718 Porsche 2022 Boxster Review: 25 Years Old

In 1996 the original Yell the film was shown in theaters, the Chicago Bulls began their second NBA championship with a three-time win, and the song "Macarena" from Los del Rio reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

And in the automotive world, Porsche has released an all-new model that makes the lineup of leading sports cars more accessible than ever before. I'm talking, of course, about the two-seat Boxster convertible.

To celebrate a quarter century of the entry-level series, Porsche released the aptly named Boxster 25 Years, and we got behind the wheel belatedly. So this is the best of the breed? Read on to find out.

718 Porsche 2022: Boxster 25 years old
Safety Rating
engine's type	4.0L
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	9.7l / 100km
Landing	2 Places
Price from	$192,590

Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10

In my humble opinion, the Boxster has been a classic from the start, so it's no surprise that Porsche has changed its design slightly since the original hit the market.

The version you see is the fourth generation, the 982 series, which has been around for almost six years. Despite his age, he looks very good on the outside.

The low, sleek bodywork is decked out in 25 Years livery, while Neodyme trim on the front bumper insert and side air intake help it stand out from the Boxster crowd.

The 25 Years is fitted with 20-inch Neodyme alloy wheels (Image: Justin Hilliard).

However, my favorite element is the 20-inch Neodyme alloy wheels with black brake calipers tucked away in the back. The unique five-spoke rim looks pretty damn cool. Maybe old school chic?

These are paired with the fun Bordeaux Red fabric roof that appears on the GT Silver metallic test car. Also worth noting is that the black windshield surround creates a nice separation between it and the shiny paint.

Inside, the 25 Years makes an even bigger statement with its full leather upholstery, which in our test car is inevitably Bordeaux Red. We are talking about cowhide literally from top to bottom. It feels as luxurious as the price suggests.

But if Bordeaux Red isn't to your liking (it's used for the steering wheel rim, all the floor mats and plastic after all), you can opt for plain black instead, but I think that misses the point of 25 Years, which has a contrasting brushed aluminum edging to break the decor.

The 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, as well as the button-heavy center console and the console below it, don't age as gracefully as the exterior (Image: Justin Hilliard).

The game has changed a lot in the past six years, and Boxster just isn't up to par. Porsche offers larger touchscreens and new multimedia systems in other models, and here they are essential.

Basic functionality. Yes, it gets the job done, but not with the high quality you'd expect from a 2022 Porsche.

Personally, I'm an iPhone user, so Apple CarPlay support is available to me, but those looking for Android Auto connectivity instead are sure to be disappointed.

The power-operated fabric roof can be lowered or raised at speeds up to 50 km/h in a reasonable amount of time. And let's be honest, you're buying a Boxster to be topless as often as possible, even if that means you need to ditch some of the eye-catching 25 Years Bordeaux red.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10

At 4391mm long (with a 2475mm wheelbase), 1801mm wide and 1273mm high, the 25 Years is small, which doesn't bode well in terms of practicality - at least on paper.

With a mid-engine layout, the 25 Years offers a trunk and trunk that combine to deliver a good 270 liters of cargo capacity for this segment.

The first has a volume of 120 liters, which makes it big enough for a couple of padded bags. And the latter holds 150 liters, which is suitable for two small suitcases.

There are no attachment points or hooks for bags in any of the storage areas – either way, they are unnecessary given the modest space on offer. While there are amenities in the cabin, they are limited and in some cases compromised.

For example, the only two cup holders are hidden behind a brushed aluminum trim on the dashboard on the passenger side. They pop up and have a contrived variety. They are also small enough to be mostly useless.

Bottles can usually be stored in door drawers, but are divided into two sections, one of which folds out easily but is still not wide or tall enough to hold larger items.

However, the glove box is surprisingly large, and it also has a single USB-A port. Another one is located in the central bunker, which is rather shallow. However, there is a small corner in front to place a key ring and/or coins.

Aside from the coat hooks on the seatbacks and the storage net in the passenger's footwell, it's up to you. But you didn't expect much in terms of versatility, did you?

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10

Starting at $192,590 plus travel expenses, the 25 Years automatic isn't exactly cheap. If you want to satisfy the purist on the inside, you can get the manual version for $5390 cheaper, although you lose some performance in doing so, but more on that later.

Compared to the GTS 4.0 class it's based on, the 25 Years claims a $3910 premium, but buyers are compensated not only for the unique exterior and interior package, but for owning one of just 1250 examples sold at around the world. By the way, the one you see here is #53.

So what do you actually get? Well, gold trim (“Neodyme” in Porsche parlance) is applied to the 25 Years front bumper insert and side air intakes, as well as unique 20-inch alloy wheels (with a tire repair kit).

Adaptive LED headlights are also included along with a custom aluminum fuel cap, black windshield surround, black brake calipers, burgundy red fabric roof, unique emblems and shiny stainless steel sports tailpipes.

Inside, all-leather upholstery (standard Bordeaux Red in our GT Silver Metallic test car) is complemented by brushed aluminum trim that features a custom numbered plaque on the passenger-side dash. Also installed is a specific analogue instrument cluster and Boxster 25 door sills.

Standard equipment shared with the GTS 4.0 includes speed-sensing variable ratio electric power steering, sport brake package (350mm front and 330mm rear drilled discs with six- and four-piston fixed calipers respectively), adaptive suspension (10- mm lower than the "regular" 718 Boxster) and a rear self-locking differential.

In addition, there are dusk sensors (including LED DRLs and taillights), rain sensors, keyless entry, wind deflector, active rear spoiler, 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay support (sorry, Android users ), digital radio, 4.6-inch multifunction display, heated sports steering wheel with power column adjustment, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rear-view mirror and sports pedals. Deep breath.

Well, 25 Years wouldn't be a Porsche if it didn't have a long list of desirable but expensive options, and it certainly does. Our test car has a painted key fob with leather case ($780), body-color headlight cleaning system ($380), power-folding side mirrors with puddle illumination ($560), and body-color fixed roll bars ($960). USA).

And let's not forget the Bose surround sound system ($2230), 18-way adjustable sports seats with memory function ($1910), and Bordeaux Red seat belts ($520).

In total, our test car costs $199,930, which is much more than the competing BMW Z4 M40i ($129,900) and Jaguar F-Type P450 R-Dynamic Convertible ($171,148).

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 10/10

Based on the 718-class 4.0 Boxster GTS, the 25 Years is powered by one of the last great naturally aspirated engines, Porsche's venerated 4.0-litre flat-six petrol unit. Moreover, it is installed in the middle, and the drive is directed to the rear wheels. So, suitable for enthusiasts.

Paired with our test car's fast seven-speed dual-clutch PDK automatic transmission, it puts out 294kW of power (at a screaming 7000rpm) and 430Nm of torque (at 5500rpm). For reference, the less expensive variant with the six-speed manual is underperforming by 10Nm.

As a result, the PDK accelerates to 0 km/h faster, holding exactly four seconds - half a second better than a manual transmission can handle. However, the latter's top speed is 100 km/h, which is 293 km/h faster than the former - not something you'll ever notice in Australia.

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How much fuel does it consume? 8/10

Thanks in part to the stop-start system, fuel consumption over 25 years on the combined cycle (ADR 81/02) is a reasonable 9.7 l/100 km with PDK or 11.0 l/100 km with manual control.

Fuel consumption over 25 years combined (ADR 81/02) is a reasonable 9.7 l/100 km (Image: Justin Hilliard).

However, in my actual testing with the former, I averaged 10.1L/100km over 360km of highway driving on city roads.

That's a relatively impressive result considering how "enthusiasm" I drove the 25 Years with during the week I rode it.

For reference, the 25 Years has a 64L fuel tank that, as expected, is only rated for more expensive 98 octane premium gasoline, and a claimed range of 660km (PDK) or 582km (manual). My experience is 637 km.

What is it like to drive? 10/10

Think of "driving nirvana" and the Boxster should immediately come to mind, especially the GTS 4.0 and by extension 25 Years Tested here. Make no mistake, this is a phenomenal sports car.

Of course, much of the credit goes to the unrealistic 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six petrol engine.

It's so good, in fact, that you want to squeeze every gear of the PDK's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, no matter the cost.

Think of "nirvana behind the wheel" and the Boxster should immediately come to mind (Image: Justin Hilliard).

Now, of course, this means you can get into trouble very quickly. In the end, the first gear ratio reaches a maximum of about 70 km/h, and the second at about 120 km/h. But if you're like me, you'll brake carefully because the engine hits the stratosphere above 5000 rpm.

The sweet, sweet symphony that 25 Years plays behind its cockpit is true old school, and the sports exhaust system successfully enhances it. And, of course, it all comes with the linear power delivery that purists dream of.

But in an age dominated by turbocharged engines and hybrid powertrains, the immediate response of the 25 Years flat-six on the bottom is surprising and delightful. This is a sports car that is out of line.

The acceleration is fast enough, so much so that 25 Years is no doubt faster than the three-digit number that is claimed. Yes, we are talking about a sports car in less than four seconds. Luckily, braking performance is strong and the pedal feels great.

But the transmission also deserves some recognition, as it is brilliant. Pushing the throttle in "normal" mode is almost instantaneous, shifting through one or three gears in the blink of an eye. But turn on Sport or Sport Plus instead, and the shift points are noticeably higher.

Even more fun, however, is the PDK in manual mode, as the driver can use the beautiful metal paddle shifters to change gear ratios themselves.

Either way, upshifting is fast. Needless to say, this combination of engine and transmission is such a pleasure.

However, 25 years of experience is not everything, as it is perfectly balanced in corners. In fact, this is the type of sports car that will convince you to look for a beautiful winding road again and again.

Lean the 25 Years into a corner and it rides like it's on rails, with its limitations far beyond what most drivers, myself included, can handle.

Enormous body control and grip ensure complete control and therefore confidence when pushing hard.

Now, the speed-sensitive electric power steering is a bit weaker at higher speeds, but it really fits the 25 Years' "modern lightweight" character (1435kg with PDK or 1405kg with manual transmission).

What's more, this system makes the most of its variable ratio to be fast and precise when you need it, providing very lively, but not shy, steering with good feedback through the steering wheel.

Even the 25 Years ride is relatively well damped, with the adaptive dampers doing their best to soften the bumps in the road. But you definitely "experience" all the undulating movements, although this is only part of its communicative nature.

Yes, the 25 Years can be a comfortable cruiser when you want it to be, but set the dampers to the firmest setting and the road feel is enhanced.

The harder edge is still tolerable, but in the first place there are almost no problems with body control, why bother going out of line?

Naturally, all of the above gets better when the 25 Years roof is open. Speaking of which, wind buffeting is limited when done with windows and a deflector in action.

However, close the roof and road noise will be noticeable, although it can be easily drowned out by the soundtrack available through the right foot or the Bose surround sound system.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

3 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 6/10

Neither the 25 Years nor the wider 718 Boxster range has been assessed by the independent Australian vehicle safety agency ANCAP or its European counterpart Euro NCAP, so its crash performance remains a mystery.

In any case, 25 years of advanced driver assistance systems extend only to conventional cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, and tire pressure monitoring.

Yes, there is no autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping and steering, adaptive cruise control or rear cross traffic alert. In this regard, the Boxster gets pretty long in the teeth.

But other standard safety equipment includes six airbags (dual front, side and curtain), anti-skid brakes (ABS) and conventional electronic stability and traction control systems.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10

Like all other Porsche Australia models, the 25 Years comes with a standard three-year unlimited mileage warranty, two years short of the benchmark set in the premium segment by Audi, Genesis, Jaguar/Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz. , and Volvo.

25 Years is covered by a standard three-year unlimited mileage warranty (Image: Justin Hilliard).

The 25 Years also gets three years of roadside assistance and service intervals are the same as every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first.

For reference, no fixed price service is available and Porsche dealers determine how much each visit costs.

Verdict

The 25 Years is one of the few test cars I didn't want to hand over the keys to. It's so, so good on so many levels.

That said, if you're not a fan of its breathtaking color combination (me, for the record), save the $3910 and get the "regular" GTS 4.0 instead. After all, it's the one who set the table.

And one more thing: most people think the 911 is the Porsche worth buying, and as iconic as it is, the reality is that the 718 Boxster is the best cornering sports car. It also happens to be a lot "cheaper" so I can stop saving up for it sooner...