WHAT CAR AWARDS - Porsche's Boxster makes it three in a row for Sports Car Of The Year.

Recognition by top-selling magazine underlines sports car credentials of iconic marque

The Porsche Boxster has once again been presented with the overall Sports Car of the Year accolade by What Car? This is the third time in a row that the mid-engined roadster from Stuttgart has triumphed at the ceremony, which was held last night in London.

The annual awards not only serve as the unofficial start to the new motoring year, but a category win has become regarded as one of the most sought-after in the industry. What Car? is the UK’s leading monthly consumer motoring title, and its editorial opinion is backed up by the vast knowledge and experience of its team of journalists.

Commenting on the victory of the Boxster in the Sports Car category, What Car? said; “It would be easy to dismiss the Boxster as a poor man’s 911. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Although its modest 265 hp is no better than the power of some hot hatches, the entry-level Boxster feels fast enough to thrill without being intimidating. This, matched with the fingertip-responsive handling, makes it perfect for UK roads. It’s a car that makes you want to get up early and seek out a quiet road, just as it is laid back and easy to drive on that wet, wintry commute.”

The value-for-money appeal of the Porsche also caught the attention of the editorial team. “The Boxster gets key niceties, such as a colour touch-screen and part-electric seat adjustment, so all you really need to add is satellite navigation and digital radio, and the rasping optional sports exhaust. Given the modest list price, even with these extras the Boxster is still great value. You don’t even need the automatic PDK gearbox; the slick-shifting manual is easy to use and adds a hands-on, physical element to the already great driving experience.”

Porsche Cars GB Managing Director, Chris Craft, collected the award for the Boxster from Jim Holder, Editor of What Car?

“The crux of the Boxster’s appeal is not just that it is reasonably priced, but that it can still thrill, and – even in the 2.7-litre model – feel every bit as prestigious as you’d want a Porsche to feel,” said Jim. “This sporting soft-top can be rambunctious fun, just as it can be a delight to live with, and that’s a winning combination in our books.”

The mid-engined, two-seater is priced from £38,810, and is available in three series: Boxster, Boxster S and Boxster GTS.

“For the Boxster to receive this recognition from What Car? for the third year in a row is a real credit to our engineers at Weissach,” commented Chris Craft, Porsche Cars GB Managing Director. “It also underlines what our customers tell us; that in true roadster spirit, the Boxster immerses you completely in the driving experience.”

First launched in 1963, the Porsche 911 coupé immediately set a new benchmark and quickly won the hearts of car and motor sport enthusiasts around the world. Today, the latest ‘Type 991’ model, the seventh 911 generation, continues to set standards, its evocative rear-mounted, flat-six engine offering scintillating driving dynamics as well as impressive performance and efficiency.

In recognising the 911 Carrera as the ‘Best Buy’ in the Sports Car category between £50,000 - £100,000, What Car? Editor, Jim Holder, commented; “If the subject of sports cars comes up, you’re almost certainly going to be talking about the 911.”

The road test team found real inspiration in the charismatic flat-six engine beating at the heart of the 911: “Revving the 3.4-litre motor through the gradually building mid-range and on to the wailing, raucous upper regions of 7,000 rpm is an addiction. Push hard and the 911 reveals a hitherto-hidden edge that’s further enhanced by the grippy chassis and meaty steering. 

You don’t need to go for a really brawny version – the basic Carrera, with optional seven speed PDK automatic gearbox, delivers the perfect blend of sweaty-palmed adrenaline rush when you want it, and easy-going daily driver the rest of the time. Add the adaptive suspension and sports exhaust, and you’ve got the best 911 going, at a reasonable price.”

The 911 Carrera is priced from £73,509, and the range encompasses Coupé, Cabriolet and Targa models. Last year, the 430 hp GTS models (priced from £91,908) joined the line-up, opening a new chapter in the continuing evolution of the 911 range, which is topped by the race-car inspired GT3 (£100,540) and legendary 911 Turbo S (£142,120).