2002 Porsche Boxster S review from UK and Ireland

Creaks from soft-top: seems to be common fault on 2003 model year (mountings come "dry" from factory) solved by dealer lubrication. Radio sometimes re-sets its self for no apparent reason.

A rare thing in the motoring world: something which lives up to the hype. The Boxster comes with a big reputation and a fair price tag so it's a pleasure to be able to report it is actually a bargain.

Firstly, it is a huge amount of fun to drive, far more so than many similar competitors. Handling and road feel are excellent and performance from the 3.2 litre engine more than adequate (although the chassis could probably take more power without alteration), the engine is very flexible and will pull from 10mph in 3rd without complaining, it is also very smooth and refined without being too quiet.

Oddly enough, it's not the sporting side of the Boxster which impresses the most because you'd expect it to be good at that. What surprises is what a very accomplished long distance, everyday car it is. The car is very refined on the motorway (03 models now have a glass screen) and the soft-top cuts out more noise than you'd expect. It is a very undemanding long distance car.

Bad points: Some of the fixtures and fittings are a bit cheap and nasty for the price, some of the (expensive) options really should be standard, the 2 year warranty is mean, the cabin is a bit short of leg room and its prone to stone chips.

Costs wise 28mpg can be achieved, 26-27mpg in regular driving although fuel consumption can increase considerably when driving hard.

Recommended.