Prepare for controversy. Porsche has updated the Boxster & Cayman, converting them to 718 specification and in so doing has binned the classic flat-six engine, and introduced a new flat-four 2.0-litre turbo (or a 2.5 turbo for the S models).
Cue much gnashing and wailing from the Porsche Purist brigade, not least because the Boxster now no longer gnashes and wails. Instead, it sounds a bit like a 1990s Subaru Impreza rally car. Nothing wrong with that, of course, and the optional sports exhaust helps, but there’s no denying that the soundtrack has taken a downturn.
Mind you, the new engine will average 42mpg on a motorway run, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Everything else about the two cars is still uniformly excellent, however, from the sharp steering to the balance of the chassis to the quality levels.
Actually, their only problem is that the new four-cylinder Jaguar F-Type has come down in price to meet them, and is not only better looking, but is much more fun.
Best model: 2.0 Cayman PDK
Prices start from: €69,848
Finance package from: POA
Co2 emissions: 158-184g/km
Sum-up: New engines are technically brilliant, and surprisingly frugal, but the four-pot Jag is more fun.