http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/grouptests/236143/the_great_outdoors.html
On face value, the Porsche Boxster follows the same format as the BMW and Mercedes. As with its competitors, the recently revised model is a two-seater convertible which is powered by a six-cylinder engine and has a price of around £30,000.
Take a closer look, though, and it's clear that the engineers at Porsche have done things slightly differently. The German firm's entry-level model has been built with driving thrills in mind, so the unit is mid-mounted for better balance. A traditional fabric hood is also fitted to save weight. And if that wasn't enough, a recent round of mechanical tweaks means the Boxster should be more exciting to drive than ever.
That's good news, as you're unlikely to pick the Porsche solely because of its looks. While it isn't unattractive, it doesn't have the elegant roadster lines of the other two cars here. That centrally mounted powerplant results in a squat and compact stance that is more purposeful than pretty.
New lights front and rear help to freshen up the design, but the overall look has remained largely unchanged since the model's 1996 debut. Matters improve once you slide into the low-slung cabin. The driving position is perfect, while the beautifully built interior is logically laid out and full of useful storage spaces.
Remarkably, the well insulated, electrically operated fabric roof is nearly as effective at keeping out noise as the metal units of the Z4 and SLK. The only downside is that when in place it restricts over-the-shoulder vision, which can be a problem when pulling out from tight junctions.
This is less of an issue when the hood is stowed "" an operation that takes only 12 seconds once you've released the surprisingly stiff safety catch. Even better, lowering the roof doesn't reduce the available luggage space. With deep boots front and rear, the Boxster can swallow an impressive total of 280 litres.
But this test is more about performance than practicality "" and in this respect the Porsche doesn't disappoint. With its new 251bhp 2.9-litre engine, the Boxster is the most powerful car of our trio, and it has an immediate advantage at the test track. It covered the benchmark 0-60mph sprint in six seconds exactly; both the Mercedes and BMW were four-tenths slower.
The Porsche's punchy in-gear acceleration is even more impressive and makes light work of overtaking slower traffic. But it's the eye-popping power of the brakes that really makes a mark, hauling the car from 70mph to a stop in only 43.1 metres. Turn into a corner and the Porsche feels extremely direct and agile. Its controls are perfectly weighted and the steering is brimming with feedback, making the model extremely involving on a twisting back road.
Working the flat-six powerplant is exhilarating, too, as it has the same hard-edged metallic howl made famous by the company's legendary 911. Only around town does the Boxster become hard work. The low-speed ride is very firm, meaning bumps and potholes can send a shudder through the cabin.
Another jarring experience is the £33,704 price tag, which makes the Porsche the most expensive car here. The question is whether such a strong blend of abilities can help the Boxster overcome this financial disadvantage to beat its clever metal-roofed rivals.
The first-generation BMW Z4 is a tough act to follow. With its controversial "˜flame-surfaced' bodywork, sharp driving dynamics and strong engines, the distinctive roadster was an instant hit with UK buyers when it went on sale in 2003.
Six years have passed since then, and the sporty drop-top sector has moved on. Owners now demand cruising comfort and practicality, as well as performance and driving fun. As a result the all-new Z4 has grown, and gained a fashionable folding metal roof as it aims to challenge the Mercedes SLK.
Despite these changes, the newcomer clearly takes its cues from the original car. The sharp creases and bold angles have been softened and straightened, but the Z4 is still an eye-catching design.
At the front there's a gaping version of the firm's trademark double kidney grille and stylish swept-back headlamps, while the rear lights have more than a hint of 6-Series. If you want to turn heads, the BMW is the pick of our trio "" whether the hood is up or down, it looks striking.
Settle into the driver's seat, and it's clear the German firm's designers have been working just as hard to bring the cabin up to scratch. The dashboard gets a smart silver finish, while the uncluttered layout of our entry-level test car makes it easy to get comfortable. Look closely and you'll spot plenty of neat details "" including classy alloy-rimmed heating controls.
There's plenty of space, too, with lots of leg, shoulder and headroom. You'll also find a decent amount of stowage, although we think BMW is being a bit cheeky charging an extra £155 for a couple of storage nets, cup-holders and a lidded cubby between the driver and passenger.
One lid that comes as standard is the Z4's new folding metal roof. It's made of lightweight aluminium, and BMW claims it's only 30kg heavier than the fabric hood fitted to its predecessor. The pay-off for the increase in weight is a boost in refinement "" the noise level inside at 70mph is the same as in the SLK, at 70dB.
The hard-top does eat into luggage capacity, though, and when it's folded the available space shrinks from 310 litres to a cramped 180 litres. However, dropping the roof is a straightforward process. Press the button on the centre console, and the electrically powered two-piece hood is neatly stowed away in 21 seconds.
On the move buffeting is kept to a minimum, although at higher speeds you'll welcome the addition of the optional £205 wind deflector that fits between the two roll hoops. There are no complaints about the Z4's performance. Even though it has the smallest capacity and least power in this test, the BMW's 201bhp 2.5-litre engine delivers strong acceleration. It propelled the Z4 from 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds, matching the Mercedes and trailing the Porsche by only four-tenths.
Out on the road, the BMW feels every bit as potent as its rivals. Better still, the straight-six unit is exceptionally smooth and delivers a characterful exhaust note. Point the long nose into a corner, and it's obvious that BMW's engineers have used the SLK as a dynamic benchmark. The previous Z4's hard ride has been banished and the new car copes well with poor road surfaces.
All models get the firm's Dynamic Drive Control system, which provides Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings which fine-tune the steering and throttle responses. Our car also had the optional £930 Adaptive M Sport suspension set-up, which includes the same three options for the damper settings.
Even with this kit, though, the Z4 can't match the sharp responses or agility of the Boxster. It generates lots of grip, the steering is direct and body control excellent, but it lacks the ultimate involvement of a true sports car.
The Z4's trump card is its price. At £28,650, it undercuts the SLK and Porsche by £3,640 and £5,054 respectively. Will this prove decisive "" and hand victory to the BMW?
The Mercedes SLK started the folding hard-top revolution. When it arrived in 1997, the two-seater turned the traditional roadster market on its head, as it served up a compelling mix of wind-in-the-hair thrills and cosseting coupé refinement.
When the evolutionary second-generation car arrived in 2004, it was clear that Mercedes didn't want to mess with a successful formula. A subtle mid-life facelift last year concentrated on the mechanicals, adding more powerful engines and tweaked suspension.
Externally, the SLK has classic roadster proportions, with a long, elegant nose and short tail. Design highlights include the large wraparound Headlamps, bold grille dominated by the firm's familiar three-pointed star and the wedge-shaped profile. Visually, the only disappointment is the standard 16-inch alloy wheels of our test car. Their tiny dimensions make the Mercedes appear plain next to the BMW and Porsche.
It's a similar story when you climb aboard. While there's nothing wrong with the cabin layout or the space available, some of the materials look and feel a little cheap. The three-spoke steering wheel is also a letdown, as it's far too large for a sporty model. The low-slung driving position is very comfortable, however, and refinement with the metal roof in place is excellent.
Hit a button on the transmission tunnel, and the hood folds gracefully out of sight in only 21 seconds "" although it also reduces luggage capacity from 300 litres to a still useful 208 litres in the process. With the top stowed, occupants are able to fully enjoy the 3.0-litre V6 powerplant's growling exhaust note. At the test track, though, the 227bhp SLK failed to live up to the promise of the soundtrack. Despite having the largest engine here, the Mercedes was matched in all of our performance tests by the less powerful BMW.
Even more disappointing were the SLK's brakes. Not only does the pedal have a long travel, but the Mercedes needed 49.9 metres to come to a standstill from 70mph. The Porsche stopped in only 43.1 metres!
Get out on the road, and it's immediately apparent that the SLK can't match the sharp driving dynamics of its rivals. A softer suspension set-up means it quickly loses composure over bumpy back roads, while the steering lacks precision and feedback. Matters are made worse by the clunky action of the standard six-speed manual gearbox.
However, the SLK's more laid back nature and comfortable ride mean it's a great long-distance cruiser, and it can easily match the refinement offered by the new BMW Z4.
At £32,290, the Mercedes isn't the most expensive car here "" that honour goes to the Boxster "" but it costs £3,500 more than the equally fast and well equipped BMW. The SLK is the original folding hard-top roadster, yet on this evidence, it's going to struggle to hold on to its claim to be the best.
On face value, the Porsche Boxster follows the same format as the BMW and Mercedes. As with its competitors, the recently revised model is a two-seater convertible which is powered by a six-cylinder engine and has a price of around £30,000.
Take a closer look, though, and it's clear that the engineers at Porsche have done things slightly differently. The German firm's entry-level model has been built with driving thrills in mind, so the unit is mid-mounted for better balance. A traditional fabric hood is also fitted to save weight. And if that wasn't enough, a recent round of mechanical tweaks means the Boxster should be more exciting to drive than ever.
That's good news, as you're unlikely to pick the Porsche solely because of its looks. While it isn't unattractive, it doesn't have the elegant roadster lines of the other two cars here. That centrally mounted powerplant results in a squat and compact stance that is more purposeful than pretty.
New lights front and rear help to freshen up the design, but the overall look has remained largely unchanged since the model's 1996 debut. Matters improve once you slide into the low-slung cabin. The driving position is perfect, while the beautifully built interior is logically laid out and full of useful storage spaces.
Remarkably, the well insulated, electrically operated fabric roof is nearly as effective at keeping out noise as the metal units of the Z4 and SLK. The only downside is that when in place it restricts over-the-shoulder vision, which can be a problem when pulling out from tight junctions.
This is less of an issue when the hood is stowed "" an operation that takes only 12 seconds once you've released the surprisingly stiff safety catch. Even better, lowering the roof doesn't reduce the available luggage space. With deep boots front and rear, the Boxster can swallow an impressive total of 280 litres.
But this test is more about performance than practicality "" and in this respect the Porsche doesn't disappoint. With its new 251bhp 2.9-litre engine, the Boxster is the most powerful car of our trio, and it has an immediate advantage at the test track. It covered the benchmark 0-60mph sprint in six seconds exactly; both the Mercedes and BMW were four-tenths slower.
The Porsche's punchy in-gear acceleration is even more impressive and makes light work of overtaking slower traffic. But it's the eye-popping power of the brakes that really makes a mark, hauling the car from 70mph to a stop in only 43.1 metres. Turn into a corner and the Porsche feels extremely direct and agile. Its controls are perfectly weighted and the steering is brimming with feedback, making the model extremely involving on a twisting back road.
Working the flat-six powerplant is exhilarating, too, as it has the same hard-edged metallic howl made famous by the company's legendary 911. Only around town does the Boxster become hard work. The low-speed ride is very firm, meaning bumps and potholes can send a shudder through the cabin.
Another jarring experience is the £33,704 price tag, which makes the Porsche the most expensive car here. The question is whether such a strong blend of abilities can help the Boxster overcome this financial disadvantage to beat its clever metal-roofed rivals.
The first-generation BMW Z4 is a tough act to follow. With its controversial "˜flame-surfaced' bodywork, sharp driving dynamics and strong engines, the distinctive roadster was an instant hit with UK buyers when it went on sale in 2003.
Six years have passed since then, and the sporty drop-top sector has moved on. Owners now demand cruising comfort and practicality, as well as performance and driving fun. As a result the all-new Z4 has grown, and gained a fashionable folding metal roof as it aims to challenge the Mercedes SLK.
Despite these changes, the newcomer clearly takes its cues from the original car. The sharp creases and bold angles have been softened and straightened, but the Z4 is still an eye-catching design.
At the front there's a gaping version of the firm's trademark double kidney grille and stylish swept-back headlamps, while the rear lights have more than a hint of 6-Series. If you want to turn heads, the BMW is the pick of our trio "" whether the hood is up or down, it looks striking.
Settle into the driver's seat, and it's clear the German firm's designers have been working just as hard to bring the cabin up to scratch. The dashboard gets a smart silver finish, while the uncluttered layout of our entry-level test car makes it easy to get comfortable. Look closely and you'll spot plenty of neat details "" including classy alloy-rimmed heating controls.
There's plenty of space, too, with lots of leg, shoulder and headroom. You'll also find a decent amount of stowage, although we think BMW is being a bit cheeky charging an extra £155 for a couple of storage nets, cup-holders and a lidded cubby between the driver and passenger.
One lid that comes as standard is the Z4's new folding metal roof. It's made of lightweight aluminium, and BMW claims it's only 30kg heavier than the fabric hood fitted to its predecessor. The pay-off for the increase in weight is a boost in refinement "" the noise level inside at 70mph is the same as in the SLK, at 70dB.
The hard-top does eat into luggage capacity, though, and when it's folded the available space shrinks from 310 litres to a cramped 180 litres. However, dropping the roof is a straightforward process. Press the button on the centre console, and the electrically powered two-piece hood is neatly stowed away in 21 seconds.
On the move buffeting is kept to a minimum, although at higher speeds you'll welcome the addition of the optional £205 wind deflector that fits between the two roll hoops. There are no complaints about the Z4's performance. Even though it has the smallest capacity and least power in this test, the BMW's 201bhp 2.5-litre engine delivers strong acceleration. It propelled the Z4 from 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds, matching the Mercedes and trailing the Porsche by only four-tenths.
Out on the road, the BMW feels every bit as potent as its rivals. Better still, the straight-six unit is exceptionally smooth and delivers a characterful exhaust note. Point the long nose into a corner, and it's obvious that BMW's engineers have used the SLK as a dynamic benchmark. The previous Z4's hard ride has been banished and the new car copes well with poor road surfaces.
All models get the firm's Dynamic Drive Control system, which provides Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings which fine-tune the steering and throttle responses. Our car also had the optional £930 Adaptive M Sport suspension set-up, which includes the same three options for the damper settings.
Even with this kit, though, the Z4 can't match the sharp responses or agility of the Boxster. It generates lots of grip, the steering is direct and body control excellent, but it lacks the ultimate involvement of a true sports car.
The Z4's trump card is its price. At £28,650, it undercuts the SLK and Porsche by £3,640 and £5,054 respectively. Will this prove decisive "" and hand victory to the BMW?
The Mercedes SLK started the folding hard-top revolution. When it arrived in 1997, the two-seater turned the traditional roadster market on its head, as it served up a compelling mix of wind-in-the-hair thrills and cosseting coupé refinement.
When the evolutionary second-generation car arrived in 2004, it was clear that Mercedes didn't want to mess with a successful formula. A subtle mid-life facelift last year concentrated on the mechanicals, adding more powerful engines and tweaked suspension.
Externally, the SLK has classic roadster proportions, with a long, elegant nose and short tail. Design highlights include the large wraparound Headlamps, bold grille dominated by the firm's familiar three-pointed star and the wedge-shaped profile. Visually, the only disappointment is the standard 16-inch alloy wheels of our test car. Their tiny dimensions make the Mercedes appear plain next to the BMW and Porsche.
It's a similar story when you climb aboard. While there's nothing wrong with the cabin layout or the space available, some of the materials look and feel a little cheap. The three-spoke steering wheel is also a letdown, as it's far too large for a sporty model. The low-slung driving position is very comfortable, however, and refinement with the metal roof in place is excellent.
Hit a button on the transmission tunnel, and the hood folds gracefully out of sight in only 21 seconds "" although it also reduces luggage capacity from 300 litres to a still useful 208 litres in the process. With the top stowed, occupants are able to fully enjoy the 3.0-litre V6 powerplant's growling exhaust note. At the test track, though, the 227bhp SLK failed to live up to the promise of the soundtrack. Despite having the largest engine here, the Mercedes was matched in all of our performance tests by the less powerful BMW.
Even more disappointing were the SLK's brakes. Not only does the pedal have a long travel, but the Mercedes needed 49.9 metres to come to a standstill from 70mph. The Porsche stopped in only 43.1 metres!
Get out on the road, and it's immediately apparent that the SLK can't match the sharp driving dynamics of its rivals. A softer suspension set-up means it quickly loses composure over bumpy back roads, while the steering lacks precision and feedback. Matters are made worse by the clunky action of the standard six-speed manual gearbox.
However, the SLK's more laid back nature and comfortable ride mean it's a great long-distance cruiser, and it can easily match the refinement offered by the new BMW Z4.
At £32,290, the Mercedes isn't the most expensive car here "" that honour goes to the Boxster "" but it costs £3,500 more than the equally fast and well equipped BMW. The SLK is the original folding hard-top roadster, yet on this evidence, it's going to struggle to hold on to its claim to be the best.
