AT last I've found
a Porsche I've fallen in love with. Until now I've never been particularly enthralled by
these German macho cars.
Certainly, I've admired the engineering and been in awe of their power but always felt
that they were built to give the boys a butch image.
But then came the Boxster - the first really new Porsche in 18 years - and I
practically had to be surgically removed from the driver's seat.
This two-seater looks so much prettier than all previous models and yet retains a
powerful stance. But one of the strangest things about its styling is that after a quick
glance you can't be immediately sure whether you're looking at the back or the front!
Sit inside and you're instantly in a driver-friendly environment. Everything is wrapped
around you and, unlike other Porsche models, switches and dials are in logical locations.
Three large round overlapping gauges in front of the driver emphasise the sporty look.
Start the engine and feel the smile spread across your face. The mid-mounted 204bhp 2.5
six-cylinder power unit growls encouraging. Put your foot down and enjoy a new driving
experience.
This engine is capable of propelling you to a top speed of 149mph and sprinting from
standing to 62mph in 6.9 seconds.
Roadholding is dreamlike, with the sort of surefootedness that has you doing
roundabouts twice for the hell of it. Steering is positive and the brakes, which have been
developed through motorsport, are instantly responsive without being too harsh. Anti-lock
brakes are standard.
My test car was the £33,950 five-speed manual version and the gearbox provided crisp
and precise changes which both delighted and encouraged use.
This rear-wheel-drive roadster demands to be driven with the roof down &emdash;
whatever the weather.
With the hood raised, visibility is poor; so apart from the pleasure of topless driving
there is a practical consideration too.
Lowering and raising the soft top couldn't be easier. Release a catch in front of the
driver, press a button and the roof folds neatly away into its own covered compartment in
just 12 seconds.
I drove with the hood down on a dismal winter's day but was protected from a cold wind
by a highly-effective rear windshield.
Standard equipment includes twin air-bags, electric seats, electric windows and door
mirrors, a stereo radio cassette player and an engine immobiliser. Options include
air-conditioning, an on-board computer, Tiptronic transmission - a mixture of manual and
auto - and traction control. A hard top is also available.
And the Boxster offers something which for most two seaters is in short supply -
storage space. The rear boot space, behind the engine compartment, is large enough to hold
luggage for two and there is still more useful space under the bonnet.
After a week at the wheel I can truly say I've found the only Porsche I've ever wanted.
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Model: Porsche Boxster; £33,950.
Engine: six-cylinder, 24-valve 2480cc engine, developing
204bhp at 6,000rpm and 181lbs/ft torque at 4,500rpm.
Transmission: rear-wheel drive through five-speed
gearbox. Traction control with automatic brake differential.
Brakes: discs front and rear with ABS.
Performance: maximum speed 149mph; 0-62mph 6.9 seconds.
Economy: 19.8mpg on the urban cycle; 39.8mpg extra
urban; 29.1mpg combined. Fuel capacity 57 litres (12.5 gallons)