2016 Porsche 718 Boxster S new car review

Spring has definitely sprung, and the warmer weather makes it the perfect season for open-air motoring.

There is nothing like the experience of cruising along the beaches at sunset, a weekend getaway or even just a quick trip around town with the roof down in a convertible sportscar. And, when it comes to drop-tops, the Porsche Boxster has set a pretty lofty benchmark in blending genuine sportscar levels of performance with the luxury expected from a premium brand while remaining somewhat attainable in terms of price.

Porsche hasn't messed with the basic formula for this latest third-generation Boxster, which adds the 718 numerical tag to its nomenclature (just like its 911 bigger brother), but the mid-engined roadster has undergone the most radical overhaul since it was first introduced, with the primary focus on its all-new turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

Like before, Porsche's entry-level sportscar is offered in two distinct models - the regular 718 Boxster and the more powerful 718 Boxster S – that are defined by the size, and therefore the outputs, of their engines (which we'll cover in more detail later).

However, moving in-line with industry trends, the 718 Boxster has been re-positioned above the 718 Cayman hard-top coupe as the more expensive option, with the range starting at $113,100 (plus on-road costs) for the regular model while the Boxster S we're testing costs from $143,400 (plus on-road costs).

Both cars are generously equipped in standard form, with leather trim, dual-zone climate control, power adjustable and heated seats and a new 7.0-inch touchscreen featuring more modern connectivity functions, sat nav, Bluetooth streaming, digital radio and the option of Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring.

They also feature a comprehensive suite of safety systems beyond the four airbags that includes a reverse camera, front and rear parking sensors and electronic driver aids.

The biggest difference between the two is the base model runs on 18-inch alloy wheels and has a single exhaust pipe while the S rides on larger 19-inch alloys and has a twin outlets in the centre-mounted system.

Porsche's extensive list of options allows owners to personalise the Boxster, but ticking the boxes can quickly rack-up with our test car equipped with an additional $30k in kit, ranging from the must-have seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, larger 20-inch alloys, a Sport Exhaust system, interior trim upgrades and the Sport Chrono function that unleashes its ultimate performance.

All Porsche models are covered by a three year/unlimited kilometre warranty with service intervals every 12 months or 15,000km.

WHAT'S INSIDE?

There's a sense of both the familiar and the new inside the 718 Boxster's two-seat cabin.

At first glance, not a lot has changed in the overall ambience of the cockpit, which still remains as luxurious as it is purposeful with top-quality materials, meticulous build quality and peerless ergonomics in terms of the driving position, the support offered by its snug seats and their adjustability to suit different drivers.

But look beyond the norm and there's an upgraded three-dial instrument pod with a multi-function digital display in the far right corner (just like the 911), a chunky new three-spoke steering wheel with a rotary dial that allows quick access to the three different driving modes (which is lifted from the 918 Spyder hybrid hypercar) and the glass-fronted 7.0-inch touchscreen in the lower portion of the centre console.

They might seem to be fairly minor upgrades, but the wheel is even better to hold than its predecessor, the digital display makes functions like sat nav more convenient to view while on the move and the infotainment system, while it doesn't appear to be as nicely integrated as expected, has more functions and is easier to navigate than in the past.

Even though it is a genuine sportscar, the mid-engined layout of the 718 Boxster makes it reasonably practical for a two-seater. First of all, the fabric roof opens and closes at the touch of a button and stows neatly over the engine without compromising its front or rear cargo spaces, which, when combined, can easily accommodate enough luggage for a weekend getaway.

UNDER THE BONNET

The most significant – and contentious - change to the 718 Boxster is what now propels it.

Gone is the wonderfully sonorous and character-filled naturally-aspirated six cylinder engines of its predecessors, and in their place is an all-new generation of turbo charged four cylinder powerplants that now uniquely define the Boxster and Cayman twins from the iconic 911.

We can blame stricter fuel consumption and pollution regulations for the decision, but despite the smaller capacity engines – which retain Porsche's classic horizontally-opposed layout - we can thank them as both the 718 models produce higher outputs at lower engine speeds, are faster and more fuel efficient than before.

The base-model is powered by a 2.0-litre version that generates 220kW at 6500rpm and 380Nm between 1950-4500rpm, can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds (when fitted with the PDK Auto and optional Sport Chrono) and has a claimed average consumption of 6.9L/100km.

The S features a larger 2.5-litre version that increases the outputs to 257kW and 420Nm, which slashes its acceleration to triple figures down to 4.2 seconds and only penalises its average consumption by 0.4L/100km.

What the numbers can't convey is just how different the character of the 718 Boxster is compared to its predecessors. For Porschephiles, the engine lacks the crisp throttle response, linear power delivery and the glorious exhaust note of the six cylinder.

But driving enthusiasts will revel in how accessible its performance now is, with significantly more low-rev urgency that builds into a thumping mid-range punch and doesn't let up until its 6500rpm cut out.

By the same token, the wider spread of pulling power makes it even more effortless to drive at leisurely speeds too.

As for the noise it makes, it sounds like a grumpy old Volkswagen Beetle when you start it up and somewhere between a highly-strung Subaru WRX and a high-powered garden blower under heavy acceleration with the Sports Exhaust open. It sounds like a sports car should and it grows on you over time, but it also may not be to everyone's taste – particularly previous Boxster owners.

ON THE ROAD

What hasn't changed is how brilliant the 718 Boxster drives, no matter what the situation.

Even with our test car riding on large 20-inch wheels wrapped in ultra low-profile tyres, Porsche's engineers have continued to weave some magic into the Boxster's suspension set-up that not only ensures it is one of the most agile, balanced and engaging sports cars but also a comfortable everyday boulevard cruiser.

With the optional sports suspension fitted to our test car left in its default setting, the Boxster feels taut and precisely communicates the road to the driver through the seat and steering wheel but it also manages to absorb imperfections better than some luxury limousines.

The stiffer setting simply amplifies its road holding ability without ruining its body control.

It's the same with the dual-clutch automatic, which is the best of its kind. It shifts seamlessly into the highest gear when left to its own devices, but it also quickly reacts to enthusiastic throttle inputs and will immediately drop down a few ratios to awaken the engine into its mid range. It holds the revs for longer and shifts even faster in the Sport and Sport+ modes and is so intuitive that using the steering wheel paddle shifters isn't necessary.

VERDICT

The switch to a four cylinder turbo engine changes the character of the 718 Boxster – taking two steps forward from every rational aspect but, depending on your point of view, a step back in purity - but in the end it doesn't alter its position as one of the world's best sports cars, let alone setting the benchmark for convertibles.

Visit Drive's Porsche showroom for more details

2016 Porsche Boxster S Price and Specifications

Price: from $143,400 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 257kW at 6500rpm

Torque: 420Nm at 1900-4500rpm

Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 7.4L/100km

The Competitors

Audi TTS Roadster

Price: from $104,646 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 210kW at 5300-6200rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 1800-5200rpm

Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic, AWD

Fuel use: 6.9L/100km

Rating: Not yet rated

Mercedes-AMG SLC43

Price: from $134,615 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol

Power: 270kW at 5500-6000rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 2000-4200rpm

Transmission: 7-spd automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 7.9L/100km

Rating: 7/10

Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Price: from $99,000 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 1.7-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 177kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 350Nm at 2200-4500rpm

Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch automatic, RWD

Fuel use: 6.8L/100km

Rating: 6/10