Price: From R565 000
Petrol heads will tell you that the only Porsche to own is the iconic 911. What a load of rubbish. If you cannot afford a 911 (and, let’s face it, most of us cannot), the Boxster is a delightful compromise. It handles extremely well, it has the badge that we all want, it’s easy on the eyes, impeccably finished and, for a Porsche, easy on the pocket. We recommend the Boxster S PDK; it scampers to 100 km/h in just 5,3 seconds and it’s about R90 000 cheaper than the range-topping Spyder.
The newly-updated Boxster has just landed in South Africa and Porsche’s successful mid-engined two-seater convertible models now sports bigger engines, PDK ‘boxes and louder growls.The new model has not changed radically in shape or muscle, but has undergone an evolutionary makeover. The new look features Carrera GT-aping two round headlights contained inside the headlamp itself. The lower air dams have also been tweaked, while at new-look tail-lamps incorporate LED lighting. More prominent are the black diffusers either side of the dual, centrally-mounted tailpipes.
Under the skin is where the major changes have been effected. The base engine is upped in capacity from 2,7 to 2,9 litres, while the S version retains its 3,4-litre capacity. Power for the 2,9 is 188 kW (180 previously) at 6 400 r/min, with 290 N.m of torque (273). The “S” now punches out 228 kW at 6 400 r/min (217) with 360 N.m of torque (340).
The biggest news centres on the introduction of Porsche’s successful PDK dual-clutch transmission throughout the range, however. It offers seven gears, available on demand by operating buttons (up shifts) and levers (down shifts) on the steering wheel, or via the smart gearshift lever. Or, of course, you can just leave it to its own devices. PDK replaces Tiptronic S, and works brilliantly as an automatic, too, with little of the slurring between shifts that have characterised some of these transmissions. But the most impressive aspect of the ’box is its ability to shift absurdly quickly, and with no interruption of power flow under hard acceleration. In combination with the optional Sports Chrono package, the dual-clutch ‘box shifts so dynamically that some may wonder how anyone survived the Tiptronic era.
The optional active suspension management (PASM) kit lowers the body by 10 mm, stiffens dampening and sharpens throttle response for a livelier, tautly managed, drive. But in normal mode the ride is surprisingly supple, absorbing bumps readily. The steering has been lightened, but feels spot-on in all respects – definitely not too light.
Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of this car in everyday driving is the growl. Especially noticeable at low revs, the guttural rumble feels more like a V8 than a flat six. At higher revs, this trades places with the more traditional boxer wail! So, if one can afford it, the exhaust-note amplifying Sound Package Plus is certainly worth considering.
Inside, there are even fewer changes. The most obvious – besides the gearshift lever/buttons of the PDK transmission (if equipped), is the facia’s hangdown section that now comes in elegant black and with an integrated sound system with a smart five-inch colour screen. Available as an option is PCM (Porsche Communication Management), which offers a 6,5-inch touch-sensitive screen that serves as a central control unit for all the car’s interior functions.
Launch pricing (as of April ’09):
Boxster PDK R595 000
Boxster S PDK R695 000
