Gulf Insider drives the new Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0, and is impressed.

By Charlie Cooksey

Things have changed since the days when the Boxster was considered by many as the poor stepchild of the Porsche line-up. This model looks fantastic and may have even eclipsed the 911 cabrio in good-looks.

This is a real sports car, so the cockpit is snug with absolutely no space wasted, and there’s a traditional power folding soft top.

Under the bonnet there is a naturally-aspirated, flat-6 “boxer” engine offering 395 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque – a huge engine for the size of this car. The 0-100 km/h takes just 4.0 seconds, with a top speed of 288 km/h.

The mid-engine layout helps it to feel balanced and stable through corners, while the superb steering reacts quickly and accurately. The 718 Boxster’s handling and steering is just wonderful.

The 718 Boxster may not share the same iconic image of the Porsche 911, but it not only has great styling, it also is without doubt one of the best-driving sports cars there is.

GTS spec includes the Sport Chrono package with its clock atop the dash, Sport Plus mode for even faster gearshifts, active engine mounts, torque vectoring, a mechanical limited-slip differential, and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) sports suspension.

Also coming as standard on the GTS is a high-res seven-inch touchscreen and enhanced Track Precision App which originates from motorsport and shows performance-related data on the PCM display while in race track use, recording it for later analysis.

Fantastically dark 20-inch wheels are even more eye-catching with the optional ceramic brakes and their yellow callipers.

I had far too much fun driving the 718 Boxster GTS with the roof down the entire time, despite Bahrain’s extreme summer heat.

I cannot compare the Porsche GTS cars that I drove with each other, as they each offer something different. But I can absolutely confirm that I had the most fun in this one.

Starting prices:

Porsche 718 Boxster – from BD 27,627 including VAT

Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0 – from BD 38,670 including VAT

To arrange your own test drive in Bahrain, visit the Porsche website or call 1745 9911.