FIVE TRIALs

We enjoy the Porsche Boxster S and put it fully to the test

1 DAILY DRIVING

The Boxster may have been conceived as a focused driver’s car aimed at enthusiasts and those perpetually in a hurry, back when it was new, but most people simply used them as a well-made and reliable – not to mention hugely enjoyable – way of getting from A to B every day. And it’s still easy to live with, day-to-day. There’s not much room in the cabin, but it’s comfortable and easy to drive. Speaking of which, our test car’s automatic gearbox may not be as pure as the slick manual, but it does make it easier to drive, especially in urban stop-start traffic. And it’s still not exactly a slouch when you get out of town.

2 IN THE SERVICE BAY

This is definitely not a car for the home mechanic, unless you’re a home mechanic who happens to be intimate with complex diagnostic systems and doesn’t mind having next to no engine access. To be fair to Porsche, it was probably assumed that most of its buyers would be getting their cars serviced at main dealerships or specialists. With this in mind, service history is incredibly important. Oil and water can be checked easily enough via the boot, but failed timing chains can be ruinous – the engines are interference type – and blocked roof drains can lead to a wet passenger-side floor – right where the ECU is located…

3 ON THE SHOW CIRCUIT

Early cars would mostly find themselves welcomed at most regional shows up and down the country. However, stricter show organisers enforcing a 25 year-old age limit might not be quite so willing to play ball. We’d recommend events like Porsches on the Prom in Llandudno, which was was brimming with Boxsters this year, and similar events masterminded by the nation’s Porsche clubs. Beyond shows, the Boxster (especially in S flavour) would be a brilliant choice for a European road trip. And dare we say it… Porsche Club GB offers regular track day visits around the UK, including at Castle Combe and Goodwood.

4 THE LONG WEEKEND

This isn’t the most usable car in the world, but while you may not be able to use it as a camper, you would be able to use it for camping trips – but only if you pack lightly. It has more than enough room for any weekend stay with your significant other – as long as you don’t take too much bulky stuff and have squishy duffle bags that you can squeeze into the small boots (there are two – one front, one rear). There’s absolutely no room behind the seats and cabin space generally is pretty tight, especially with the roof up, so those boots really are your only feasible options for packing stuff away. Still, you’ll certainly enjoy the drive there and back.

5 THE B-ROAD BLAST

This is the Boxster’s natural stomping ground so it’s no surprise that this is the Trial in which it really excels. Regular models are hardly lacking in the get-up-and-go department, but the S delivers genuine thrills when you put your foot down. Tackling a series of corners in one is nothing short of brilliant, because the steering makes you immediately confident in its abilities, and there’s loads of grip. And as you’d imagine from such a short car, it’s supremely agile. For ultimate driving pleasure, you should probably go for the manual, but the Tiptronic is still capable of satisfying most drivers on a challenging B-road.