2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S new car review

What is it?

One of 15 variants of Porsche's iconic sports car. The German brand has mastered the art of tweaking its two-door machine into various formats to appeal to as many customers as possible.

The Targa fits a gap between the coupe and convertible, featuring a removable mid-section of the roof and a retro silver roll-over hoop. As a result it is lacking the tautness of the coupe but also missing the full wind-in-your-hair experience of the Cabriolet.

Instead, you get a unique driving proposition that combines elements of both the coupe and convertible. And, of course, a large part of the appeal is the style that harks backs to the Targa models of the 1970s. During our time it certainly attracted plenty of attention with its striking looks.

How much does it cost and what do you get?

We tested the Targa 4S, the more potent and expensive of the two Targa variants available at present (a new Targa GTS is due later in 2017). Priced from $290,200 for the manual version, it's the same price as the Cabriolet 4S but $21,500 more expensive than the Coupe 4S.

While that money buys you a very impressive and fast luxury car that includes Porsche's Active Suspension Management, a leather interior and Bose surround sound system. Our test car was fitted with the Sports Chrono Package that adds the adjustable drive mode switch but costs an extra $4790; and the sports exhaust adds $5890.

However, it doesn't buy you everything you expect. Disappointingly keyless entry and ignition is also an extra, as is Apple CarPlay.

What's under the bonnet?

The Targa gets the same 3.0-litre turbocharged flat-six engine that debuted in this latest generation 911 in 2016. In the 4S that mean it is tuned for 309kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

On paper that doesn't sound too impressive in these days of 700Nm-plus sports sedans, and even in normal driving conditions the 911 feels relatively sublime. But when you unleash its full potential the Targa feels every inch the true sports car.

There's an effortlessness to the way the 911 builds speed, but with Sport mode engaged there is an added ferocity that underlines why this car is such an icon.

The turbocharged soundtrack is slightly different from what we've come to know and love. Sure, there is still that trademark flat-six note but it is mixed with the whirs and wooshes from the turbocharger.

What's it like to drive?

As mentioned earlier, the Targa falls somewhere between the coupe and Cabriolet in terms of driving experience; ultimately more towards the latter.

Because the entire roof and rear glass area is retractable, the Targa doesn't have the same stiff body as the coupe, so you do get a bit of shake through the windscreen on bumpy roads.

The powered folding roof mechanism can only be operated when the car is stationary which is frustrating at times, but it moves fast enough to be done at a set of traffic lights.

The complex roof system also adds weight, naturally, so the Targa 4S tips the scales 90kg heavier than the equivalent coupe. But that doesn't blunt the handling all that much as the Targa feels as sharp and as well balanced as any of its many siblings.

There is huge grip from the big Pirelli tyres - 245/35 front and 305/30 rear - and traction is never an issue thanks to the all-wheel drive system.

What's it like inside?

Typical of the latest-generation Porsches, the Targa's cabin is modern but with a touch of tradition. There's the old-school round instrument dials combined with the latest satin-finished centre infotainment screen that is very intuitive to use.

The materials used throughout feel premium and the finish is excellent. The sports seats are comfortable and supportive too.

With the roof in place, the cabin is as quiet as you'd expect from a coupe. Stow the lid and the buffeting is minimal in the cabin, noticeably less than the Cabriolet, but you still get that open-air feeling with fresh air and sun filling the interior.

Is it safe?

It comes will all the usual features, front and side airbags plus stability control. But it misses out on the latest in active safety features including autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

Would I buy it?

The thing about the 911 range is you can pick the model that suits your personal tastes. I prefer a coupe so that's what I'd spend my money on. But I can see the appeal in the Targa; its looks are unlike anything else on the market today. The roof also gives you the benefit of a convertible without the wind buffeting that can spoil a soft-top.

What else should I consider?

While no-one else offers a Targa roof there are a number of sporty soft-tops alternatives available. Jaguar offers the SVR Convertible, with a 5.0-litre V8 and all-wheel drive, for $308,185.

Other leading rivals are the new Audi R8 Spyder and Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster that are both due before the end of the 2017.

2017 Porsche 911 Targa 4S pricing and specifications

Price: From $296,150 plus on-road costs

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 309kW at 6500rpm

Torque: 500Nm at 1700-5000rpm

Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, all-wheel drive

Fuel use: 8.0L/100km