Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition 2024 Review
And just like that, there’s a Porsche 718 for every occasion. Bringing sharp looks and exclusive styling cues, the arrival of the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition completes five variants for the range Down Under. All the dynamic capability of the Boxster carries over to accompany the tweaked aesthetic. However, the fashionable drop-top now requires a higher price of entry. Just like a Louis Vuitton handbag or rolling luggage, it seems looking good doesn’t come cheap. And maybe that’s the whole point.
How much does the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition cost?
The 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition starts from $139,300 plus on-road costs. The Style Edition treatment has been applied to both the 718 Cayman and 718 Boxster and both are priced around $4000 more than the base-spec variants on which they’re based.
Competitors include the BMW Z4 M40i ($139,800 plus ORCs) and M440i Convertible (from $150,900), while the forthcoming Mercedes-Benz CLE Cabriolet will also land for similar money.
What equipment comes with the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition?
The 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, while the test vehicle is fitted with the seven-speed dual-clutch PDK gearbox.
Our Shark Blue 718 Boxster Style Edition features the contrast package comprising 20-inch 718 Spyder wheels with painted finish, decorative stripes on the front bonnet, Porsche lettering on the sides, wheels and rear-end as well as high-gloss model badging.
Unique to the Aussie market, 718 Boxster Style Edition variants gain LED headlights with Porsche dynamic light system, electric-folding mirrors and courtesy lights, a 64-litre fuel tank, power steering plus, lane change assist, alarm with surveillance, heated 14-way sports seats with two-position memory, light design package, Porsche Connect with navigation, and DAB digital radio.
And let’s not forget the myriad options. The most notable items include the PDK transmission ($1625), Shark Blue special exterior colour ($4430), Sport Chrono Package including mode switch ($4210) and adaptive cruise control ($2320). Two-tone leather, decorative exterior decals and silver painted wheels are no-cost options on the Style Edition.
The 2024 Boxster 718 Style Edition is covered by Porsche’s three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with service intervals set at 15,000km or every 12 months.
How safe is the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition?
The 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition has not been tested by ANCAP and therefore has no official safety rating in Australia.
However, it does carry a raft of active and passive safety equipment, including autonomous emergency braking (AEB), electronic traction and stability control, blind spot monitoring, the Porsche Side Impact Protection System and fixed rollover bars.
The two occupants are also protected by front, side and head-protecting airbags.
What technology does the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition feature?
The technology in the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition mimics the kit found in the 718 Boxster on which it’s based.
As standard there’s a 7.0-inch central touch-screen, which is home to Porsche’s Connect Plus infotainment system.
Other goodies offered include Apple CarPlay, inbuilt sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, AM/FM/DAB radio and an eight-speaker sound system.
A 4.6-inch digital instrument display provides important information such as the trip computer and fuel economy.
Now you might think those screen measurements sound small in the current landscape, but it’s fitting for the available real estate inside the 718 Boxster. And better still, it’s incredibly intuitive to use thanks to a variety of clearly labelled buttons, dials and, of course, that small touch-screen.
What powers the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition?
The 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster is powered by a mid-mounted 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It’s good for 220kW and 380Nm of torque.
It takes a respectable 4.9sec to reach 100km/h with the PDK, compared to 5.1sec for the manual. Top speed is 275km/h.
How fuel efficient is the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition?
Porsche claims a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 7.0L/100km for the 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition fitted with PDK, a tad better than the claimed 7.5L/100km from the manual transmission.
Our test period delivered a mixed bag of fuel economy figures, depending on the journey and driving style.
Combined cycles saw fuel consumption hover around 10L/100km, while short bursts around town were well north of this, hitting 20L/100km. You win some, you lose some.
What is the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition like to drive?
Well, that depends whether you’re in Normal, Sport or Sport+. The 2024 Porsche Boxster Style Edition may draw power from a small-capacity engine, but the 718 is likely to please a broad set of wants and needs from behind the wheel.
It’s a simple equation – manageable performance with near-perfect point-and-go manners.
Positioned low and deep in the driver’s seat, all the important buttons are at arm’s reach. Or, better still, on the steering wheel – including drive modes.
There’s the typical top-notch comfort and ergonomics you’d expect from Porsche at play here.
It might be controversial to say given the sonorous flat-six engines elsewhere in the line-up, but upon start-up there’s a great soundtrack to the four-pot Boxster. And it only builds through the sportier drive modes.
The crisp and accurate steering and compliant ride are a highlight of the Boxster. The electronic power steering is well weighted and offers tangible feedback through the wheel. Manual tilt and reach adjustment are available.
Okay, it can’t be all sunshine and roses with the 718 Boxster and that gripe centres around the power delivery of the turbo flat-four. It’s just a little slow from standstill, with that initial pause sullying the experience somewhat.
It means you need to punch the accelerator hard for a spirited response, which can gain unwanted attention.
If you’re going to dabble with Sport+ mode, and you really should, it’s best done outside of city limits. The eager nature of this mode can become tiresome when all you need to do is get to the shops – something a Style Edition should be suited to.
Outside of the CBD, the Boxster shines like any other 718 variant. The dynamic ability that flows through the stylish drop-top is undeniable and it feels glued to the road. The handling and overall balance is sublime and it goes out of its way to flatter the driver.
Yet, you can still get under its skin to uncover a depth of talent you expect from Porsche.
The mechanically folding roof is quick to perform its job, too. Roof down, the cabin ambience remains cool, calm and collected – as will your hair, thanks to good wind deflection.
What is the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition like inside?
The 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition is a bit of a trip down memory lane. It’s giving off old-school vibes with buttons and dials dominating the experience.
It doesn’t need iPad-style screens to be modern chic, instead finding a great balance between tech-savvy and highly functional.
What’s more, you’re very much enveloped in the cabin, hugged by moulded sports seats. The 718 feels every bit a driver’s car.
The two-tone Black and Crayon leather trim in our test vehicle is classy and complements the understated black and chrome accents throughout the interior.
There’s limited in-cabin storage, comprising a small, lidded arm rest, a central coin/key spot as well as a handy compartment for concealing phones and other paraphernalia. The glove compartment, or behind the seat, becomes a handy go-to spot for anything else.
Forward vision is great, but rearward vision is not. Even with the roof retracted, head checks are hard.
The frunk has a luggage capacity of 150 litres, reducing to just 122 for the rear trunk (boot).
Should I buy a Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition?
The 2024 Porsche 718 Boxster boasts the dynamic capability and driving enjoyment we love and expect from Porsche and marks a mighty fine entry point to the coveted sports car world.
If simply keeping up with the Jones’ is not enough, the 718 Boxster Style Edition could be just that added street cred you’re after.
It will not disappoint.
2024 Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition at a glance:
Price: $140,925 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 220kW/380Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel: 7.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 160g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Not tested
Related: Porsche 718 Style Edition revealed
Related: Porsche 718 order book to close soon
Related: Porsche 718 to go all-electric
Related: Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS 2023 Track Review
Tags
- Striking looks set it apart from the entry-level Boxster
- Great balance of modern technology and old-school functionality
- Flexible and fun to drive with engaging dynamics
- Limited cabin storage solutions
- Lag in power from standstill requires some finessing
- Rearward visibility is terrible, with or without roof in place
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