New Porsche 718 Boxster revealed

Porsche's Boxster has received styling and mechanical upgrades as part of its mid-life facelift, as well as a new name, the 718 Boxster.

What is it?

Porsche has decided to bring back the 718 tag, which will appear on facelifted versions of the Boxster and Cayman sports cars. 

The updated Boxster receives a new front bumper with larger cooling ducts, a more distinctive rear-end design and larger air ducts in front of the rear wheel arches.

As with the current model, buyers will be able to choose from the standard car and the more powerful 718 Boxster S. A hardcore 718 Boxster GTS model is planned to join the range next year.

What engines can I choose from?

Both the 718 Boxster and 718 Boxster S feature the same new four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. The standard car gets a 2.0-litre version, which produces 296bhp and 280lb ft of torque. The more powerful 718 Boxster S, meanwhile, gets a larger 2.5-litre version that produces 345bhp and 310lb ft.

The new engine will also be used in the 718 Cayman.

Both 718 Boxster models can be had with either a six-speed manual transmission or Porsche's optional seven-speed PDK dual-clutch unit. 

The standard 718 Boxster is claimed to reach 62mph in 4.7sec, and has a top speed of 171mph. It's capable of returning up to 40.9mpg.

The 718 Boxster S can reach 62mph in 4.2sec - making it faster than the 380bhp Cayman GT4 - before reaching its top speed of 177mph. It returns a claimed 38.7mpg.

How much equipment does it come with?

Full specifications have yet to be announced, but Porsche says the car's chassis has been tuned to be sportier than before. There's also a revised steering system, which Porsche says is 10% more direct than the set-up in the current Boxster. Porsche Active Suspension Management system continues to be offered, and comes with a 10mm reduction in ride height.

How much will it cost?

The 718 Boxster will go on sale in April, with prices starting from £41,739 - that makes it £1641 more expensive than the current Boxster. The 718 Boxster S, meanwhile, is priced from £50,685.

How good are its rivals?

The current Porsche Boxster has been very well received, and we recently named the Boxster our Sports Car of the Year at the What Car? Awards 2016. 

Rivals for the current Porsche Boxster include the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet and the Audi TT. The Alfa Romeo 4C Spider is also available, but it costs significantly more than the Boxster at £59,500.