PORSCHE’S Boxster has cemented itself into the range with a tenacity that defies the fact it’s no longer the strongest-selling model in the local line-up. The security of the basic concept will be even further assured when the hard-top Cayman version goes on sale here in February. In the meantime, there's a quite extensively revised Boxster that brings more power, even better roadholding, more safety and improved comfort for less money than the previous model. As ever, the Boxster remains the benchmark for tight, compact, two-seat sports cars with its combination of perfectly balanced handling and an absorbent, comfortable ride. But if you want the true Porsche experience, you must stipulate the five-speed manual that is standard in the base 2.7-litre Boxster. The five-speed Tiptronic auto might be one of the best sequential transmissions in the business, but it still dilutes the two-seat Porsche’s appeal.