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Although the Boxster tied the Corvette in overall scoring, it drives much differently. The lithe Boxster provides nimble, secure, and effortless handling. It managed the fastest speed through our accident-avoidance course. The steering and chassis provide excellent feedback to the driver. The Boxster is a car that doesn't have to be driven fast to be fun to drive. Dropping the top is easy. The interior is nicely put together but spartan.
THE DRIVING EXPERIENCE
The Boxster's excellent handling instills confidence. The body stays flat while cornering, and the well-weighted steering feels precise and quick. The Boxster excelled in the tight, fast corners of our track and stayed poised even when pushed past its limits of tire adhesion. It sped neatly and confidently though our avoidance-maneuver course, posting an excellent 58.5 mph.
The ride is firm and busy, with short, quick body motions. The suspension soaks up sharp bumps well and stays controlled while traversing undulating roads. Inside the cabin, the engine's invigorating howl is joined by plenty of wind and road noise.
The 217-hp, 2.7-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, located behind the seats, provides smooth, strong performance and averaged 22 mpg in mixed driving. The higher-performance Boxster S model has a larger 250-hp, 3.2-liter Six. The five-speed manual shifts accurately. A five-speed automatic is a $3,210 option. Braking performance was excellent.
INSIDE THE CABIN
The interior has a spartan look, but the materials are well chosen and fit together well. The cockpit fits average-height drivers best. The seats are well shaped but narrow for large-framed people. Short people can't see out well; leg room is tight for tall people. The soft top's wide pillars inhibit the rearward view. In addition, the plastic rear window is easily scratched and lacks a defroster.