Porsche 911 Targa (06 on) - Review

It may offer serious performance but the Targa isn't an uncompromising car. In fact it's an easy car to drive everyday with a composed and forgiving ride. The combination of engine, tyre and wind noise (which is more noticeable than in a 911 Coupe and gets louder still with the roof open) means it's rarely a quite place to be, but the cockpit is free of draughts, even at motorway speeds with the roof open. A fabric blind can be motored into place overhead to provide shade from the sun if needed. There's plenty of room for the two front passengers and the standard seats are supportive and comfortable. Optional sports seats can be chosen which pin you in even more, but even these are relatively easy to live with. There are two seats in the back, but they're only really useable as extra luggage room.

Unlike the Coupe, Targa models get an opening hatchback, giving better access to the rear seats which can be quickly converted into a luggage shelf. This makes it the most practical 911. The front boot has 105 litres of space (30 litres less than the Carrera and Carrera S) but it's quite deep. You can expect to fit a suitcase in the back and an overnight bag in the front.

The interior of the Targa 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.