The Boxster's convertible top is power operated. Dropping the top is as easy as twisting a lever above the rearview mirror and pressing a button. It takes 12 seconds to lower. Raising it is just as easy. It's so quick and easy that we performed this maneuver while waiting for a light to change at an intersection, though we don't condone this behavior. A luxurious headliner enhances the appearance and cuts wind noise when the top is up. When the top is down, you can stretch the optional clear plastic wind deflector ($375) between the upper seatbacks to minimize interior buffeting. Porsche also offers a removable hardtop ($2,345) that includes a rear window defogger; it's useful for harsh winter weather and driving through the mean streets.

There's plenty of room for two people in this little roadster and the bucket seats are outstanding. Comfortable and supportive, the standard seats come trimmed with leather. You can spread more cowhide around the interior with the leather interior package ($2,980) or spring for natural leather ($3,520).

Also standard is electronic climate control. The system is easy to operate with a big Auto button and an LED that clearly displays the temperature, even in bright sunlight. Like most German cars, turning the fan all the way down is the easiest way to turn it off. Most controls are easy to use. However, the digital audio system, new for 2003, has too many small buttons, requiring too much attention from the driver. As with most small roadsters, the audio sounds tinny, a description that also fits the optional Hi-Fi Sound Package with six speakers, two bass enclosures and six-channel amplifier ($830). An optional Bose High End Sound Package ($1,625) is available, but we have no experience with it.

Consistent with virtually every Porsche ever made, the Boxster is all business inside. But the instruments represent something of a departure from Porsche tradition. Three round pods are fused together, with the speedometer on the left, coolant temperature and fuel on the right and a big tachometer dominating the center. The speedometer and tachometer are analog, but there are small digital readouts at the bottom of each pod for the odometer and clock. A digital speedometer provides some useful redundancy. Overall, it's an attractive and effective blend of classic with contemporary.

A pair of steel tube hoops, mounted behind the seats and extending above the seatbacks, provides extra protection for drivers unlucky enough to find themselves upside down. Other passive safety features include dual frontal airbags, door-mounted side-impact airbags, three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

With usable trunk space front and rear, the mid-engined Boxster has more stowage than most small roadsters. Both boots can be opened from the remote key fob, a feature that was added for 2003, but the remote on our car had a short range and we occasionally pressed the wrong button. Inside, Porsche has addressed a significant shortcoming by adding a glovebox, 5 liters big and wired to the alarm system. The cup holders, redesigned for 2003, pop out between the center vents and climate controls, but are flimsy. The optional navigation system ($2,630) was upgraded for 2003 and features a bigger, brighter display; called Porsche Communication Management, the system integrates navigation, audio, and trip computer.

Luggage space is apportioned between fore and aft compartments, and is surprisingly good for a small two-seater. Getting at the engine, however, is another story. Although you can get to fluid reservoirs readily enough, access to the engine itself comes from below. Major maintenance should therefore be performed by your nearest authorized service facility.