STICK massive wheels on a small, nimble roadster and you must assume that the ride quality is going to be as hard as nails.

Well not so the new Boxster which is now awaiting owners in Porsche Centres throughout the UK.

It's a superb piece of engineering which brings to wind-in-the-hair enthusiasts a totally new perspective on how the German marque's benchmark roadster should perform.

Stunningly designed with its all-new lightweight body, it sits on a totally-revised chassis while being kitted out with a pair of new flat-six engines complete with direct petrol injection. 

The end result being without doubt the finest open-top roadster money can buy, with a poise, balance and agility at speed that is hard to comprehend.

But not only has Porsche raised the bar on performance, fuel economy has been improved by up to 15 per cent while emissions have also been trimmed.

Two models are available, the Boxster and Boxster S and prices run from £37,589 to £45,384.  They are powered by a 261bhp 2.7-litre or 311bhp 3.4-litre unit respectively and both have six-speed manual gearboxes fitted as standard.

However, a fuel-efficient, lightening-fast-changing, seven-speed semi-automatic PDK transmission with paddle shift, can be fitted to both models as an option, and for me it's this that transforms the Boxster from a great machine into a truly superb one.

The new car is 35kg lighter than previously, and with its longer wheelbase, widened track on both front and rear axles and larger wheels and tyres, it offers significantly enhanced performance over the outgoing model.

Even just looking at the Boxster you immediately get the impression that the car will offer a driving experience that's a bit special. Get behind the wheel and you certainly won't be disappointed.

Standing start to 62mph takes just a shade over five seconds, yet the power feeds through in a smooth, controlled manner. Let the automatic gearbox do its own thing and the Boxster will trundle along in the most economical fashion. However, flick the paddles behind the steering wheel and the fun begins.

And if the car is fitted with the must-have optional Sport Chrono pack, then prepare yourself for an even more special treat.

Push the Sport Plus button and you can't be anything other than hugely impressed by the glorious noise blasting from the exhaust pipes, while you feel you are getting kicked in the back every time you change gear.

Porsche designers have looked to the legendary 550 Spyder and 718 RS from the 50s and 60s for inspiration in penning the new Boxster, while subtle cues from modern-day icons such as the the Carrera GT and much-anticipated 918 Spyder super-sports car also shine through.

The now fully-electric fabric hood has also been revised, and when retracted, folds flat between the back of the seats and the rear boot without the need of a compartment lid.

Inside, the new interior design gives the driver and passenger more space, while the centre console lifted from the Carrera GT - further helps improve the driving experience.

The Boxster's interior has been completely redesigned throughout and nothing but the finest quality of fixtures and fittings are to be found, from the Alcantara trim and part-leather upholstery to the luxurious deep-pile carpets.

The Carrera GT-inspired centre console is elevated forward and with its racing-style raised gear stick, the package gives the driver the feeling of being even more integrated, while important functions and switches are grouped in logical clusters around the gearstick on the centre console.

The all-new machine is not only the fastest Boxster ever, but it is also the most efficient roadster Porsche have yet produced, aided in part by its fuel-saving stop/start function.

Combined fuel consumption for the Boxster with PDK is 36.7mpg, while CO2 emissions of 180g/km puts the model into Band I for Vehicle Excise Duty purposes. 

The more powerful Boxster S with PDK returns 35.3mpg, while CO2 emissions work out at 188g/km. 

For open-top roadsters, both come remarkably well equipped, with six-speaker audio CD sound system with seven-inch colour touch-screen control, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity, 18-inch alloy wheels and a three year warranty all included.

The Boxster S adds 19-inch alloys, partial leather and Bi-Xenon headlights in addition to the extra power from the larger 3.4-litre engine.