Transmissions: 5- and 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic (Tiptronic S).
Price - Є55, 900–66, 600 ($ 73, 000–87, 000).
Test car: 2.7 l, 240 hp, automatic transmission, price (in Latvia) - Є51, 962 ($ 68, 000).
If you teach future designers to design only practical cars, then the Porsche Boxster would serve as an example of how not to do it.
Well, here you go: the temperature is slightly above zero, but with the wind, but it’s time for us to remove the roof! The photographer will not lag behind and, of course, he will be right: how to get to know a roadster without lowering the tent!
LITTLE, AND ALREADY PORSCHE
It is easy to open the roof lock, press the electric drive button … Only 12 seconds - and a gray cloudy sky above your head. So, now the glass is up, the warm air is on itself. Go!
But the car is really warm. Only on the top of the head a little blowing. Well, in general, if it was inconsequential to lower the awning in such weather, get a cap. Of course, with the same logo as on the car.
Wind, even at speeds of 100 km / h, is almost inaudible. But the motor with a sharp pressure on the gas pedal in a low bass voice informs about its capabilities. Language does not turn to call it a flaw: these are the laws of the genre. Surely, the designers worked hard to find a reasonable compromise: to give the exhaust a thoroughbred sound, but not to put pressure on the ears of the driver and passenger.
By the way, about compromises. The days when sports car buyers eagerly sacrificed comfort for speed have long passed. Today, even a truly sports roadster should not annoy, say, the inconvenience of "diving" behind the wheel. At first glance, getting into the Porsche Boxster is not easy for the owner of a tight build: the seat is low, and the threshold, in the name of body rigidity, was made wide. But to take a driver’s position is not at all difficult, to take a working position is also. True, even a medium-sized driver will push the seat almost all the way.
In width, too, there is no unnecessary space. But the controls are on the arm and leg. The steering wheel in combination with a tight, which does not allow you to toss and turn in a chair relaxed, adjusts to serious concentrated driving. The gear lever is also convenient.
However, you can forget about it for now. In the city, it is not worth interfering in the operation of an automatic box with the option of manual switching (according to the terminology “Porsche” - “Tiptronic”). If you do not press the pedal too aggressively, the Bokster will choose the gear on its own and, most importantly, very reasonably: it will turn on the economical fifth at 60 km / h. In any case, you will not feel a lack of traction.
On the highway you can work with your right hand. Power for overtaking, of course, is enough in the automatic mode of the box. But the car responds to movements with a lever or buttons on the steering wheel much faster.
Here is a reversal loop ahead. A couple of steps down, a short command by the wheel, and … The Bokster, as if glued to concrete, practically without heeling, is already going straight. Yes, to make the stabilization system (PSM - Porsche Stability Management) work, you still have to try. And to do this is better not on public roads.
Anyway, it's time to the city. I slow down to 50 to put on a hat (it’s not necessary to stop!). The lever of the box is in position D. Well, I do not want to participate in the “Boxster” in traffic races! Forcing him is like forcing a thoroughbred horse to compete with a pony. After all, this roadster is a true Porsche, albeit small.
With the prefix ego
It will be possible to use the full capabilities of a powerful boxer engine very rarely. Beautiful brakes, suspension, steering also do not quite show themselves in everyday life.
But the pits that ordinary cars will overcome, having barely noticed, are unpleasant for the Boxster, and can become dangerous. Most buyers will press the treasured roof control button no more than six months a year. Only very compact suitcases will fit in the trunk (one on the front, the second on the back, behind the engine).
Even the right seat, in my opinion, is an option. In “Boxster,” I want to ride an egoist, communicating with the car one on one. And there must be very good reasons to put a companion on the right seat, even a companion. They will distract!
If you share the opinion that living alone is not useful, rational, practical, and you have something to pay for "excess", the Boxster will undoubtedly interest you. Behind your back, you may hear ridicule or maxim about your self-centeredness. However, they will not last long: to get rid of them, just sit in the Porsche and press the gas pedal …
SUMMARY
The Porsche Boxster is a sleek, fast, truly sporty “selfish” car that allows everyday use.
+ Excellent dynamics, excellent handling, attractive appearance.
