Porsche unveils the third-generation Boxster

The Porsche Boxster has always been a car that has divided opinion amongst car enthusiasts. On one hand, it's praised for the way it drives, and its usability. On the other hand, it's derided for  anodyne styling, and for not being a 911. There is a common suggestion that the only reason that anyone buys a Boxster is because they can't afford a 911. I don't subscribe to that view, and in fact I sometimes wonder if 911 owners shouldn't feel a little ripped off by how much more the 911 costs when both cars share as much as 80% of the same parts.

With so much of the DNA shared between the two cars, it was inevitable that barely three months after the new 991 version of the 911 was revealed, a new Boxster would be announced. The new car, codenamed 981, utilises a whole new architecture that is slightly larger than the old 987 model, with a longer wheelbase and wider track. Despite this, the new car is around 30-50kg lighter than the outgoing version. Styling is said to be inspired by the Carrera GT supercar, and features deeply scalloped intakes on the sides. At the rear, the pop-up spoiler is rather better integrated than before, and the whole car has a much more muscular look to it which should appeal to enthusiasts. Personally, I think it's better looking than the new 911, and you must really need those rear seats to choose a new 911 cabriolet over the Boxster.

Recent Porsches have had considerably upgraded interiors compared to previous models, and the new Boxster features an updated interior that's very closely related to that seen in the 991. The base version has an alcantara interior while the S adds part leather to the specification. 

Like every other new car on sale, the Boxster sports improved green credentials. Stop/ start technology is standard on all models, and the base engine (reduced in capacity to 2.7 litres from 2.9) now has direct injection. Despite the size reduction, power is up in the base version from 252 to 261bhp. The S version retains the 3.4 litre capacity of its predecessor, but power is up to 311bhp from 306. Bearing in mind that the base 911 Carrera also has a 3.4 litre flat six but with 350bhp on tap, it's probably safe to assume that more power will be added over the life of this generation of Boxster. Standard transmission is a six speed manual with a seven speed PDK as an option. More enthusiastic drivers can specify the sport chrono package and the Porsche Torque Vectoring system with a mechanical limited slip differential.

The Boxster goes on sale in the UK in April, and the base car will set you back £37,589 while the more powerful Boxster S starts at £45,384. US pricing will be $49,500 for the 2.7 and $60,900 for the 3.4S. Those are considerable amounts of money, and alternatives on the market also include the attractive BMW Z4 and the recent refreshed Mercedes SLK. Despite its age, the outgoing 987 Boxster was still considered top of the class in terms of driving dynamics, and it's likely that the new model will carry on where the old one left off. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't considered buying a Boxster in the past, especially the desirable Spyder version, but this new version looks even more delectable and for me, it's the pick of the Porsche range - at least, until the GT versions of the 991 appear.

There's been no word yet on a new version of the Cayman coupe, but don't be surprised if that's announced sometime in the summer.

All pictures Porsche A.G.