Test Drive: The new Porsche Boxster

It is understandable why this 2 seat convertible sports car, possibly the class leader in the segment, would defiantly and definitely continue to feature on the must have for both men and women.

The balance of proportions on the body and under-hood are visible with the eye and felt with the heart. The Porsche performance legacy is built onto new intelligent dynamic enhancements which results, based on the new performance principle of Porsche engineers, in a lighter, faster, responsive, more agile and therefore fuel efficient, ergo economical craftsmanship. With its suped up features and infinite customization options it proves a real feast for the senses.

The exquisite exterior having being completely redesigned only uses steel where it is indispensable and is therefore mostly out of aluminium. The look is enhanced too, by the striking aerodynamic characteristics and benefits of the cooling air supply that feed the heartbeat of the engine via two large external vents on either side of the vehicle behind the doors.

The Boxster's heart and transmission unit is mounted on three points and the body vibrations are now almost seamlessly snuffed out. The mid-engine sports car's driving dynamics have also changed. An electrical system recuperation tidies any blips, the longer wheelbase results in greater stability and the new Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) improves cornering with the new wider track for agility.

Flashy bigger wheels are accentuated by the wheel housing unit, holding the road tirelessly with traction potential and its unique Porsche Stability Management (PSM) system.

Do not worry about approaching cautiously, this sports car has all the dynamics of a beast with a gentle heart. Once strapped in, the key morphed into the ignition, you are engulfed by the proportions of the new larger interior.

The slightly lengthened and flatter wind screen shield with electric hood, easily welcomes the convertible top and tucks it neatly into the rear.

Race ready, you are now throned low, five millimetres more, in the seating unit and the race seat shaped for your comfort with a tad more ergonomic legroom leaves your exquisite heels intact, they will not have to endure a beating from the drag of the brake or acceleration.

In either manual or automatic transmission an ever-so-slight nuzzle to the throttle will glide you seamlessly on your journey. This is so graceful, unless you accidently dive on the accelerator. Accelerating to a higher speed is pure exhilaration, engaged in sports mode if you wanted to overtake for example you'll have overtaken three cars before you know it leaving you a little perplexed at the speed you can achieve. Overwhelming is a word possibly best used to describe this situation.

Braking in itself is entertainment, along with new stiffer brake callipers on the front axle, optimised brake pad control and the larger brake surface, just a gentle hold on the brake and you are blessed with a near perfect approach to stillness. The typical nose dive and rear end pushing up have been sternly addressed with a more stable, precise handling by filtering of soft mounts that change based on the magnetic characteristics created by the electrically generated magnetic field which magnetize the fluid particles to either increase or decrease. This changes the viscosity of the fluid and the transmission mounts are made harder or softer.

Cornering and negotiating S-bends at high speed are dealt with by the sports car's damping characteristics in the power unit mounts and these have considerable influence on the handling. Hard mounts significantly reduce the power lag caused by the inertia of the drive -train, thus minimising a pushing of the vehicle's rear end. This experience is extraordinary, the sports car is sucked into the earth as though by an invisible magnetic super force.

The interior of the new Porsche Boxster has been tailored and a lightweight design incorporated throughout. Examples include the cockpit holder made of die-cast magnesium, basic structure of the roll-over steel bars behind the seats are made of aluminium. Clean lines are introduced, functionality improved and ergonomics addressed.

The sophisticated dials, raised centre console and dashboard make for easy navigating and sense. With a larger seven - inch touch screen display unit readily available for function control and all functions readily at your fingertips behind the wheel, there's no awkwardness.

Your golf clubs will fit snug however if you are carting a week's family grocery shopping you'll be disappointed.

This Porsche has stripped the old "in my days" legacy. Gone are the notions of hard moves, jilts and tremors. It's all simply at the touch of a button.

Specifications Porsche Boxster*:

Performance:
Top speed 264 (262) km/h

Acceleration:
0 - 100 km/h 5.8 (5.7) s (with Sport Plus and PDK* 5.5 s)

Values in brackets refer to vehicles with PDK transmission.

* Together with the optional Sport Chrono Package

Emission Category:
Euro 5

Engine Power:
195 kW (265 hp) at 6,700 rpm

Max. Torque:
280 Nm at 4,500 rpm - 6,500 rpm

Power Output per Litre:
72 kW/l (97.9 hp/l)

Maximum Revs:
7,800 rpm

Fuel Type:
Premium Plus

Luggage compartment capacity
Front 150 l
Rear 130 l

Fuel tank capacity
64 l

* Specifications may vary according to markets

Specifications of the Porsche Boxster S*

Performance:
Top speed 279 (277) km/h

Acceleration:
0 - 100 km/h 5.1 (5.0) s (with Sport Plus and PDK* 4.8 s)

Engine Power:
232 kW (315 hp) at 6,700 rpm

Max. Torque:
360 Nm at 4,500 rpm - 5,800 rpm

Power Output per Litre:
67.5 kW/l (91.8 hp/l)

Maximum Revs:
7,800 rpm

Fuel Type:
Premium Plus

* Specifications may vary according to markets