The Porsche 718 Boxster is a pure, mid-engine sports car for the driving purist. It is the convertible sibling to the Cayman, offering an even more intense sensory experience with the roof down. For the enthusiast who wants the absolute best in handling, balance, and driver feedback, the Boxster is a world-class machine.

The 2018 Boxster is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder "Boxer" engine. This engine provides impressive power and a huge amount of torque, delivering thrilling performance. It is best enjoyed with the fantastic 6-speed manual gearbox, but the lightning-fast PDK automatic is also available. Expect 10-12 km/l.

The Boxster has a classic mid-engine roadster design, with iconic styling and a profile that is pure Porsche.

• The Roof: A lightweight, high-quality fabric roof that folds away quickly and electronically.
• Seating Capacity: Strictly a 2-seater.
• Luggage Capacity: Surprisingly practical for a sports car. Its mid-engine layout means it has two boots: a deep one at the front and a smaller one at the back, together offering good luggage space for a weekend trip.
• Ground Clearance: ~127 mm

The cockpit is driver-focused and built with exceptional quality. The driving position is perfect, the seats are incredibly supportive, and all the controls are designed for high-performance driving. The PCM infotainment system is modern and easy to use.

The Boxster's mid-engine layout gives it perfect balance and some of the most intuitive and rewarding handling of any car on the road. It feels like an extension of the driver. It is also equipped with powerful brakes and sophisticated stability management systems.

Porsches are very well-engineered, but they are high-performance machines that require expert care. Maintenance and parts costs are extremely high, and a dedicated budget for running the car is essential.

(These estimates are for a direct import of a 2018 model with low mileage and a Japanese auction grade of 4 or higher. The import duty is calculated using the official KRA valuation template.)

• Insurance: Approx. KSh 280,000 - KSh 380,000.
• Minor Service: Approx. KSh 25,000 - KSh 40,000.
• Major Service: Can easily exceed KSh 100,000.

The Boxster has few direct mid-engine rivals. It competes with high-performance front-engine convertibles like the ones below. The Boxster's key advantage is its sublime mid-engine balance.

• Jaguar F-Type - A powerful front-engine rival with dramatic styling, though it can't match the Boxster's mid-engine handling precision.
• BMW Z4 - Offers a blend of luxury and performance in a classic roadster package, but the Boxster provides a more pure and focused driving experience.

The Porsche 718 Boxster is a sensational open-top sports car. It offers a level of handling purity and driver involvement that is almost unmatched. While very expensive to import and own, for the enthusiast who wants the ultimate two-seater roadster experience, the Boxster is one of the best in the world.