Version review

Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder 4.0 2dr Review

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Magnificent 4.0-litre naturally aspirated flat-six produces 414bhp, 310 lb ft of torque, sounds stunning and provides 0-62mph in 4.4sec. Needs working above 4000rpm but screaming it to 8000rpm is part of the joy of ownership — especially with the roof down. Six-speed manual gearbox is also a delight.


Sports

Porsche is best known as the quintessential sports car maker, but its line-up is increasingly diverse, interesting and successful, from its SUV family to the Panamera hatchback and shooting brake and, in time, a planned family of electric vehicles.

Whatever your choice, What Car?’s testers rate the cars highly; Porsche has an unusually high percentage of five and four-star cars.

Without exception, its sports cars are class leaders or among the class leaders, standing out for combining driving thrills with surprising luxury and comfort. Likewise, its SUVs are among the sharpest handling, as well as offering high levels of practicality and quality. Meanwhile, the Panamera is a true rival to the very best large executive saloons.

Porsche also sees itself as an electric car pioneer and has already enjoyed sales success with its plug-in hybrid range. Its first all-electric sports car is imminent, signalling the firm’s intent to stay relevant for many years to come.

PORSCHE

You get a 7.0in infotainment screen as standard with a DAB radio, Bluetooth and sat-nav, bi-xenon headlights, an Alcantara steering wheel and air conditioning. If you want more luxuries then get ready to open your wallet.  

4.0 2dr

40-2dr

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Electrically adjustable heated exterior mirrors on door waist rails, aspherical on driver's side

Automatic headlight activation including welcome home lighting

Porsche side impact protection doors with thorax airbag in outer backrest side bolster and head airbag for driver/passenger in door panel

Engine immobiliser with in key transponder, central locking and remote control

Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights

Reversing camera including rear park assist

Brushed aluminium interior pack - 718 Spyder (with leather interior)

Brushed aluminium interior pack - 718 Spyder (without leather interior)

Brushed aluminium interior pack in black - 718 Spyder (with leather interior)

Brushed aluminium interior pack in black - 718 Spyder (without leather interior)

Carbon interior pack - 718 (with leather interior)

Carbon interior pack - 718 (without leather interior)

Leather interior pack - 718 (with leather interior)

Leather interior pack - 718 (without leather interior)

Race Tex leather door trim pack - 718 Cayman / Spyder

Leather/Race Tex dashboard trim package - 718 Cayman / Spyder

2 way electric sports seat plus pack - 718

Interior trim package with decorative stitching and embroidery in contrasting colour - Spyder

Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder

For the money, the Porsche Boxster Spyder is truly sublime. It looks fantastic, but what’s underneath, including the fabulous flat-six engine and GT4 suspension, equips it to dynamically outgun cheaper – and more expensive – rivals alike. It’s one of the best convertible sports cars you can buy. 

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;

Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.

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Porsche 718 Boxster Spyder 4.0 2dr Review

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25.4

120

litres

251

g/km

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