A NEW generation of the Porsche Boxster, established over two decades as the benchmark mid-engined two-seater roadster, gets a big boost with new four-cylinder turbo ‘boxer’ engines with more power, more torque and greater efficiency – and greater efficiency is always good news for business users!

Porsche Boxster long ago shook off the tag of the 911’s cheap alternative and now even the ‘entry’ model is good to blast to 62mph nearly a second faster in just 4.7sec and on to a breathtaking 170mph, while the S is half a second faster still in the sprint to top out at 177mph.

Sheer grunt has taken a quantum leap, with torque up by a third or 100Nm to 380Nm on the Boxster, up 60Nm to 420 in the Boxster S.

Yet greater efficiency shines through with up to 13% better fuel economy, which means 40.9mpg combined on the Boxster, 38.7 on the S.

The whole car – now designated Porsche 718 Boxster – has been revised, with lowered suspension, better brakes and a sharper styling – only the luggage compartment lids (front ‘bonnet’ and boot), the windscreen and the powered soft top roof are unchanged..

These new models continue the tradition of the race-winning Porsche 718 mid-engined sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s, powered by four-cylinder horizontally opposed ‘boxer’ engines. It also sits neatly beside the established sports car icons with numbered identities – so 718 Boxster, 911 Carrera, 918 Spyder, 919 Hybrid.

More powerful yet more fuel efficient, the centrepiece of the new model series is the 718 Boxster which develops 300hp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, up 35hp on its predecessor.

The 718 Boxster S has a 2.5-litre engine producing 350hp, its greater power literally boosted by its use of a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry – Porsche is now the only manufacturer to offer this technology in production cars with petrol engines, both in the 911 Turbo and 718 Boxster S.

Complementing the more powerful engines is new suspension tuning and uprated brakes, ensuring the characteristically dynamic and emotive Boxster driving experience remains distinctive.

The exterior design of the new model line has also advanced comprehensively. The vehicle has been completely revised, except for the luggage compartment lids, the windscreen and the powered convertible roof. Inside, a newly-designed dash panel frames the cockpit.

In addition, the latest generation of Porsche Communication Management (PCM) with state-of-the-art touchscreen and mobile phone preparation included as standard. The navigation module is available as an option.

Besides the advanced design, the enhanced standard equipment of the new 718 Boxster makes the new generation models even more attractive.