2010 Porsche Boxster Review
Price
from: RM520,000
to: RM602,000
Installment
from: RM4,959/mth
to: RM5,741/mth
2010 Porsche Boxster at a glance
With blistering pace to complement the sensational handling, the 2010 Porsche Boxster is quite indisputably the best on-road performing sports car in its class. Practicality is better than for similar rivals.
2010 Porsche Boxster quick specs
| Body Style | Convertible |
| Class | Sports/GT |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
2010 Porsche Boxster ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Porsche has been evolutionary in their styling efforts compared to other automakers, which try to give their models entirely new designs at least once in a few generations. And so it is no surprise that the current Porsche Boxster maintains the streamlined shape of the very first Boxster. The handsome design is uniquely and identifiably Porsche, and is sure to turn more than a few heads.
Handling
Porsche stands for dynamic handling, and the Boxster confirms that on the roads. Its wonderful chassis offers tremendous agility, perfect neutral cornering balance and endless grip levels. The sharp, full-of-feedback steering is still the finest in the business. This is quite indisputably the best handling sports car in its class. And with variable steering ratio, the 2010 Porsche Boxster adapts to city driving, too.
Comfort
Porsche is spot on with the ride-and-handling balance, as the Boxster remains composed and comfortable over most road surfaces. With a canvas roof instead of a hardtop in place, wind and road noise are definitely more audible. But overall, the 2010 Porsche Boxster makes a still refined and highly stable cruiser. The low driving position is perfect, and steering and seating adjustments are plentiful. Seats are supportive, and cabin ergonomics are good, but the large number of buttons on the centre console will need some accustoming.
Quality + Reliability
The cabin looks classy and feels solid, in a manner that befits the 2010 Porsche Boxster's premium positioning. While the dashboard can be designed with more flair, quality materials and tactile switchgear fill the cabin. Fit-and-finish are similarly excellent. Porsche holds a brilliant reputation for mechanical reliability, and the 2010 Porsche Boxster should face little problems if properly maintained.
Performance
The 2010 Porsche Boxster comes with a 2.7-litre producing 241 bhp and 273 Nm, while the Boxster S is powered by a 3.4-litre producing 291 bhp and 340 Nm. The 2.7-litre can be paired to either a five-speed manual or five-speed Tiptronic S. The 3.4-litre uses the five-speed Tiptronic S or a six-speed manual. On the roads, the 2010 Porsche Boxster goes blisteringly quick even with the base 2.7-litre, putting in a performance worthy of the superb chassis. We recommend the manual gearbox.
Roominess
The 2010 Porsche Boxster is a roomy two-seater that provides generous head- and leg-room for driver and passenger. Luggage space is predictably not great, but fares better than rivals'. The front loading space is around 150 litres, and around 130 litres at the rear. Roof up or down, the rear loading space remains unchanged, and there are a number of useful storage compartments in the cabin, too.
Running Costs
The 2010 Porsche Boxster is the most fuel-efficient with the 2.7-litre and manual gearbox. Under gentle use, you can get 10-11 km/litre. But who drives a Porsche gently? Which can only mean much worse fuel economy. Servicing and repairs are expensive, but depreciation should be kept in check nicely, thanks to the strong Porsche brand and the positive reputation the Boxster has built up over the years.
Value for Money
The BMW Z4 roadster and Mercedes-Benz SLK are the two most obvious rivals. The 2010 Porsche Boxster may command a price premium, but it is one that is more than justified in our opinion. Not by the Porsche badge but by the manner the Boxster leaves the rest trailing in terms of handling and performance. For any driving enthusiasts deciding on which of the three to pick, have no doubt, you just can not be wrong with the 2010 Porsche Boxster.
Equipment
The 2010 Porsche Boxster is equipped with all the basic necessities such as alloys wheels, premium audio system, climate control, electric roof among others. But even more (expensive) goodies are available on the option list. Safety equipments include six airbags and Porsche Stability Management (PSM), which controls a host of safety programs to prevent accidents in the first place.
Environment
The fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are actually decent. But sports cars such as the 2010 Porsche Boxster are sure to see constant high-revving action, and that is when the real damage to the environment is done. Not helping is the two-seater configuration (meaning more pollution per occupant). A consolation for Greenpeace activists: the 2010 Porsche Boxster's restrained practicality and high running costs should limit its use.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Unmistakable Porsche styling
Class-leading handling and performance
Practical compared to similar rivals
Large number of buttons on dash centre
Expensive options
Environment taking a beating
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