Porsche Boxster Open full 9 point review
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Performance
You won't be disappointed if you choose the entry-level 252bhp 2.9-litre version, as there's more than enough go to keep things interesting. Nail the throttle from a standing start and you'll reach 60mph in under six seconds. The S model, with its 306bhp 3.4-litre engine, adds a bit more urgency to proceedings, and makes the Boxster blisteringly fast.
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Ride & Handling
Variable steering response provides low-speed manoeuvrability without affecting high-speed stability, but feedback is still peerless. Near-perfect balance and a wide track give fabulous poise and grip on all roads. The optional Active Suspension Management improves the handling, but at the cost of ride comfort. In the standard car, the ride is firm but beautifully controlled.
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Refinement
Okay, so a convertible with a folding tin-top will better protect you from external noise, but the Boxster’s fabric roof still does a good job. The engines are quiet when cruising, but get noisy as your right foot gets more enthusiastic, and they sound brilliant. There’s too much road noise, though, and the wind gives you a fair old buffeting with the roof down.
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Buying & Owning
It's a Porsche, so it won't be cheap. However, the Boxster is more affordable than some rivals, and it's well worth the money you pay. You'll get laughed out of the dealer if you ask for a discount, but you won't lose too much when you sell, because resale values are rock solid. The running costs can look a bit steep compared to some rivals’, though.
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Quality & Reliability
Porsche has a great record for mechanical reliability, especially for a sports car manufacturer. That means you'll be very unlucky if you suffer any serious mechanical problems with your Boxster. Build quality is everything you'd expect of a Porsche, too, because the whole car feels solid and classy, even if the design is starting to look a little dated.
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Safety & Security
The Boxster has just two airbags, front ones for the driver and passenger. Most rivals also provide side airbags, and some even have curtains. Hopefully, though, the high-performance brakes and stability control will be enough to prevent you needing the airbags. There are deadlocks, an immobilizer and an alarm to keep your car secure.
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Behind The Wheel
The Boxster gives you the classic roadster driving position – low, with your legs way out in front. The steering wheel and seat both have height- and reach adjustment to let you fine-tune it, too. The view out of the back is better than in many cars of this type, but the dashboard is cluttered with buttons, so it can be tricky to navigate at a glance.
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Space & Practicality
These aren't areas you'll be expecting too much from when buying a car of this type, but the Boxster is one of the most practical roadsters available. There's plenty of space for two, and dropping the roof doesn't encroach on luggage capacity. There are surprisingly large luggage bins at either end of the car, too.
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Equipment
Both versions come with an electrically operated roof, alloy wheels, climate control and a high-performance stereo. The S also gets part-leather upholstery as standard. Options include a semi-automatic gearbox, active suspension, sat-nav, cruise control and seats that can either warm your behind or cool it down.
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Porsche Boxster Open 2.9 2dr
As entry-level models go, the Boxster is great. It's fast, fun, and practical enough to use every day.
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