Test Drive: 2013 Porsche Boxster

The Boxster, however, is not a one trick pony. Thanks to the PASM, turn the sport modes all off and the Boxster becomes a rather serene highway cruiser. The front seats are not only very supportive for spirited driving, but also very comfortable for long drives. The front and rear trunks make the car semi practical swallowing 150 L and 130 L of cargo respectively. The frunk (front trunk), which is the same size as the Mazda MX-5’s rear trunk, will easily accommodate medium luggage, large Christmas gifts or groceries. The soft top does not intrude into the rear trunk when lowered, but does allow a lot of ambient sound into the cabin. Blind spots are also horrible with this retractable roof up, which it was the whole time I had the Boxster. It makes lane changes and reversing into parking spaces more challenging than normal. The optional reverse sensors should be checked off by prospective buyers.

2013 Porsche Boxster. Click image to enlarge

Another option I would spring for is the automatic climate control. Not having it in this vehicle was annoying as the two miniscule toggle switches, located slightly above and on either side of the gear shifter, were cumbersome to use. I was constantly adjusting temperature and fan speed; that is when it worked. For some reason, one morning the heater did not blow anything short of ice cold air during my 30-minute, 37-km commute from Oakville to Toronto. It wasn’t the coldest day, nor the wettest day, but for whatever reason the heater refused to warm up. It worked every other day without fail. After a few days, when it snowed and the roads became mucky, I discovered the washer fluid for the windshield would not work. It worked fine for the headlights, but not the windshield. We are unsure what the culprit is and have heard three different stories.

2013 Porsche Boxster. Click image to enlarge

Even with these minor nuisances, the Boxster is a terrific vehicle. It is one of the best impulse reasons I can think of for wanting to become moderately wealthy. It is such a joy to drive, even during rush hour on city streets. Add in the fact that it is practical for a sports car, is relatively efficient and drop-dead gorgeous, and it is hard to find a reason not to love the Boxster. As a bonus, it can be driven all year round, unless you live in an area that regularly receives 20+ cm snowfalls.

Pricing: 2013 Porsche Boxster
Base price: $56,500
Options: $820 (Aqua Blue Metallic), $4,410 (Infotainment Package), $3,660 (PDK), $1,790 (19-inch Boxster S Wheel), $2,050 (PASM), $1,790 (Bi-Xenon Headlights), $2,710 (Sport Chrono Package), $560 (SportDesign Steering Wheel)
A/C tax: $100
Freight: $1,085
Price as tested: $75,475

Competitors
2013 Audi TTS
2013 BMW Z4
2013 Lotus Evora
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK

Crash test results
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)

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