Porsche Boxster S 2016 Review

What’s it all about?

The 718-series Boxster represents a number of firsts for Porsche. It’s the first time the model has featured turbocharging and the first time it’s been offered with a four-cylinder engine.

The 2.5-litre rear-mid-engine Boxster S claims a 0-100km/h time of 4.2sec when fitted with Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch transmission and optional Sport Chrono Package. It has a lighter engine, is more powerful (+26kW/60Nm) and as much as 13 per cent more efficient than the 3.4-litre six-cylinder 981-series variants it replaces.

Tested here with the six-speed manual transmission, optional Sport Chrono Package ($3990) and Porsche Active Suspension Management ($2710) the Boxster S manages a 0-100km/h time of 4.6sec. V-Max is listed at 285km/h.

The Boxster shares only its chassis, bonnet, windscreen and boot lid in common with the outgoing model.

Given the base-grade 718-series Boxster manages to slip below the 7.0L/100km ADR Combined fuel consumption figure for the first time (6.9L/100km), it also dodges a bit of luxury car tax. That means a saving of more than $4000. However, the Boxster range now begins at $113,100 for the 2.0-litre variant, an $8400 increase over the outgoing model.

The higher output Boxster S featured here retails from $143,100. Myriad options are of course available, as are 14 paint colours. Our test model featured an extensive options list tallying $33,290 (see bottom of page for details).

Locally Boxsters also receive an Apple CarPlay (optional) and digital radio-equipped audio system, dynamic bi-xenon headlights, LED DRLs, powered and heated leather seats, and sat nav. The Boxster’s amazingly well-insulated cloth roof retracts at the push of a button and the rear spoiler deploys automatically at 120km/h.

As a thoroughbred performance car, the Boxster’s sticky tyres and consumable parts will wear more quickly than the conventional runabout, and does require specialist servicing. It’s all relative of course and in the scheme of things Porsches have a very strong reputation for reliability – we can’t imagine the new four-cylinder variants being any different in that respect.

All Porsche models are covered by the same three-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance program.

As a driver’s car the Boxster speaks for itself. It’s an energetic and engaging 1355kg two-seater that is readily recognised by a more aerodynamic look – I personally love the horizontal accent strip and raised P-O-R-S-C-H-E lettering between the tail-lights.

It also offers many ‘hidden’ advancements including variable intake and exhaust cam phasing, dry sump lubrication, direct injection, intercooling, on-demand oil and water pumps and a variable-geometry turbocharger.

In spite of the technology, there is a little turbo lag on initial throttle application. The engine prefers to be kept above 2500rpm to perform at its best, and here it is impressively strong, right through to the 7500rpm cut-off.

On the downside, our test vehicle had a loose striker plate on the passenger-side door, a temperamental passenger-side power window switch and a sticking driver-side temperature control switch. It may have been a case of press car-itis, but was disappointing nonetheless.

We also found the old-school ‘keyed’ ignition disappointing in this era of push-button ignitions, as we did the fact that items such as Apple CarPlay and lane change assist are optional.

The four-cylinder Boxster range is in dealerships now. If you’re asking for one, be sure to pronounce it correctly: ‘seven-eighteen’, not ‘seven-one-eight’. It will be joined shortly by its hard-top sibling, the striking Cayman coupe.

Porsche Australia says it expects the Cayman range to be priced lower spec-for-spec than the Boxster and that, like the Boxster, the Cayman range will also be offered with 2.0 and 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engines and the choice of six-speed manual and seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.

Pricing of the Cayman will be announced in full closer to its release date.

Broadly speaking the Boxster will appeal to urban professional and enthusiasts buyers, but may also serve as a second ‘weekend’ car for couples. Cargo accommodation front (150 litres) and rear (125 litres) endows the Boxster with sufficient space for a weekend’s luggage, while numerous oddment cubbies inside provide adequate stowage for smaller personal items.

The Boxster is a dedicated two-seater, yet in spite of its seemingly diminutive size it offers as much as 980mm headroom, 1313mm shoulder-room and 1082mm legroom. All variants include front, side, overhead and driver’s knee airbags, roll-over bars, anti-lock brakes and traction and stability control.

The Porsche Boxster does not receive an ANCAP safety rating.

Based on its size, price and driveline configuration the 718-series Boxster’s natural rivals include the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (from $99,000) and the Lotus Exige Roadster (from $132,990). It may also be considered a rival for the BMW Z4 sDrive35is (from $119,415), in spite of that model’s front-engine, rear-drive layout.

The Boxster and Cayman are placed as the ‘entry’ models of Porsche’s sports car range, beneath the legendary 911.

So, what do we think?
A spin around the block probably won’t push the right buttons – the raspy beat of the four-cylinder engine and the low-end response take time to get used to. But drive the 718 on the roads for which it’s intended and it really comes to life.

With its well-balanced and communicative chassis the Boxster S is a car you warm to quickly. Its spirited performance matches its sharp reflexes beautifully at higher speeds, while its poise and polish encourage confidence without the compromises of some of its rivals.

It’s a sports car that is entirely liveable, too. The cloth roof insulates the cabin from temperature and noise, the only real disturbance coming from the tyres on coarse-chip roads. With the roof down, the airflow through the cabin is just right. There’s ample room in the cockpit and plenty in the boot(s), and the technology offered is easy to understand, in spite of the proliferation of buttons.

It might not be perfect, but the 718 Boxster S is a cracking new take on the genre. It’s playful, entertaining and entirely enjoyable. Without wishing to pre-empt anything, it’s a very eligible contender for next year’s Australia’s Best Driver’s Car awards.

Price: $143,100 (plus on-road costs)

Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 257kW/420Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR Combined) / 8.4L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 184g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: N/A

Also consider:
>> Alfa Romeo 4C Spider (from $99,000 plus ORCs)
>> BMW Z4 sDrive35is (from $119,415 plus ORCs)
>> Lotus Exige Roadster (from $132,990 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> Porsche Boxster 2016 Review
>> Porsche Boxster 2016 Video

Options fitted:

>> 20-inch Carrera S wheels in Gloss Black -- $5600
>> Adaptive Sports Seats Plus -- $3290
>> Apple CarPlay -- $1090
>> Black Sports Exhaust -- $4330
>> BOSE Surround Sound -- $2650
>> GT Sports Steering Wheel -- $660
>> Lane Change Assist -- $1390
>> Leather Interior Package -- $1370
>> LED Headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus -- $2530
>> Porsche Torque Vectoring -- $3190
>> Porsche Active Suspension Management Plus -- $2710
>> Porsche Crest Embossed Headrests -- $490
>> Sport Chrono Package -- $3990