This is the all-new Porsche Boxster. Yes, we promise it's new, though as ever with Porsche design, you have to pay attention to notice.

The evidence is there though: the new model has shorter front and rear overhangs, a re-profiled windscreen and more sculpted edges to freshen up a basic design that has been with us since 1996.

Under the skin, the chassis has grown both in length and width to improve dynamics, whilst weight has been reduced.

Direct fuel injection has been coupled to a number of other fuel saving devices, such as electric power steering, electrical energy recuperation and a start and stop function. Porsche claims that, despite the increased performance of the new model, it is 15% more efficient than the previous generation.

As ever, power comes from Porsche's flat-six, which comes in 2.7-litre and 3.4-litre guises, and develop 265bhp and 315bhp respectively.

The performance of the 2.7-litre car isn't shattering, taking 5.7 seconds to reach 62mph from a standstill. The 'S' variant with the larger 3.4-litre motor takes 5.0 seconds (when equipped with Porsche's PDK twin-clutch gearbox).

Another major revision has been to the Boxster's interior. It now has an elegant, functional cockpit, reminiscent of the mighty Porsche Carrera GT, which will make it easier to forget you're driving about in the bottom rung of the Porsche sports car ladder.

This is unlikely to be of as much concern to hardened petrol heads, who are likely to be more focussed on the fact that the Boxster is now also available with active engine mounts (first seen on the GT3 RS) and Porsche Torque Vectoring with a mechanical limited slip differential.

Prices start at £37,589, with the Boxster S available from £45,384. It will be on sale in the UK from 28th of April.