A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.3/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.7
Comfort & Interior
4
Running Costs
3.2
Practicality
3.5
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Looking for a convertible that delivers pure driving pleasure without compromising on everyday usability? The Porsche Boxster might be exactly what you’re after. This mid engine sports car has been the benchmark for affordable Porsche ownership since its debut, offering that unmistakable flat six engine sound and razor sharp handling in a practical two seater package. The Boxster sits in the premium convertible segment where it faces competition from rivals like the BMW Z4 and Mazda MX-5, though neither quite match its combination of performance and refinement.
What sets the Boxster apart is its perfect weight distribution and engaging driving dynamics. The mid mounted engine provides exceptional balance through corners, while the six speed manual or PDK automatic transmission delivers smooth power delivery. Inside, you’ll find typical Porsche build quality with supportive sports seats and a driver focused cockpit. The fabric roof operates quickly and quietly, transforming your driving experience at the touch of a button.
Whether you’re seeking weekend thrills or a stylish daily driver, the Boxster offers genuine sports car performance with surprising practicality. Boot space is adequate for touring, running costs are reasonable for the class, and reliability has improved significantly over the years. For those wanting to experience Porsche ownership without the premium of a 911, the Boxster represents excellent value in the sports convertible market.
What's the Porsche Boxster Like to Drive?
The Porsche Boxster is all about delivering authentic sports car thrills with its signature flat-six engine. Entry-level models start with around 220 horsepower, providing spirited acceleration that gets you from 0-60 mph in around 6.5 seconds. The mid-range Boxster S ups the ante with approximately 315 horsepower, cutting that sprint time to just 5.1 seconds. For serious performance seekers, the GTS variant delivers even more power and track-focused dynamics that few convertible sports cars can match.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
2.0L 4-cylinder turbo / 2.5L 4-cylinder turbo / 3.4L flat-six
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Power Output
220 - 365 bhp
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0-60 mph
6.5 - 4.4 seconds
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MPG Combined
28 - 35 mpg
- Boot Space
- 280 litres (front and rear combined)
- Safety Rating
- ★★★★★ (Euro NCAP)
How Comfortable Is the Porsche Boxster?
Step inside the Boxster and you’re greeted by a driver-focused cockpit that puts you at the centre of the action. The interior design is unmistakably Porsche, with clean lines, high-quality materials, and intuitive controls. The seats are supportive and comfortable, holding you securely during spirited driving while remaining pleasant on longer journeys. Everything from the steering wheel to the gear lever feels precision-engineered and built to last decades.
The Boxster remains the quintessential sports car: balanced, engaging, and endlessly rewarding. Its mid-engine architecture delivers a uniquely communicative driving experience that few others can match.
Is the Porsche Boxster Expensive to Run?
Owning a Porsche Boxster means accepting higher running costs than mainstream cars, but the expenses are reasonable for a premium sports car. Fuel economy typically ranges from 28-35 mpg depending on the engine and your driving style. Insurance groups are high, as expected for a performance car, so younger drivers will face significant premiums. The initial purchase price reflects the car’s premium positioning and engineering excellence.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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Porsche Boxster
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BMW Z4
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Mercedes SLC
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|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £45,000 | £42,000 | £44,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 2.0L turbo 220hp | 2.0L turbo 197hp | 2.0L turbo 184hp |
| Power | 220 bhp | 197 bhp | 184 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 seconds | 6.9 seconds | 7.3 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 32 mpg | 34 mpg | 36 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 280 litres | 281 litres | 335 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Mid-engine layout, Flat-six sound, Perfect balance, Porsche heritage | Aggressive styling, Advanced tech, Comfortable ride, BMW dynamics | Retractable hardtop, Luxury interior, Smooth refinement, Mercedes quality |
Porsche Boxster Practicality & Boot Space
For a two-seater sports car, the Porsche Boxster offers surprisingly good practicality. The total storage space of 280 litres is split between front and rear boots, giving you more flexibility than many rivals. The front boot can handle a couple of soft bags or a weekly shop, while the rear compartment behind the engine accommodates smaller items. With the roof down, you lose some rear storage, but there’s still enough space for essentials.
The Porsche Boxster stands as the definitive example of how a sports car should feel and drive. It combines Porsche’s legendary engineering with real-world usability, creating a car that’s as happy on a daily commute as it is on a weekend mountain drive. The mid-engine layout, precise handling, and sublime flat-six engine note create an emotional connection that few cars can match.