THE least-expensive Porsche continues to offer the most rewarding driver experience – especially now that it has a decent, 168kW 2.7-litre engine. The Boxster bears its Porsche heritage proudly and remains as a benchmark-setting sports car with levels of road holding and handling that others have not yet been able to match. It’s as easy to drive as a small Japanese sedan, at the same delivering a balance of performance and handling that is eminently satisfying. The Boxster is quite comfortable too, using basic good design rather than garish dress-ups or expensive add-ons to create a pleasing interior ambience. And the ride is surprisingly supple, stable and smooth. If there’s any deficit, it’s that it remains more expensive than those who would see themselves as Boxster rivals.

Porsche Boxster
Released: October 1999
Ended: August 2002
Family Tree: BoxsterThe original Porsche Boxster first went on sale Down Under in January 1997, with a 150kW 2.5-litre flat six. In October 1999 it was relaunched here with a bigger 2.7-litre mill making a more convincing 162kW, which also made it seem less inferior to the flagship Boxster S released the same time with a 185kW 3.2-litre boxer. Now, Boxster gets a little more power for the 2003 model year, with variable valve timing bumping power to 168kW.
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