The Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition remains one of the top convertible sports cars on the market.
Arguably the world’s favourite roadster since its 1996 debut, the Porsche Boxster is loved by fans worldwide. If you didn’t think of the 911 first whenever the name Porsche is mentioned, chances are your brain probably visualised the Boxster (or its coupe Cayman twin) instead.
This is a fourth-generation model, and it’s really getting on in age since its original debut in 2016. This is also the generation that introduced the controversial flat-four engine, sending the glorious, high-revving naturally aspirated flat-six into early retirement (unless you bought a GTS).
But, with potential plans to electrify the entire 718 range in the near future, this might just be your last chance to grab a petrol guzzler while you still can.
Huh, a flat-four?
It’s sacrilege!… is what most Porsche purists will tell you. Instead of the symphony we’d grown to love over two decades, there is now a somewhat Subie-like growl under the hood instead.
If you’ve never experienced a naturally aspirated Boxster, you’d probably never know what you’re missing. But for those who have, you’ll be hard-pressed to shake that nagging feeling that the soundtrack isn’t quite as hair-raising as you want it to be.
You’ll find yourself chasing the turbocharged torque rather than revving out the engine for pure auditory pleasure.
Maybe aural satisfaction isn’t what the 718 is great at, but you can’t deny that this engine still packs a punch.
This is the base 718 Boxster, producing 300bhp and 380Nm of torque. Paired with a 7-speed PDK, you can smack the wind in your face at 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
Is it still as good to drive?
Even with all the changes under the hood, the 718 Boxster remains an absolute joy to drive. If handling is what gets your heart racing, this car’s still got it in spades.
That lower-end torque makes it even easier to access the Boxster’s lively rear-wheel drive setup, letting you play with the chassis at more sensible speeds.
Porsche’s steering is the stuff of legend, and even though we’re deep into the age of electric steering racks, they continue to defy what should be possible.
Every control, every touch point, feels perfectly weighted. And when you pair it with the beautifully balanced chassis, you’ve got a roadster that dances through corners like few others.
Despite some reservations about the engine, the 718 Boxster is still the best-handling roadster in its class. If you’re looking for a beautifully balanced, rear-driven sports car, this is still the one to beat.
What does the Style Edition provide?
The Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition spices things up a bit with a nice set of visual upgrades. 20-inch wheels come borrowed from the Boxster Spyder, complete with coloured centre crests and black sport tailpipes.
Inside, Porsche has added a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, chalk-stitched floor mats, embossed Porsche crests on the headrests, and ‘Boxster’ embossed onto the canvas roof.
Want a bit more flair? Shell out a little extra, and you can opt for black or white hood stripes and matching side graphics, paired with either black or white wheels.
And if you’re feeling flashy, there’s always that striking Ruby Star Neo paint option to consider.
Otherwise, it is basically the same car
Inside, it’s still a great place to be. High-quality materials, everything thoughtfully placed, and there’s plenty of room for all your essentials. The Boxster still has its quirkiest touch; those old-school pop-out cup holders.
The centre console, however, is starting to look like a relic from the past. All those buttons, and worse, some of them just sit there blank, reminding you of what could’ve been. Pus, the 7-inch PCM touchscreen only comes with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
But let’s give Porsche credit where it’s due. There’s something refreshingly straightforward about twisting an actual switch to fire up the sporty exhaust, rather than dealing with the glossy, touch-sensitive panels Porsche’s recently become obsessed with.
Plus, after a full day of spirited driving, the cockpit isn’t covered in fingerprints; always a win in my book.
And, like always, you’re sitting between two surprisingly roomy boots. The front compartment is deeper than you’d expect, and there’s a smaller cargo space behind the engine, complete with a parcel shelf.
Sure, you can throw some extra bags on top of the engine if you’re headed off for a long road trip, but don’t be surprised if they get a bit toasty.
You’re going to miss this when it’s gone
Let’s cut to the chase. What we have here is still the best roadster you can buy today. It’s not lording over the competition as much as it used to, but it’s still fending them off. And when it comes to chassis, it’s easily one of the finest in the business.
Sure, the little Alpine A110 may have stolen some of its thunder, but when it comes to that perfect balance of everyday usability and weekend track-day thrills, the Porsche 718 Boxster Style Edition (and its Cayman sibling) reign supreme.
Choosing a sports car has always been a tug-of-war between the heart and the head. But the Boxster manages to bridge that gap perfectly, blending pure driving pleasure with everyday practicality.
Reminding us why it’s still the sports car that we daydream about.
Technical Specifications
Porsche 718 Cayman GTS
Engine: 1,988cc Flat-4, Turbocharged
Drivetrain: Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 300bhp
Torque: 380Nm
Gearbox: 7-Speed PDK (A)
0-100km/h: 4.9 seconds
Top Speed: 275 km/h
Fuel Economy: 14.2km/litre (claimed)
Price: POA (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Porsche Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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