WITHOUT a doubt the Porsche Boxster is one of the best roadsters around.

The latest version clearly retains the traditional Porsche look, the German company taking the view that if the design ain't broke, don't fix it. But having said that, a new one is just around the corner.

The bargain end of Stuttgart giant stable it may be, at £36,572, but that does not mean it lacks the electrifying pace and standout handling of its more expensive stablemates, but it also adds refinement and, yes, practicality.

A joy to own if you could afford to buy one, it would probably be the dream choice of many business users, offers a superlative driving experience and posing rights on the company or restaurant car park.

Because the engine is in the middle of the car, there are actually two boots, front and rear offering 150 and 130 litres of space respectively, pretty good for a car of this type.

Porsches have always been well-built with excellent residual values and the Boxster is no exception. But the interior does look a little dated in places, despite the high-end materials used.

It has been around for a while now but punches its weight when it comes to the competition.

The brutally powerful six cylinder 2.9-litre mid-engined Boxster is terrific pumping out 255bhp and delivering a throbbing engine note that cannot be ignored

It is a real firecracker in a car of this size and smooth six-speed manual gearbox gives the driver the opportunity to blast the car to 60mph from a standstill in just 5.9 seconds.

Yes, there are quicker car, but the low-to-the ground profile means that, just like a go-kart, the impression of speed is even greater.

For extra driving enjoyment, the steel roof folds away in around 13 seconds, but it then gets noisy under heavy acceleration. It's also a shame the wind deflector is an option at £233.

Added to the peformance is the peerless handling and rear-wheel drive that means the car has masses of grip and balance when cornering.

It feels agile and graceful at the same time and even if you get it out of shape the traction and braking programmes compensate for a lack of driving talent.

Tone it down a bit and the car performs well at low speed and is a comfortable ride.

Despite being a powerful engine, claimed economy is 30.1mpg.

Not so much a lager-lout type guzzler as more of a moderate drinker.

Significant fuel savings with thrilling performance is an almost perfect combination, but CO2 emissions 221g/km means the business user will have to bite the bullet with benefit in kind taxation at the maximum of 35 per cent.

If you can afford to run a car like this, then the tax banding should not be a problem however.

Despite the lowish starting price, safety kit could be better with only two airbags for driver and passenger and while standard kit includes air con, 17-inch alloys, alarm, immobiliser and decent sound system, features like sat nav, climate control, and sports exhaust system and other goodies took the price beyond £44,000.

But the standard open top should be enough for most and is a tantalisingly achievable dream for the real sports car enthusiast.