Review: Porsche Boxster Spyder

Yet this is a Porsche – only one for the enthusiast, a wind-in-the-hair thriller that’s not for the faint-hearted.

A lightweight version of the mid-engined Porsche Boxster roadster , the Boxster Spyder represents the true, purist form of the Porsche sports car – light, powerful and open-roofed.

For some, it will be the worst of choices in the Boxster range; for others it will be the only choice. There are so many minuses to ownership, such as the aforementioned lack of basic comforts and equipment, rather heavy fuel consumption, higher price tag, the struggle to climb in and out and the awkward moments when vision is restricted, that for many motorists it will be a non-starter.

But for those looking for the best driving experience among the Boxster line-up, look no further. This is the one.

Weighing 1,275kg (2,811lb), the Spyder is the lightest model in the Porsche line-up, joining the Boxster and Boxster S. It stands out at first sight from the other less-powerful versions of the mid-engined roadster because the Spyder has been developed first and foremost for driving in the open air.

The low-slung, lightweight fabric hood (Porsche describes it as a weather protector rather than a hood) extends far to the rear and serves to protect the driver and passenger from bright sunshine, wind and rain. The quest to save weight means there’s no easy way to assemble or take off the canvas top. It takes about two minutes to store it or stretch it into position, and in the event of a sharp shower while you are enjoying an open-top drive that means a scramble to get it out of the boot and back in place.

When closed, the soft top, together with the extra-low side windows and the two unique, striking bulges on the single-piece rear lid, boasts a stretched and sleek silhouette reminiscent of the Carrera GT.

Significantly, the new model weighs 80kg (176lb) less than the Boxster S which, combined with a lower centre of gravity and revised suspension, gives the Spyder the calibre of driving dynamics that reflects the unique look of the car.

The Spyder features a tuned version of the proven 3.4-litre flat six boxer engine with direct fuel injection, which is located ahead of the rear axle. Maximum output is 320bhp, 10bhp more than in the Boxster S.

Equipped with the optional Porsche-Doppelkupplungsgetriebe (PDK) seven-speed twin-clutch transmission and the Sports Chrono Package, the new Spyder, using Launch Control, can accelerate from a standstill to 62mph in 4.8 seconds. Again with optional PDK, fuel consumption is 30.4mpg and the top speed is 166mph with the roof removed. But such is the nature of the roof that the top speed is lowered to 124mph when it is in place.

The Spyder bears testimony to its sporting character with a double tailpipe reminiscent of the tailpipe on the 911 GT3, plus side sir intakes.

It also wears the distinctive Porsche script along the sills, a classic touch which will get fans of the marque recalling previous greats that have done the same.

In standard trim, the Boxster Spyder conveys the power of the engine to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. For a higher standard of driving dynamics and all-round economy, Porsche offers the PDK Doppelkupplungsgetriebe gearbox, which allows gear shifts up to 60 per cent faster than on a manual gearbox.

It almost goes without saying that the Boxster Spyder offers the customer a wide range of choice in tailoring Porsche’s new two-seater to his individual wishes and requirements.

This is why nearly all of the usual options available on the Boxster are also available for the Spyder, ranging from automatic air-conditioning, a no-cost optional audio system and seat heating, all the way to complete leather upholstery.

There’s a temptation when spending this kind of money is to tick a few option boxes and put in satellite-navigation, climate control and luxurious leather seats, but that misses the point of the Spyder.

However, one box you must tick is for the sports exhaust.

Do so and you have a button on the dash that opens up the full vocal range of the flat six when the conditions are right.

The suspension is set 20mm lower than a Boxster S, with stiffer springs and modified anti-roll bar settings, while a small increase in track front and rear plants it even more firmly on the road.

Your appetite then is well and truly whetted by the time you slide behind the wheel, and the Spyder does not disappoint. This is a car designed for pleasure above all else, so leave the hood down at all costs, and savour the sensations. The 3.4-litre unit is as sharp as ever, responding rapidly to throttle inputs.

As you pile into a series of bends, the lightness of the Spyder makes itself known through a complete absence of pitching or settling: it just feels solidly pinned to the road surface, and the steering is the usual sweet mixture of delicate response and firm accuracy.

This is certainly not a car for all drivers though. It costs about £4,000 more than an equivalent Boxster S, yet you get less equipment.

If that sounds like poor value then the Spyder is not your kind of car. If, however, you want the best Boxster driving experience money can buy, look no further.

Porsche Boxster Spyder fact file

Price: from £46,862.

Engine: 3.4-litre petrol unit producing 320bhp and 273lb ft of torque.

Transmission: Seven-speed Doppelkupplungsgestriebe double clutch gearbox driving the rear wheels.

Performance: Top speed 164mph (hood open) or 124mph (hood closed); 0-62mph in 5.0 seconds.

Economy: 30.4mpg combined.

CO2 emissions: 218g/km.