Overview

The Porsche 718 Boxster is the entry-point to Porsche ownership. Prices start from around half that of the cheapest 911 yet, because of its more balanced mid-engined layout and smaller dimensions, the Boxster is arguably even better in the corners and easier to live with day to day. And even though this model has been on sale since 2016, it’s still one of the best sports cars money can buy.

Strangely, rivals for the Porsche 718 Boxster are few and far between. Its closest competitor is the Jaguar F-Type, even though it’s larger, heavier and more expensive. If you’re not fussed about having a convertible roof, you could consider the BMW M2. Or, if you want to save yourself a sizeable chunk of change (and you’re willing to sacrifice a lot of performance), you could have a Mazda MX-5.

A big part of the Boxster’s appeal is how customisable it is. Buyers can choose from four different engines, a manual or an automatic gearbox, four trim levels and an almost endless options list that can add extras such as lowered suspension, improved LED headlights, personalised interior stitching and even a racing number for the door.

Every engine fitted to the Boxster is horizontally opposed, which means the pistons lay flat and move side to side rather than stand upright and move up and down. The standard car is fitted with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit that produces 300hp. Above that there’s the Boxster S, which has a 350hp 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and a 0–62mph time of 4.6 seconds.

Stepping up again, there’s the Boxster GTS. It gets a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine churning out 400hp. That’s enough for a 0–62mph time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 182mph. To put that another way, that’s enough to keep up with a 911 Carrera – but the Boxster makes a better noise.

At the top of the Boxster line-up, there’s the 718 Spyder RS which is only a few degrees of separation away from being a race car. It’s powered by a 500hp 4.0-litre six-cylinder engine and is armed with an arsenal of chassis tweaks and clever technology designed to make it fast around a track.

The 718 Boxster is undeniably a great sports car, but it’s far from perfect. Its button-heavy interior looks very dated alongside the screen laden BMW M2, and you’ll have to surrender some modern conveniences such as digital gauges and wireless smartphone chargers. But this is a car you buy because you enjoy driving – and we reckon these are small sacrifices to make for the experience.

Over the next few pages, we’ll assess each aspect of the Porsche 718 Boxster. Our review will consider its practicality, interior technology, comfort, driving experience and running costs. We’ll then offer our final verdict on the car and let you know whether it’s worth spending your money on. Click through to the next page to learn more.