Boxster 33.5k. Couple of older guys in my Community own MX5's and use them as 'beach cars'. Difficult to make a logical case for spending twice as much for the Porsche, but luckily we don't worry about that do we.
McJohn
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
il sole
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
[quote xxxx]Excellent another Porsche review[/quote] er, i think your syntax is all wrong, surely it should be 'another excellent porsche review' shouldn't it??!!
mjeftic
Re: Porsche Boxster 2.7
Could be also "Excellent, another Porsche review" :)
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