2006 Porsche Boxster

In 2005, the Porsche Boxster underwent a major redesign, both in terms of styling and safety features. The model became the first roadster to offer head-protection airbags, which deploy from the side-window rails.

That trend continues with the 2006 models, the Boxster and the Boxster S. Specifically, the passenger seat has been fitted with weight sensors that disable the front airbags when they detect child-safety seat.

Engine performance also underwent a change for the 2005 models, delivering increased power while maintaining existing size. The regular Boxster's 2.7-liter flat-six-cylinder increased from 225 to 240 horsepower, while the Boxster S model, boasting a 3.2-liter, 280hp model, became the most powerful engine in the line. Porsche claims the Boxster can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds, as against 5.2 seconds for the Boxster S.

Other changes to the 2005 models included variable-ratio power steering, and the track width was increased. Some cargo space was gained by eliminating the spare tire.

The engine is placed behind the seats and ahead of the rear axle. A five-speed-manual transmission comes standard, and a six-speed manual is available. Both engines can use Porsche's Tiptronic S five-speed-automatic transmission, which offers easy-to-access steering-wheel buttons for manual gear selection.

Inside, driver and passenger are coddled in leather-upholstered contoured bucket seats, faced by three large, well designed gauges grouped on the dash. Available options include seat heaters, sport seats, Bose surround sound, Park Assist and a navigation system. A total of 9.9 cubic feet of cargo space is provided, an improvement on previous models.

Standard safety features include all-disc antilock brakes, side-impact and head-protection airbags and the Porsche Stability Management electronic stability system.

The regular model sports 17-inch tires, while the S model holds 18 inch wheels, with 19-inch versions available. A tighter sports suspension ably accommodates the larger wheel sizes on the S model.

Although the S model offers tighter suspension and greater engine power, some drivers might find the regular model offers a more enjoyable driving experience. The 5-speed manual gearbox seems smoother than the S model's 6-speed manual version, and for reasons unknown the overall ride experience is more comfortable in the regular model.

Both models continue to improve on the Boxster's reputation as one of the quickest surest-footed sports cars available on the market today. Although the 2006 models don't improve much on these aspects of earlier versions, the additional safety features are a welcome addition.