Porsche Boxter (Porsche Boxster 2.7)

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Product:	Porsche Boxster 2.7
Date:	26/01/01 (327 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheaper

Disadvantages: Not as fast as Carrera

Boxster is the new, more affordable alternative to the 911 convertible - providing a £34,000 starting price is your idea of affordable! Its platform will also form the basis for the replacement 911 we'll see at this year's Motor Show, in which the traditional air-cooled flat-six finally gives way to a water-cooled version.

It's a derivative of that water-cooled flat-six you'll find (with difficulty, since it's installed in-line behind the cabin) in the Boxster. This one is a 2.5 litre, 204 bhp, 24-valve unit, with Variocam inlet valve timing optimising power - and especially torque - to the extent that over 80 per cent of the maximum of 245 Nm (achieved at 4500 rpm) is available as low as 1750 rpm.

Drive is to the rear wheels via a five-speed transmission, either conventional manual or Porsche's Tiptronic which effectively offers a choice between full auto or clutchless manual.

Water-cooling hasn't spoilt the evocative 911-style engine note. Underway, the car is fast if not tyre-burning (even in the wet, wheelspin is almost impossible to provoke thanks to the almost 50/50 weight distribution, although traction control is an option), with a claimed 0-60 in under 7 secs.

The slick manual box leaves a large gap between 2nd and 3rd, but the engine is flexible enough to mask this in normal driving, while fifth gear gives a relaxed 24 mph/1000 rpm. Top speed is around 140 mph.

The Boxster is a driver's delight, sure-footed and with near-neutral handling thanks to the mid-engine design. Despite relatively unsophisticated Macpherson strut suspension, it's much more driver- friendly than the 911 - not a bad thing, since Porsche hopes the car will attract many buyers new to the marque!

The driving position is excellent and the power steering so good you don't even think about it, though the airbag 911 wheel is rather too big for the Boxster. The integrated instrument cluster is
pleasantly functional, the oddly calibrated speedo backed up by a digital speed readout within the central tachometer.

The mid-engine means you get two boots. Flip either of the interior release levers and you'll be pleasantly surprised at the capacity, too, each looking capable of taking a full golf bag which is probably de rigueur in this market.

Standard wheels are 16 inch alloys, 6J up front and 7J at the rear, with 205/55 and 225/50 tyres respectively. (Optional 17 inch rims carry 205/50 and 225/40 rubber).

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