Porsche 911 Cabriolet (05 on) - Review

The 911 Cabriolet makes do with a fabric top in an age when folding metal roofs are becoming more commonplace. However, this does help to keep weight down and it comes with a glass rear window. With the well-insulated roof in place it feels pretty much as refined as the Coupe, although there's the inevitable increase in noise, most noticeable when it's raining or when stationary next to HGVs. A rear wind-deflector can be added to minimise buffeting with the roof down, but with the side windows up, it's fine at motorway speeds. There are rear seats, but they're only really useful for small children or luggage. The front seats are very supportive, but particularly large-framed occupants may find they hug too tightly (alternative comfort-oriented seats can be specified). Different suspension and slightly smaller wheels with deeper tyre side-walls give the Carrera model a more comfortable ride, but all versions ride well enough to make touring a pleasurable experience.

Carrera and Carrera S versions of the Cabriolet have 135 litres of luggage room in the front. The space isn't massive but is usefully deep and can deal with a decent-sized overnight bag. Carrera 4 models and the Turbo have 105 litres - about the same as an Audi R8. However the rear seats can be used for carrying space (which most people do) and they also fold flat to form a useful luggage shelf. The roof can be opened or closed on the move at speeds of up to 31mph and takes around 20 seconds to complete its operation. When open, it sits flush enough not to cause any rear visibility problems. A hard-top can be fitted should you require additional security or high-speed refinement.

The interior of the 911 Cabriolet is similar to the Cayman and Boxster. It's superbly built and finished with top-class materials and soft-touch plastics throughout. It may not be the most exciting of cabins, but it has an understated sophistication and a purposeful feel. The driving position is as perfect as they come - low slung with plenty of adjustment in both the seat and steering column. It means the 911 is comfortable and easy to live with day to day. The deep set dials and short gear lever add to the high performance feel, but the air con and stereo controls can be a little fiddly. Revised models from 2008 come with a new centre console and touch screen sat nav unit (if chosen) which are both far easier to use.