Porsche 718 Boxster GTS

FIRST UK DRIVE Entry-level roadster gets GTS treatment. It’s Pricey, but great to drive

Verdict in UK as entry-level drop-top gets sporty treatment

THE familiar GTS badge has become synonymous with some of the bestdriving Porsche models in recent years. But while the 911 and Cayman models have stolen much of the limelight, is the Boxster GTS a hidden gem?

The manufacturer’s entry-level droptop isn’t exactly a prime candidate for receiving the sportier GTS treatment, but it’s a process that is gradually consuming the entire Porsche model range. We first drove the new roadster in Spain towards the end of last year (Issue 1,502), but now we’ve got to try it on UK roads.

Like all 718 models, the Boxster GTS now uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Yes, the unit sounds a bit flat compared with the old car’s sonorous six-cylinder, but objectively, this motor is a marvel. It pulls strongly from low revs and linked to the slick six-speed manual gearbox (a PDK automatic is available) it feels flexible and quick.

Forgiving

Even on our car’s optional sports suspension and standard 20-inch wheels, the GTS rides well. The Boxster’s open-top design means it feels even more forgiving than the well-judged Cayman, too, with the small amount of added chassis flex helping to minimise disruption over broken roads.

While the GTS’S firmer suspension settings might make sense on a race track, we found it best leaving it in its standard PASM (Porsche Active Suspension Management) set-up. The Sports+ mode isn’t unbearable, but makes the car fidget more than we’d like; the lesser Sport setting strikes a perfect balance of the softer dampers and racier engine mapping. The slick rev-matching technology works well in these settings, too, allowing smooth, seamless gearchanges.

If outright involvement is your priority, then the Boxster falls just short of the Cayman, but in everyday driving there’s little to separate them. The steering is super-sharp and the precise gearshift has a lovely, direct feel. The controls are heavy and the pedals quite close, but driving it is a delightfully immersive experience.

Our sopping-wet test route didn’t seem to faze the car; it felt surefooted even through substantial standing water. The sodden roads allowed us to exploit the fine chassis at lower speeds, too – although on dry tarmac, there’s loads of grip from the wide Pirelli tyres.

Those used to coupé refinement might take issue with the Boxster’s noisier cabin, but even the Cayman GTS suffers noticeable road noise, and this trait is certainly no worse in the drop-top. Still, the canvas roof generates a bit more wind noise, so you notice loud voices and clattery diesels in stop-start traffic.

The flagship Boxster gets all the same kit as its Cayman sibling, though, with GTS badging on the wings, 20-inch satin black wheels and dark-tinted lights.

Inside, the Porsche is covered in leather, with supportive sports seats and a responsive central touchscreen. Online navigation is included and Apple users can link their smartphone via Carplay. All this comes at a price, though. Costing a considerable £61,727 before options, the Boxster GTS is almost £2,000 more than the sharper Cayman – and £7,500 more than an Audi TT RS Roadster.

You can even get a Jaguar F-type P340 for less, and that car comes with a delicious V6 soundtrack.

“Our sopping-wet test route didn’t seem to faze the car; it felt surefooted”