Porsche 911 Turbo S

Costs

Running costs for the 911 are likely to be very high. Fuel economy is relatively low, while insurance and running costs will be at the higher end of the scale.

Space and practicality

Front seat passengers have plenty of room in all directions, and are unlikely to have any quibbles. In the rear space is more restricted, though the seats are suitable for average sized adults on short journeys. Storage space in the cabin is relatively good, although the front boot is only suitable for carrying a couple of soft bags.

Controls and display

The layout of the 911's cabin is impressive. It retains the classic five-dial layout for the instruments, supplemented by changeable digital displays. As well as being attractive it is very informative and easy to use. Some of the smaller buttons on the dashboard are quite small, but otherwise the cabin is faultless.

Comfort

The 911 does a good job of delivering respectable comfort levels. The seats are superb, firm and supportive even over long distances. Noise levels are quite restrained, the engine subsiding when on a light throttle. The stiffness of the dampers is adjustable depending on the driver demands, but even on the softest setting bigger bumps are best avoided.

Car security

All Porsche 911 vehicles are fitted with a tracking system as standard, making it very difficult for the car to be successfully stolen. In addition it has an immobiliser and alarm as standard.

Car safety

With the added benefit of four-wheel drive, the 911 offers a high level of active and passive safety. The excellent grip and high levels of braking power make it easier to avoid an accident in the first place.

Driver appeal

Just like the regular Turbo, the key appeal of the Turbo S is huge amounts of power and torque that are easily accessible combined with the docile nature of the car when driven sedately. Below 3,000rpm the Turbo S is still a very quick car but the turbos are providing very little boost, making it relatively undemanding to drive in traffic. However, beyond 3,00rpm and the full force of the turbochargers unleashes a huge wave of power. With the fast-shifting PDK gearbox working hard, the Turbo S can deliver an unending blast of acceleration that can leave the unwary slightly dizzy.

Family car appeal

The 911 is not an ideal family car, although it could carry two adults and children. Insufficient boot space would be the key issue, as is access to the rear seats.

First car appeal

The 911 is much too powerful and expensive for a first car, although in many respects it is easy to drive.

Quality and image

The 911's reputation is founded on high quality, and almost without exception it delivers. It feels thoroughly engineered throughout and robust, with the only demerit being the slightly flimsy nature of some of the minor switches. The 911's image is even stronger, remaining one of the most desirable sports cars ever despite strong competition, and its reputation as a superb driver's car is well-known.

Accessibility

For a sports car, the 911 is easy to get into. The doors are long and open wide, and although the seats are low set, it is not a long drop down into them. Access to the rear does require the seat to be slid forward, which takes a few seconds if electric seats are fitted. The optional sports bucket seats have high sides which make getting in a little more difficult than usual.

Stereo and ICE (In car entertainment)

With the optional Bose stereo system fitted, the 911 has a superb sound system. Radio, CDs and MP3 CDs can be played, and the sound quality is of a high standard. Steering wheel controls also make it easy to operate, and unlike many cars these controls are small so they do not interfere during spirited driving.

Colours and trim

All 911 variants come with a wide range of colour options both inside and out, even down to details such as colouring the wheels, wheel centres, seat belts and trim. The 911 shape works well in both bright and sober hues, though classic colours such as white, silver and red are likely to be most popular.

Parking

Because of its unique shape, parking the 911 can be a little tricky. Visibility all round is generally good, but the sloping rear can make it difficult to judge. However, parking sensors are available as an option.

Spare wheel

Tyre inflation kit fitted as standard.