PORSCHE 718 BOXSTER ROADSTER 2.5 S 2dr

Porsche's Boxster gets three numbers added to its name and, more significantly, a more efficient four cylinder turbo engine. Has forced induction spoilt it? Car & Driving check out the performance 'S' version.

Ten Second Review

Every brand must, it seems, embrace turbocharging these days. Even Porsche, who used to be masters of the normally aspirated art. So it is that the brand's Boxster roadster has shed its old flat six powerplant and instead embraced a flat four unit for the first time since the old 914. How will it fare in the pokey 718 Boxster S?

Background

Over the years, and despite its obvious talent, the Boxster has struggled to shake free from its 'poor man's Porsche' image. Slowly but surely though, that's happening as Porsche has increased the number of common parts its shares with its classic 911 stablemate. Can it take another step in the right direction with this turbocharged 718 Boxster S model? Though the cylinder count is down over the previous flat six model, power is up and with this 'S' variant, you get 350bhp, 50bhp up on the standard version. In case you were wondering, the '718' reference in the name refers not to the engine but a series of classic Porsche mid-engined models that won numerous races in the 1950s and '60s. Enough with the briefing; what's this car like?

Driving Experience

So to that engine, a 2.5-litre four cylinder turbo. Power is up by 35bhp over the previous six cylinder normally aspirated model - which is a good start. That's enough to see 62mph flash by in 4.4s en route to 177mph, which ought to be fast enough to make you question whether you really want that 911 after all. A six-speed manual is fitted as standard, although the optional seven-speed PDK double clutch gearbox is sure to be popular. This gets revised software for quicker and smoother shifts. With the optional PDK gearbox, this improved 718 Boxster S will hit 62mph in a claimed 4.2s (half a second quicker than the standard version). Handling-wise, the re-tuned chassis enhances cornering performance and the electro-mechanical power steering system is configured to be 10% more direct. 'Porsche Active Suspension Management' is an option and 'S' buyers can specify an even more focused 'Sport Chassis'. Plus there's the usual 'Sport Chrono Package' option with its various selectable driving mode settings that now include a 'Sport Response' button for brief extra engine responsiveness when you need it.

Design and Build

The 718 Boxster has small but subtle differences over its predecessor, the front featuring a wider and more purposeful appearance, with larger cooling air intakes referencing the new turbocharged engine beating within. The nose is completed by restyled Bi-Xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lights. In profile, identifying features include independently-styled wheel arches and side sills. Larger air inlet panels with two fins further emphasise the car's dynamic look. The doors are now designed without door handle recess covers. The rear of the 718 Boxster has been redesigned, characterized by a much wider appearance - emphasized by the accent strip with its integrated 'Porsche' badge between the tail lights. The tail lights have been restyled too and are distinguished by three-dimensional LED technology and four-point brake lights. Build quality looks better than ever from this car, these days built entirely in-house at Zuffenhausen rather than being contracted out to Valmet in Finland as many early Boxsters were. The key interior styling feature is a gently angled centre stack that houses many of the minor controls and the gear shifter, reminiscent in design to that found on the iconic Carrera GT supercar. The lightweight fully electric hood dispenses with a compartment lid for the convertible top when stowed.

Market and Model

Where before you could buy a new Boxster S for significantly under £50,000, these days, that's no longer possible. This 2.5-litre 350bhp '718' model starts at around £51,000, so it's around £9,000 more than the 2.0-litre 300bhp entry-level version. Standard kit includes 19" alloy wheels, auto stop/start and a sports mode, plus remote control hood operation, audio CD with colour touch-screen control, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity and a three year warranty. A central feature of the new interior is Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and the Sound Package Plus with 110 watts of audio power. PCM can be extended with optional modules to thoroughly adapt it to personal requirements. For instance, the navigation module including voice control is available, which makes it easy to input driving destinations. In addition, the Connect Plus module is available as an extension of the navigation module; it provides online navigation services and enhanced online audio features. With Porsche Vehicle Tracking System Plus (PVTS+) as standard, the 718 Boxster offers the highest class of vehicle security. All new Boxster customers also get the opportunity to explore the potential of their car by participating in a complimentary course at the Porsche Experience Centre, Silverstone. It's hard to imagine a more enjoyable day you could spend with your new toy.

Cost of Ownership

This is where Porsche's decision to down-size this car's engine should pay off. The 718 Boxster S model's 2.5-litre turbo engine with PDK transmission returns 38.7mpg on the combined cycle (which is 4.3 mpg more than the previous model). CO2 emissions are 184g/km. For comparison, the base 2.0-litre model manages 40.9mpg and 158g/km. Each 718 model is equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard. The Porsche Doppelkupplung (PDK) auto transmission, which now features fuel-saving 'virtual gears' previously introduced on the 911 model series, is available as an option. The PDK transmission features a 'sailing' mode whereby the engine is decoupled during periods of trailing throttle or on longer downhill sections, dropping the engine revs to a mere 700rpm, further saving fuel. Prod the throttle and it will instantly resume duty. Residual values have held up reasonably well on the last Boxster and there's no reason to believe that this model won't follow suit.

Summary

Perhaps the only sense in which the Boxster could be described as an under-achiever is because Porsche makes it that way to prevent it embarrassing the iconic 911. To some extent, that principle still holds true, but seems to have been relaxed for this 718 Boxster S, which leads its class by an even breezier margin than its predecessor and no longer feels like the 911's poor relation. With more assured styling, a 911-standard interior, brilliant hood, serious pace and exquisite handling, the Boxster S is more compelling and charismatic than ever and sure to win over a whole new legion of fans and admirers.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Grey top tinted windscreen

Windscreen washer system with two wiper speeds and washer jets

Green tinted heat insulating glass

Power windows with one touch operation and door seal protection

Heated rear windscreen

Brakes

Front and rear lightweight spring strut axle

Electrically controlled parking brake

Anti-slip regulation

Chassis/Suspension

Porsche Stability Management (PSM) with ABS, advanced brake functions

Communication

eCall emergency call system

Porsche Communication Management (PCM) including online navigation module, mobile phone preparation, audio interfaces and voice control system

Driver Convenience

Auto start and stop system

Driver Information

Instrument cluster with central rev counter and high-resolution 4.6 inch colour display

Digital displays for vehicle speed, chosen gear, odometer, trip odometer and clock

Driving Mirrors

Electrically adjustable heated exterior mirrors on door waist rails, aspherical on driver's side

Engine

4 valves per cylinder

3-way catalytic converters and on-board diagnostics for monitoring emission control system and coated particulate filter

Two seater vehicle with mid mounted engine

Turbocharger with variable turbine geometry (VTG) and intercooler

VarioCam Plus variable valve timing and switchable valve lift

Gasoline particulate filter

64 litre fuel tank

Direct fuel injection (DFI)

Integrated dry-sump lubrication with an on-demand oil pump

Aluminium block and cylinder heads

Water cooled with thermal management

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

Integrated compatible SIM including Porsche Connect Services

Wifi and music streaming

Integrated 4G/LTE compatible SIM including data for the Porsche Connect Services

Navigation incl porsche + Apple Carplay, connect module, wireless internet access, carfinder, remote vehicle status, remote service and vehicle track

Exterior Body Features

Twin tract sports exhaust system with central twin tailpipe in stainless steel

Auto deploying rear wing

Fully automatic fabric hood, electrically operated/heatable rigid glass rear screen, operable approx 31 mph and convenient operation by key remote

Rear boot

Net wind deflector

Body colour door handles

Intelligent lightweight body in Aluminium/Steel composite construction

Automatically extending rear boot spoiler

Body colour bumpers

Exterior Lights

LED 3rd brake light

Automatic headlight activation including welcome home lighting

Separate auxiliary lights in the front end with LED indicators and position lights

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Adjustable fan with air recirculation and defroster functions

Interior Features

718 logo on gear lever

Additional smooth finish leather with door panel armrest and centre console main storage compartment

Lockable glovebox

Hood lining in black fabric

Seat centres in race tex, side bolsters and headrests in leather

Front and rear luggage compartments

Clothes hooks on front seat backrests

Two individual cup holders (Passenger side, integrated into dashboard trim strip)

12V sockets in passenger footwell and centre console storage compartment

Smooth finish leather on steering wheel rim, gear lever and door handles

Storage compartments in each doors

Ascending centre console with uncovered storage compartment and closed storage compartment

Interior Lights

Footwell illumination

LED reading lights, orientation, ignition lock, additionally luggage compartment and glove compartment lighting

Safety

Passenger airbag deactivate switch

3 point automatic seatbelts

Full size driver and passenger airbags

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Front seatbelt pretensioners + load limiters

Porsche side impact protection doors with thorax airbag in outer backrest side bolster and head airbag for driver/passenger in door panel

Seats

Heated seats

Single front passenger seat

Front headrests

Security

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Engine immobiliser with in key transponder, central locking and remote control

Dashcam prep

Alarm system with interior surveillance

Transmission

6 speed manual transmission with dual mass flywheel

Rear wheel drive

Wheels - Spare

Tyre repair kit

Emissions - ICE

CO2 (g/km): 210

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

NOx: 0.027

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 229

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEL: 358

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Low - TEH: 359

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEL: 226

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Medium - TEH: 236

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEL: 197

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - High - TEH: 202

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEL: 210

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Extra High - TEH: 215

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 235

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 229

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 102

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 76.4

CC: 2497

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: FLAT 4

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: QUAD CAM

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: MID ENGINE NORTH SOUTH

Compression Ratio: 9.5:1

Transmission: MANUAL

Gears: 6 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Urban (mpg): 22.2

EC Extra Urban (mpg): 39.8

EC Combined (mpg): 30.7

WLTP - MPG - Low: 17.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 28.2

WLTP - MPG - High: 32.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 30.4

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 28

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 17.9

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 17.9

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 28.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 27.2

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 32.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 31.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 30.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 29.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 28

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 27.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 15.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 10

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 9.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 15.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 15.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 10

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 10.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 8.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 8.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 9.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 9.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 10.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 10.4

General

Coin Series: S

Coin Description: N

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 999999

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 46E

Service Interval Mileage: 20000

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

Timing Belt Interval Mileage: 999999

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 350

Badge Engine CC: 2.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 4.6

Top Speed: 177

Engine Power - BHP: 350

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 257

Engine Power - RPM: 6500

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 310

Engine Torque - NM: 420

Engine Torque - RPM: 2100

Engine Torque - MKG: 42.8

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/40 R19

Tyre Size Rear: 265/40 R19

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 19" ALLOY

Wheel Style: BOXSTER S

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4379

Width: 1801

Wheelbase: 2475

Width (including mirrors): 1994

Height: 1280

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1355

Gross Vehicle Weight: 1665

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 64

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: N

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: N

Max. Loading Weight: 310

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 122

No. of Seats: 2

Max. Roof Load: N

Luggage Capacity (Seats Down): N

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11

Brakes

Porsche ceramic composite brake (PCCB) with yellow brake caliper

Carpets/Rugs

Leather edging carbon floor mats

Leather edging personalised floor mats

Bespoke floor mats with leather edging

Chassis/Suspension

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) with lowered 10mm ride height

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sport suspension with lowered 20mm ride height

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Lane change assistant

Power steering plus

Reversing camera including front and rear park assist

Driver Convenience

Homelink (programmable garage door opener)

Driving Mirrors

Electrically folding exterior mirrors including courtesy lighting

Embellishment Trims

White instrument dials

Guards red instrument dials

Luxor beige instrument dials

Racing yellow instrument dials

Instrument dials in Bordeaux red

Climate control panel painted

Climate control panel leather

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dials in bordeaux red

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial in guards red

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dials in Luxor Beige

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial in Racing yellow

Sport chrono stopwatch instrument dial in white

Entertainment

BOSE surround sound system

Burmester high end surround sound system

Exterior Body Features

Model designation deletion

Special metallic paint

Body colour rear apron

Painted model designation

Black model designation on doors

Silver model designation on doors

Black sports tailpipes

Silver sports tailpipes

Porsche 718 logo painted

Body colour front air intake slats

Body colour rear side air intakes grilles

High gloss black door handles

High gloss black painted rear wing

718 logo

Porsche metallic paint

Model designation painted in black high gloss

Exclusive design fuel filler cap

Porsche 718 logo painted in high gloss black

Bespoke Sticker set - Porsche

Exterior Lights

Bi-Xenon headlights including porsche dynamic light system

LED main headlights including porsche dynamic light system plus (PDLS plus)

Painted headlight cleaning system covers

Tinted tail lights

Bi-Xenon main headlights in black including porsche dynamic light system

Headlight cleaning system covers painted in alternative exterior colour

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Two zone automatic climate control

Hoods

Convertible top - Black

Convertible top - Brown

Convertible top - Blue

Convertible top - Red

Interior Features

Aluminium pedals

Passenger footwell storage net

Leather interior in standard colour

Heated multi function steering wheel

Steering column casing covered in leather

Inner door sill guards in leather

Leather fuse box cover

Storage compartment lid with model logo

Carbon heated multifunction sports steering wheel

Storage compartment lid with Porsche crest

Door sill guards in carbon

Illuminated door sill guards in carbon

Illuminated door sill guards in stainless steel

GT sport leather steering wheel

Door sill guards in stainless steel

Mahogany heated sports multifunction steering wheel

Two tone leather interior seats

Vehicle key painted with leather key pouch

Vehicle documentation folder in matt carbon

Vehicle documentation folder in leather

Gear lever in brushed aluminium

Gear lever in Carbon

Gear selector in Mahogany

Storage compartment lid in Race tex with Porsche crest

GT sports steering wheel and Race tex gear lever

Leather interior in special colour seats

Storage compartment lid in race tex with Porsche logo

Illuminated bespoke door sill guards in carbon

Illuminated bespoke door sill guards in stainless steel

Bespoke vehicle documentation folder in leather

Inner door sill guards in leather with decorative stitching in deviating colour

Steering column casing covered in leather with decorative stitching in deviating colour

Packs

Light design pack - Boxster

Brushed aluminium interior pack - Boxster (with leather interior)

SportDesign pack - Boxster

Painted interior pack - Boxster (with leather interior)

Carbon interior pack - Boxster (with leather interior)

Leather interior pack - Boxster (without leather interior)

Mahogany interior pack - Boxster (with leather interior)

Dashboard trim pack in leather - Boxster

Brushed aluminium interior pack - Boxster (without leather interior)

Carbon interior pack - Boxster (without leather interior)

Leather door trim pack - Boxster

Leather interior pack - Boxster (with leather interior)

Mahogany interior pack - Boxster (without leather interior)

Painted interior pack - Boxster (without leather interior)

Smoking pack - Boxster

Sport chrono package including mode switch - Boxster

SportDesign pack painted in high gloss black - Boxster

14 way fully electric sports seats with memory pack - Boxster

Leather pack with partial leather seats - Boxster

Gear selector personalisation pack - Boxster

Twin leather pack with partial leather seats - Boxster

2 way electric sports seat plus pack - 718

2 way electric sports seats plus pack in combine with natural leather, 2 tone, leather in special color + 2 tone natural leather - 718

Exterior painted package in body colour - 718 Boxster

18 way elec adaptive sports seat plus with memory pack in comb with natural leather, 2-tone leather in special color + 2-tone natural leather - 718

18 way electric adaptive sports seat plus with memory pack - 718

Interior trim package with decorative stitching in contrast colour - Boxster

Extended interior trim package with decorative stitching in contrast colour - Boxster

Paint - Metallic

Porsche metallic - GT silver

Porsche metallic - Jet Black

Porsche metallic - Agate grey

Porsche metallic - Aventurine Green

Porsche metallic - Gentian Blue

Porsche metallic - Vanadium Grey

Paint - Solid

Porsche solid - Black

Porsche solid - Guards Red

Porsche solid - White

Porsche solid - Racing yellow

Paint - Special

Porsche special metallic - Carmine red

Porsche special metallic - Crayon

Porsche special metallic - Ice grey

Porsche special metallic - Shark blue

Porsche special metallic - Arctic grey

Porsche special metallic - Ruby star neo

Safety

Fire extinguisher

Seatbelts in Guards Red

Seatbelts in Luxor beige

Seatbelts in Crayon

Seat belts coloured in racing yellow

Seat belts coloured in bordeaux red

Aluminium look paint finish rollover bars

High gloss black painted roll over bars

Rollover bars painted in exterior colour

Seat belts in silver grey

Seat belts in shark blue

Seats

Porsche crest embossed in headrests

Seat ventilation

Sports seat plus backrests in leather

ISOFIX child seat mounting points on passenger seat

Seat centres leather in contrast colour

Sports seat plus backrests in leather with decorative stitching in deviating colour

Security

Porsche entry and drive system

Transmission

Porsche TORQUE Vectoring (PTV) with mechanical rear differential lock

Trim - Cloth

Standard interior with seat centres in race tex - Black

Trim - Leather

Leather interior in standard colour - Black

Leather interior in standard colour - Agate grey

Leather interior in special colour - Graphite blue

Two tone leather interior - Black / Bordeaux red

Two tone leather interior - Black / Crayon

Leather interior in special colour - Bordeaux red

Trim - Part Leather

Partial leather with leather pack - Agate grey

Partial leather with leather pack - Black

Twin leather pack with partial leather seats - Black/Bordeaux red

Twin leather pack with partial leather - Black/Crayon

Vanity Mirrors

Leather sunvisors

Race-Tex sunvisors

Wheels

Wheel centres with full colour Porsche crest

Wheels painted in satin platinum

Wheels painted in high gloss black

Wheels painted in satin black

Wheels painted in jet black metallic

Wheels painted in exterior colours

Wheels painted in deviating exterior colour

Wheels - Alloy

20" Carrera S alloy wheels

20" 911 Turbo alloy wheels

20" Carrera sport alloy wheels