You can see through Porsche's history that it likes to take a thing and spend time improving it and refining until you think it can be made no better. But then it finds a way to improve, and then it spends time...you get the picture. The 911 is the obvious example, but the Boxster has been two generations in the making now and is better than ever.
The current generation, introduced in 2004, was a big step forward in terms of sophistication over the original model. It follows the design cues of its older, more expensive, brother without resorting to pastiche and remaining desirable.
The cabin was improved with the latest model, too, with an upgrade in materials and more space for driver and passenger. The original Boxster had a relentlessly plastic dashboard, but the tactility of materials and switchgear here is a marked improvement. The interior does feel dark and occasionally oppressive with the top up though, but that's the downside of a cabriolet.
Porsche has attempted to improve the car's practicality too - admirable, but it'll never quite hit the spot because of the nature of a teensy lightweight roadster. There are little storage cubbies and boxes around the cabin, but the main storage area is still an odd-shaped space under the bonnet.
Of course, MPV practicality isn't the point of the Boxster - it's the pure driving experience which it really excels at. The steering is incredibly accurate, offering instantaneous reaction to every input. Driving anywhere in the Boxster has a visceral thrill about it that is hard to match in any other car - you'll find yourself taking the long way round everywhere you go.
The ride and handling aren't so hardcore that the Boxster is wearing, however - the suspension remains supple and the driving position is comfortable enough to make long-distance driving an entirely reasonable proposition.
There are two engines available for the Boxster - a 2.9-litre entry number that is plenty fast enough for day-to-day use on British roads, and the 3.4-litre S-spec engine that feels faster but you probably won't get the best use out of it if you're intending to stick to speed limits.
The main problem with the Boxster's brilliance is twofold - you have to go on a waiting list because everyone wants one, and Porsche can afford to charge whatever it likes on the options list. But then that's because it is worth it...