DRIVING a Porsche - even if it is an automatic - is like the first day of the holidays, or beating your kids on the Playstation.

These are cars built purely for driving pleasure with no compromise, although they have become more practical over the years.

I've spent a few days with the lowliest Boxster in automatic form and sent it back with huge regret.

This is a car that does everything superbly. It's not the quickest on the road by a mile, but there is still more than enough brilliant acceleration to plaster a grin on my face from ear to ear and keep it there.

The kick in the back is amazing, but so is the stopping from a marvellous braking system.

And then there's the handling and road holding - right at the very top of the tree. It clings to the road as if stuck down with glue, even in the fastest and bumpiest of corners, with road surface and grip information fed through to the driver via marvellously tactile steering. It even rides reasonably comfortably at speed.

Horrible chocolate coloured leather seats did nothing for the looks, but it is reasonably practical, with front and rear boots, both of which are a good size.

The hood goes up and down in about ten seconds at the touch of a switch, the driving position is excellent and equipment good - absolutley desirable.

: Nissan 370Z