Porsche 911 Carrera Road Test

Porsche 911 Carrera

The sport and comfort thinking is also evident in the cockpit. The driver sits lower than in previous models, behind the rake- and reach-adjustable steering column. The pedals have been moved further forward, which is great for tall people but I found it a stretch to depress the clutch enough to fire up the large ‘start’ button.

In front of the driver, is a multifunctional steering wheel, behind which are an array of five instrument dials in varying sizes and displaying the main engine and performance data. If that isn’t enough information, then the Porsche Communication Management system (PCM) will make up the difference, allowing the driver to alter various aspects of the CD/audio, navigation and, where included, the telephony systems. Despite the number of buttons and knobs surrounding the 5.8-inch screen, the PCM is very intuitive and easy to use.

Working on the premise that there’s no such thing as too much information, racers and performance drivers can opt for the Porsche Sports Chrono Package plus (PSCPP), which adds a stop watch and lap-meter function, amongst other things designed to mark your progress.

The standard front seats are leather-clad and hip-hugging but for people of a more sporty nature - those that are likely to go for the PSCPP- there are even more focused seats that offer 50 per cent more side support with bolster, squab and backrest adjustment.

A 2+2 label usually this means that the rear seats are all but redundant. This is not the case with the 911 Carrera where the rear seats are entirely usable and with a surprising amount of legroom. That said, they don’t look overly comfortable - there are leather-covered squabs and backrests but they are truncated, with the lower lumbar area, missing. Curious.

I have to put my hands up and say that I’m not a huge fan of the Boxster or Cayman but the 911 Carrera, even in its basic form, has the power to impress, on many levels.