PORSCHE’S Boxster has entered its third generation, this time with a new hybrid aluminium-steel body and a range of other updates that make the latest light and lovely roadster faster and more efficient.

Losing nothing of its sharp handling and astonishing lateral grip in the corners, the 981-series Boxster uses relatively modest power from a choice of direct-injected 2.7-litre (Boxster) and 3.4-litre (Boxster S) naturally aspirated flat-six engines to great effect, belting from zero to 100km/h in as little as 4.8 seconds.

The Boxster retains its folding soft-top, this time wrapped over a magnesium and aluminium frame that, driven by two electric motors, opens up the sky in nine seconds.

With a bigger footprint planted firmly on the road under a body about the same size as before, the new Boxster gets a little more power and a better spread of torque from the latest flat six engine range that also delivers fuel economy as little as 7.8 litres per 100km.

But have all these changes robbed the Boxster of its feisty spirit?