Porsche 718 Boxster review – design
The basic design is familiar; looks tight and compact compared to more modern rivals
The Boxster’s fundamental proportions haven’t changed at all over the years, with a mid-engined layout that does without the desire to shorten overhangs or have the engine on display. From a packaging perspective, this has been a very wise move as both front and rear boots are huge by sports car standards, making the Boxster much more versatile than something like an Alpine A110.
This has also meant the design has remained largely familiar, but thanks to that almost 911-like evolution it somehow hasn’t really dated despite lacking some of the glitzy detailing Porsche has been integrating into designs for the 911 and Taycan.
Original 986 and 987 Boxsters had the additional complication of needing to share external door skins with their contemporary 911 derivatives, which not only limited the designer's freedom, but also made the side intakes feel like something of an afterthought as their shaping had condensed to just the rear three-quarter panel.
This all changed with the 981 in 2012 when Porsche decided to give it its own door skins, which totally transformed the Boxster from an odd quasi-911 jumble into something more individual. The 718, however, did muddy the waters slightly with a less attractive front and rear, and lighting units that didn’t, and still don’t, look as slick or integrated as the ones on a 981.
But, specify any form of Boxster well and it can be a wonderful thing. There's so much choice on the configurator that it can send you down some scary paths, but there are plenty of options that make it feel like a proper little supercar.
