The BRZ sports car is currently one of the most thrilling and reasonably priced vehicles available. Along with its Toyota GR86 counterpart, it prioritises the enjoyment of driving. Its compact size, lightness and agility, combined with features such as responsive steering, a standard six-speed manual gearbox, and a low seating position, create a driving experience that only a finely tuned compact rear-wheel drive coupé can provide.
Engine and fuel economy
The new Subaru BRZ replaces the outgoing model’s 2.0-litre engine with a brand new 2.4-litre engine that addresses all of the previous engine’s weaknesses. With 228 horsepower and 25.4 kgm of torque at 3,600 rpm, this represents a significant upgrade over the outgoing engine’s 200 horsepower and 20.4 kgm of torque. The new engine not only offers more power and torque but also provides better power delivery throughout the rpm range.
Based on the EPA’s calculations, the automatic version of the BRZ is the most fuel-efficient, achieving 25 mpg combined, 21 mpg (9.4 l/100km) in urban areas, and 30 mpg (7.8 l/100km) on the highway. The manual transmission model has slightly lower estimates, with 22 mpg (10.59 l/100km) combined, 20 mpg (11.76 l/100km) in the city, and 27 mpg (87.11 l/100km) on the highway. For further details about the BRZ’s fuel economy, please refer to the EPA’s website.
Transmission and performance
The new BRZ is available with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, but if you truly want the full driving experience, you’ll opt for the 6-speed manual transmission that transfers power to the rear wheels via a limited-slip mechanical differential. With the manual gearbox, the car can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds (an improvement of 1.4 seconds over the outgoing model) and reach a top speed of 226 km/h. With the automatic transmission, the car can do the same sprint in 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 216 km/h. Subaru has chosen Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, which offer better grip and sportier handling, albeit with a modest size of 215/40R18.
Chassis
The chassis of the outgoing model continues with the new model, but it has received a comprehensive upgrade that increased the chassis’ resistance to torsion by 50%. Despite this significant upgrade, the new model maintains the weight of the outgoing model – 1277 kg. In addition to strengthening the chassis, all suspension connection points have also been reinforced, and the overall structure is completely different as they came from Subaru’s new global platform with many aluminum suspension components.
Two trims
The new manual version of the BRZ will be marketed at the premium trim level, which includes, among other features, an 8-inch multimedia display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 7-inch instrument cluster with a sport-specific display, full LED lighting and headlights with a follow-me-home function, a smart key, dual-zone climate control, light and rain sensors, sports seats, a reverse camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
The automatic version mainly adds advanced safety systems such as autonomous braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, driver alertness control, automatic high beam, and more.
Interior and cargo
The interior of the BRZ features a driver-focused layout and 2+2 seating arrangement, with a stylish design and up-to-date technology. The driver is presented with a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster that places the tachometer at the forefront, with the circular display even switching to a linear graph when in Track mode.
The front seats are heavily bolstered to provide excellent support during tight cornering and are accentuated with red highlights to enhance the coupe’s sporty character. The BRZ’s low seating position and slim front roof pillars result in excellent visibility in front. The coupe has a modest cargo area of 6.3 cubic feet ( 181 liters ).It’s relatively small for the sports car category, but still ample for storing a few bags of groceries or a couple of carry-on bags. If you fold down the rear seats, the cargo area expands considerably, providing enough room to accommodate golf bags or even an additional set of tyres.
Safety
In terms of driver-assistance technology, automatic-equipped models of the BRZ come with Subaru’s EyeSight system. Essential safety features include:
- Optional forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
- Optional lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Optional adaptive cruise control
