The new Boxster has arrived in Porsche Centres in the UK and Ireland this weekend, offering open-top driving enthusiasts a new generation of the benchmark roadster.

Up to 35kg lower weight, a 60mm longer wheelbase, widened track on the front and rear axles, and larger wheels and tyres significantly enhance the performance of the new car by notably increasing its stability and agility. In fact, when equipped for optimal driving dynamics the new Boxster S can lap the Nürburgring-Nordschleife in 7:58 minutes, 12 seconds faster than its predecessor.

These attributes clearly result in the new Boxster offering a superior level of performance, but also help to deliver - in combination with many other new features - up to 15 per cent greater fuel efficiency.

A new, fully electric hood opens to reveal a distinctive interior whose design offers the driver and passenger increased space, while the centre console - originating in the Carrera GT - further improves ergonomics.

Combined fuel consumption for the Boxster with PDK is 36.7mpg, and emissions of 180g/km CO2 places the model in Band I for Vehicle Excise Duty purposes. The Boxster S with PDK returns 35.3mpg Combined (188g/km CO2).

Built in Zuffenhausen, Stuttgart, the new Porsche Boxster is priced from £37,589, and from £45,384 for the Boxster S.

The Boxster features an Alcantara interior, 18” alloy wheels, Auto stop/start and Sports mode, remote control hood operation, audio CD with 7-inch colour touch-screen control, a universal audio interface offering MP3 connectivity and a three year warranty.

The Boxster S adds 19-inch alloy wheels, partial leather interior and Bi-Xenon headlights in addition to the power advantage of the larger 3.4-litre engine.