Overall rating:

There may be a swathe of faster, cleaner, flashier and more up-to-date rivals in the prestige convertible segment, but the Porsche Boxster still has it well and truly licked. It's a little lacking in power, but the basic 2.9-litre model is just so sweet to drive in every other respect that you forgive it - and cars that require a thrashing are, in many ways, more fun and less intimidating. Factor in the superb build quality, roomy twin boots and the cachet of the Porsche badge and the basic Boxster is still king of the plush convertibles.

Key Facts

Model tested: Porsche Boxster 2.9
Price: £44,968 (as tested)
Engine: 2.9-litre boxer six-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Body style: two-door convertible
Rivals: Mercedes-Benz SLK, BMW Z4, Audi TT S Roadster
CO₂ emissions: 221g/km
Combined economy: 30.1mpg
Power: 252bhp at 6,400rpm
Torque: 214lb.ft at 4,400 - 6,000rpm

Inside & Out:

It's knocking on a bit now, the Porsche Boxster, but it's still a handsome thing. Six years after its inception, the 987 model still cuts a dash with crisp, subtle lines and a proper cloth roof. Yes, it underwent a very restrained facelift for 2009 and yes, the Mercedes SLK and BMW Z4 are fresher and have folding tin-tops, but the Porsche can be warmed up with tangy colours like our test car's Speed Yellow. And if you're into your cars, you'll always look twice.

The interior is plain and functional, which is always the case with Porsche cabins. It's of superb quality, though, and every dial and switch moves with the kind of weight that only durable and high-quality materials do. Everything is in just the right position for a keen driver.

Ride & Handling:

Popular, open-top cars always fall foul of dodgy image connotations, regardless of how good they are - just look at the Mazda MX-5. The Boxster is far from immune to these but anyone who enjoys driving will instantly forget that. The precision and feedback that the Porsche creates is unrivalled. Beautifully weighted and responsive steering mixes with tight body control, sublime weight distribution and even a comfortable ride.

Grip isn't in short supply but when it does start to break away the Boxster communicates its actions so well that even a relatively inexperienced driver can work out what's going on and apply the necessary corrections.

Engine & Transmission:

The six-speed manual gearbox is an utter joy to use. Short, thick, direct and mechanical in its action, it seems a shame that so many buyers choose the PDK automatic version instead. There's nothing wrong with that, but when the manual's so lovely it's a tragedy not to buy a car fitted with it.

Though it lacks the clout of the 3.4-litre S, our 2.9-litre entry-level Boxster is no slouch. Capable of 62mph in a smidgen under six seconds and good for 163mph, you could never call it slow. It needs some encouragement lower down, though, and the full 252bhp can't be reached until the upper echelons of the rev range. The flat-six is just as musical and robust as ever and it's a pleasure - and easy - to drive hard. Push the exhaust button at the bottom of the centre console and the rear pipes emit a louder bark and rasp than usual - surely de rigueur?

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

A basic Porsche Boxster will cost you £36,572 but it's very easy to stray upwards of £40,000 by adding a few options - like the £1,986 Communication Management system (basically satnav and a few other things) and the £1,012 black wheels. You could just forgo all that and enjoy a bare Boxster for its raw merits, though. An average of 30.1mpg isn't bad at all from a powerful 'six but you won't see that if you're enjoying yourself.