My colleague Bertrand Godin and I recently shared a 2008 Porsche Boxster S for a 7-day road test. At the end of the week, we both agreed on the sporty dynamics of this "little" German roadster.
Typically Porsche
The Boxster S might not win any awards for styling, but it stays perfectly true to the brand's classic heritage. It reminds me of the Porsche 550 Speedster of the 1950s, which is part of the reason why this car stands out from the competition.
Cargo room for two
The front and rear trunks remain one of the most appreciated features of this sports car. Owners can go on vacation with a sizeable amount of luggage. However, you'll have to keep your gadgets inside at a minimum because storage compartments are limited. In addition, the cupholders only accommodate small-size beverages. Granted, the Boxster S is made to be driven, not to play at tea parties.
Sealed interior
The power-folding mechanism operates like a charm and the fit is perfect. When the roof is down, the windscreen located between the bucket seats effectively reduces wind turbulences. Of course, because it's a soft top, noise levels are significant, so don't expect to listen to your favorite tunes on the radio while driving at over 110 km/h. But who will complain about that? Once the roof is up, the driver has to be careful since lateral visibility is limited for passing and parking maneuvers.
Don't look for the engine!
The mid-mounted 3.4-liter flat-six engine propels the Boxster S with authority. While you can hear its delightful growl, you won't be able to see it. "Even with both hoods open, the mill remains hidden," said Bertrand. Only the oil and antifreeze tank caps are visible through the rear trunk.
Don't worry, though. The performance is outstanding: 0-100 km/h in 6.27 seconds and 80-120 km/h in 4.6 seconds (in second and third gears). Yet, despite these impressive figures, fuel economy proves reasonable for such a spirited car; we wound up with an average of 15 liters per 100 kilometers.
Typically Porsche
The Boxster S might not win any awards for styling, but it stays perfectly true to the brand's classic heritage. It reminds me of the Porsche 550 Speedster of the 1950s, which is part of the reason why this car stands out from the competition.
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| The Porsche Boxter S reminds me of the Porsche 550 Speedster of the 1950s. |
Cargo room for two
The front and rear trunks remain one of the most appreciated features of this sports car. Owners can go on vacation with a sizeable amount of luggage. However, you'll have to keep your gadgets inside at a minimum because storage compartments are limited. In addition, the cupholders only accommodate small-size beverages. Granted, the Boxster S is made to be driven, not to play at tea parties.
Sealed interior
The power-folding mechanism operates like a charm and the fit is perfect. When the roof is down, the windscreen located between the bucket seats effectively reduces wind turbulences. Of course, because it's a soft top, noise levels are significant, so don't expect to listen to your favorite tunes on the radio while driving at over 110 km/h. But who will complain about that? Once the roof is up, the driver has to be careful since lateral visibility is limited for passing and parking maneuvers.
Don't look for the engine!
The mid-mounted 3.4-liter flat-six engine propels the Boxster S with authority. While you can hear its delightful growl, you won't be able to see it. "Even with both hoods open, the mill remains hidden," said Bertrand. Only the oil and antifreeze tank caps are visible through the rear trunk.
Don't worry, though. The performance is outstanding: 0-100 km/h in 6.27 seconds and 80-120 km/h in 4.6 seconds (in second and third gears). Yet, despite these impressive figures, fuel economy proves reasonable for such a spirited car; we wound up with an average of 15 liters per 100 kilometers.
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| When the roof is down, the windscreen located between the bucket seats effectively reduces wind turbulences. |