Porsche Boxster (1996-2004) review

Fits the job description: two-seat roadster. The seats tread the right line between sport and comfort, and you can get the driving position nailed on. The roof is snug when it's above your head, and drops in 12 seconds via electricity. That's another advantage of the flat-six: it sits low, so the roof lies neatly on top. There's a neat little wind-blocker so speedy roof-down cruising is very much on.

The dash comes from the 996-series 911. It's a bit dated now: all those ovals. The suspended cowl over the dials is a nice touch. Bits of the cabin don't quite have the usual rock-of-ages Porsche build quality – especially the flimsy-feeling vents and stalks. The next generation 987 was a huge improvement there.

This car has a later-replacement set of white dials, bringing a much-needed visual twist. They were black when new.

You said it's practical?

There's not a lot of in-cabin storage. No glovebox for a start, and this was the era when Europeans thought cupholders were blasphemous American decadence. Cars were for driving. Coffee was for coffee-houses.

Storage, in the Boxster, means in the boot. Or rather boots. There's 130 litres under the front bonnet. And another 130 litres in the tail.