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2008 Porsche Boxster Review

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Michel Deslauriers
Driveway jewellery
If you're a car nut like me, as a kid, you've probably dreamed about the same brands of built-for-speed sports coupes; Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche. As you got older, your tastes might have expanded with other brands that produce mighty fine sedans and SUVs. Yet Porsche might arguably be the only brand of car you'll desire from when you were still in short pants, straight through to the nursing home.

The Boxster is the entry-level model in the German manufacturer's line-up.

Why? Because unlike the two Italian marques mentioned above, Porsches are actually within the average person's financial reach in the course of his (or her) lifetime. And since the desirability factor is pretty high, Porsche is among the best brands of cars you could park in your driveway to make your neighbourhood believe you're successful.

The Boxster is the entry-level model in the German manufacturer's line-up. Ironically, the base Cayenne SUV is the biggest Porsche you can get, and the least expensive, at just over $55 grand. But from a hierarchical standpoint, this little roadster is the baby of the family.

Neatly-packaged cockpit
Step inside the Boxster, or rather, origami-yourself into it, and you might get struck with claustrophobia. Yet the car will fit most people, and as you'll discover when you're behind the wheel, everything around you is designed efficiently.

Look at the instrument pod in front of you, and you'll notice that the tachometer is bigger than the speedo, and placed right in the middle. The climate control switchgear is straightforward, and unlike similar systems in other prestige brands, you don't need a crash course to use them. Fit and finish is impeccable.

Lowering the top is easy; just pull on the handle located on the top of the windshield, and hold a floor console-mounted rocker switch. The car's toupee hides in less than 10 seconds. With the top up, visibility is reduced, obviously, but the only major problem is a driver-side blind spot when changing lanes.

The sound system's output is fine, but the standard-issue CD player doesn't read MP3 files. Also, there are storage trays for only 2 CDs in the glove box, which means you'll have to leave a CD case lying around, or listen to the same music over and over. To get with the times, a USB port to plug in a memory key filled with MP3s would be nice.

Fit and finish is impeccable.
Michel Deslauriers
Michel Deslauriers
Automotive expert
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