More like Box - Star ! (Porsche Boxster 2.7)

Name: djcolingee

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Product:	Porsche Boxster 2.7
Date:	25.10.01 (791 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: The near perfect blend of power and control, Styling, Quality

Disadvantages: Price, Boxster S is better, Poor man's Porsche?

I've always looked upon the Boxster as a 'special' car. Not just in the way it is constructed, but because if Porsche hadn't designed and taken a gamble with it, the company would have gone bankrupt or maybe taken over by a second rake manufacturer. That would have meant that the snobby 911 owners who consider the Boxster to be a 'Poor man's' route into Porsche ownership, wouldn't have been able to buy their beloved 911's anymore. Boo-hoo.

I decided that I would have a test drive in the Boxster and took a trip to Arlington Porsche (in Northampton). The staff were very helpful and I took out an ocean blue Y-reg (2001) 2.7 litre version. The car had the basic alloys (which I hate), I much prefer the 17" or 18" turbo look ones, although they come at a price! The interior was slightly on the plastic side but it looked more luxurious than my MR2 Roadster. The trim was a grey alcantara (fake leather look) which looked cheap.

I got into the driving seat and was quite surprised by how much leg and head room I had and also how comfy the seats were. I adjusted the seat and started the engine. Hmmm, dissapointing, the caged lion behind me failed to growl or purr, instead it choose to breath deeply. I put it down to the engine being cold but I wasn't overly impressed.

The close ratio gear box seemed very precise as I drove it into first gear, the clutch pedal seemed stiff and heavy compared to the light MR2 pedals. I pulled off the forecourt and my Boxster experience was in full flow.

The dual carriage way was a great way to see just how smooth the car drives. The engine was now giving off a coolness that you mistake for arrogance but I knew that the lion could afford to be smug.

The time was right for me to rattle its cage. I shoved my right leg down hard onto the accelerator and the Lion was angry! It growled as the Boxster's wheels were chirping away on
the tarmac. The noise from the engine made my hair stand up on the back of my neck and it felt great.

Going round islands and roundabouts the car stands firm, not budging an inch. It's as stubborn as a mother in law and as fiesty when you drive it hard. The Boxster has got so many nice touches too. The power hood that is a marvel in itself, it takes just 12 seconds to go up or down. When you open the door, the glass drops around 5mm and then rises again when you close the door. This not only keeps the rain out but also impresses sad people like me!

The Boxster is an excellent car and if I were the PM I would make it a rule that everyone shold have at least driven one if not bought one. The only thing that puts me off is the price tag; £31,610 for the basic model is steep. However, you must remember the golden rule with car buying: you get what you pay for...and sometimes a little bit extra.

Summary: