Porsche Boxster S

More expensive and powerful cars have come my way in recent years but its simple repertoire of dazzling dynamic rewards and jump-in-and-go ease of use were quite unlike anything else in its class in terms of sheer, outright fun.

After just a few days in its company sparking up the 315bhp, 3.4-litre straight-six engine and dropping the hood evoked memories of that dash to the garden shed to retrieve my Rally Amazon for an afternoon of wheelies and jumps on the village street.

This is no mountainbike though, and despite being one of the cheapest ways to get behind the wheel of a new Porsche, the Boxster S still commands a price tag of £45,384.

One thing’s for sure, though, 2012 has brought its most meticulously engineered evolution to date.

Porsche’s pursuit of improved economy and performance has resulted in 35kg being shed from a car now weighing 1,325kg while other changes reflect those seen in the new 911.

The mid-engined roadster now has a longer wheelbase (60mm), wider tracks (40mm front, 18mm rear) and lower stance (13mm), boosting stability and grip.

Dynamic engine mounts make their debut — reducing vibrations at a cruise but firming up to improve handling under rapid direction changes — and Porsche Torque Vectoring works alongside a mechanical differential, braking the inside wheel through corners to optimise traction.

Electro-mechanical power steering replaces a hydraulic set-up and a start/stop system and regenerative braking are also ushered in as part of measures which help the Boxster S return up to 35mpg and 188g/km CO2 emissions.

Outright performance, meanwhile, will see 62mph delivered in a rapid 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 172mph when fitted with the optional PDK twin-clutch gearbox.

This is no half-baked restyle.

The Racing Yellow Boxster S I road tested was no shrinking violet and despite the fact that the PDK gearbox boasts 3.2mpg better fuel economy and a 0.3 second faster sprint to 62mph its six-speed manual ‘box slipped between gates with a springy eagerness.

With the pedals placed beautifully for heel-toe downchanges I became absorbed in perfecting my shift technique. PDK? Not for me, thanks...

Handling balance has always been key to the Boxster driving experience and the new car simply comes alive on a favourite b-road.

At manoeuvring speeds the weight of the steering and a slightly springy clutch action can feel ungainly, but once on the open road things come together is seamless style.

Far from lacking in feel I found that the oft-criticised electro-mechanical steering constantly relayed information from the road surface and what isn’t delivered through the wheel you get through the seat of your pants.

Despite the agility of its rear-drive, mid-engined layout the Boxster has an uncanny knack of inspiring confidence as the pace rises.

Without the ‘Sport’ button engaged a safety net of understeer will subtly announce the moment when the lofty limits of grip are breached.

Such is the level of traction that even lurid provocation of the throttle on the exit of corners rarely illicit more than a shimmy from the rear tyres before bracing acceleration is delivered.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the Boxster’s restyle.

As visually pronounced as a change from VHS to Blue-ray the new exterior features shorter overhangs, expansive scallops in each flank to funnel air into Carrera GT-style cooling vents and a more rakish soft top which folds away in just nine seconds.

The upshot of these changes is that the Boxster has moved further away from what was once a rather ungainly, push-me-pull-you appearance.

A broad centre console influenced by the Carrera GT supercar and similar to that now found elsewhere in the Porsche range brings the interior up-to-date.

Information imparted by a seven-inch touch screen stereo and sat-nav system is bolstered by a 4.5-inch colour display in the right hand roundel of the driver’s instruments which can even deliver cornering, braking and accelerative g-forces.

An driving position offering ample leg room for tall drivers completes a package makes the 2012 Boxster more luxuriously accommodating than it has been in the past.

Although the refinement seemed to suffer due to fairly considerable tyre rumble from a set of optional 20-inch alloys on my test car, the Boxster’s ride is supple in its standard setting and comfort is impressive.

Only a lack of storage within the cabin might hamper its day-to-day practicality.

Alright, this is no teenager’s mountainbike, it’s a premium sports car, but the manner in which the Boxster inspires confidence which allows the driver to shrug off the anxieties that can overwhelm the fun factor of a vehicle costing many £s is what makes the comparison possible.

It’s ability to gel with a driving style, flatter and cajole makes it a clear class leader and possibly the best all-round car Porsche currently make.

Poor man’s Porsche? Go buy one then...

Porsche Boxster S

Engine: 3,436cc straight-six

Power: 315bhp and 265lb.ft. of torque

Fuel Economy: 35mpg (combined)

Emissions: 188g/km CO2

Performance: 4.8 seconds (0-62mph) and 172mph

Price: £45,384

RATING: ***** (out of five)