http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/porsche/boxster/first-drives/2016-porsche-718-boxster-s-passenger-ride
Autocar Passenger ride in 718
"What's it like?:
The big question that all purists will be asking is whether the engine change has ruined the character of the Boxster. One of the most appealing things about the old car was the howl from its naturally aspirated flat six.
Thankfully Porsche hasn’t tried to replicate the noise with stereo-based augmentation; instead, it's let the flat four make its own distinct noise. At idle, it has a slightly clattery edge that all horizontally opposed Porsche engines seem to make. Poke it a little and the sound changes.
You can still easily tell there’s a boxer underneath the engine cover, but there’s more of a thrum to it than before. If I’m honest, there’s a hint of Subaru Impreza overlaid with a discreet turbo whistle.
Is it as nice to listen to as the old flat six? No, sadly not. Is it an unpleasant thing to hear? Not at all. It may take some getting used to, but it’s characterful, distinctive and has just enough popping and crackling on the overrun to make you smile. Ultimately, I rather like it.
More to the point, the performance feels like it’s stepped up a notch. Even the basic 718 Boxster is quicker than the old S, while the new top rung model can hit 62mph in just 4.2sec with the dual-clutch gearbox. It also feels properly muscular with a little over 2000rpm on the tacho, something you couldn’t even say of the Boxster Spyder.
Impressions of the new Boxster's ride handling will have to wait, however. Although the cars looked production ready, the journalists weren’t allowed to wrap our hands around the newly restyled steering wheel, and our brief experience was limited to a silky-smooth track.
Should I buy one?:
No matter how much those who want Porsches to stay naturally aspirated whine and stamp their feet, you can’t stop progress. Yes, it’s a shame the 718 Boxster doesn’t sound quite as good as before, but that doesn’t make it a worse car.
Despite being more fuel efficient and cheaper to tax than before, it’s capable of speeds that would have been the preserve of fast 911s just a few years ago. Although we’ll need to get behind the wheel of one in the UK to say if you should go out and buy one, the early signs are certainly very encouraging."