For those who can afford the price tag the Porsche Boxster demands inclusion on any buyers’ roadster shortlist.

Just in time for the summer, the mid-engined icon has been refreshed and unleashed onto the UK market with a pair of new, more powerful engines, a slick new automatic ‘box and a good time simply waiting to be driven.

And with even prestigious two-seater sports cars expected to pay their environmental dues fuel economy has been tipped over the 30mpg mark.

Performance Specs

The model range features two variants – the Porsche Boxster and the Porsche Boxster S.

The former is upgraded from a 2.7-litre to a 2.9-litre power train:

• 255hp (up from 245hp)
• 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds (5.6 seconds with PDK).
• Top speed 162mph

…while the 3.4-litre engine which powers the sportier car is all-new.

• 310hp (up from 295hp)
• 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds (5.0 with PDK)
• Top speed 170mph

Either boxer engine is mated to a six-speed manual gear box. The other major model change sees the optional Tiptronic shift system replaced by the seven-speed PDK (that’s Porsche Doppelkupplung) double clutch gearbox.

Tough Choice

Though there may only be a single letter in it there is a significant difference between the Boxster and the Boxster S.

Driving the two models back to back underlines the extra acceleration and improved handling of the S – which also comes with a significantly firmer ride.

However, the super-slick double clutch auto-specified standard model provides an extremely tempting compromise. The three personalities of the Porsche Active Suspension Management enable the driver to swing between a comfortable cruise and sweet-sounding swift kick-down acceleration.

Some drivers will always prefer manual changes, even if they can’t match the response of an Auto’, but the PDK system should at least tempt all but the most hardcore. You only notice it’s there when it’s doing something good.

Whatever your taste in roadsters there’s configuration to suit your preference for fun or ‘live-ability’.

Better MPG

Varying the engine and gearbox combinations provides enough variety to please the full spectrum from Sunday driver to track day fan (the Sports Chrono auto set-up includes Launch Control to power the car at full throttle from a standing start).

Porsche says it has improved the suspension set-up and the renowned Boxster handling matches expectations, and keeps you on the look-out for the next clear corner.

Returns of 31mpg and 30.1mpg are an improvement of 10 and 15 per cent over their respective predecessors and make the fun stuff a bit more manageable on the wallet too.

Design evolution

Subtle design changes include larger air intakes and door mirrors, all-LED rear lights, daytime running lights and a rear diffuser distinguishing the 2009 Porsche Boxster from its predecessor.

Twin exhausts distinguish the S from the Porsche Boxster’s centrally-located single pipe.

Brakes from the previous S model now feature on both cars with the standard model’s wheels now half an inch wider to accommodate them. And the latest version of Porsche Stability Management includes Brake Pre-loading and Brake Assistant which improve response time in emergency braking situations. We slammed on the brakes at 40mph (in a controlled environment) and were impressed by the immediacy of its reaction.

More performance, more variety and the same fantastic driving experience adds up to a winning package for the 2009 Porsche Boxster. Finding out which one suits you will simply add to the fun.

Key facts

Models tested: Porsche Boxster, Porsche Boxster S
On the road price: £33,998, £40,486
Price range: £33,998 – £40,486
Date tested: June 2009
Road tester: Adrian Higgins