Subaru BRZ
FIRST UK DRIVE Revamp brings coupé in line with Toyota cousin, and we try it in the UK
Rear-wheel-drive coupé gets a facelift – and we’ve driven it
AFTER Toyota released a fettled and updated GT86 for 2017, it was inevitable that Subaru would quickly do the same for its half of the joint venture between the two Japanese manufacturers. Light revisions are the order of the day for the new BRZ, and we’re driving it for the first time on British roads to see if the changes are enough to boost its underwhelming sales record here.
The exterior tweaks to the BRZ are subtle, but more extensive than you might think at first glance. There’s a reprofiled front bumper and grille to give it a wider visual stance, new fullled headlights and tweaked rear lamps. New 10-spoke alloy wheels and a chunky rear spoiler round off the revisions.
None of these modifications is likely to change anyone’s view on how the BRZ looks, but to our eyes it’s a slightly more cohesive design than its Toyota cousin. Meanwhile, the BRZ’S (and GT86’S) low-rent interior has always been a bugbear of ours, so the minor refresh is welcome. The new multifunction steering wheel is a big improvement, while there are also new materials on the dashboard and increased use of leather stitching throughout to boost the ambience.
There’s even room for a dose of fresh technology, in the form of a new 4.2-inch trip computer display. It sits next to the instrument dials and is capable of showing a G-force meter, lap timer and even a torque and power curve graph.
Despite the revisions, though, the BRZ remains more utilitarian than premium inside. Subaru argues that it’s about creating minimal distractions for the driver, but the fiddly infotainment system and dated switchgear undermine this reasoning, because they’re still things with which you’ll interact on an everyday basis. Similarly priced hot hatches are in a different league for quality and ergonomics.
At least the Subaru’s driving position is spot-on – a partial reflection of the fact that the BRZ’S appeal centres on the driving experience rather than fit and finish – and on that basis it’s even more enjoyable than before. Subaru’s charismatic 2.0-litre flatfour boxer engine receives revisions for 2017 to improve responsiveness and reduce emissions, while new dampers aim to enhance ride comfort and reduce roll.
The latest US editions of the GT86 and BRZ got a power boost, but there’s no such hike for European customers. So you’ll still find yourself wringing out every last ounce of grunt available to make progress on faster roads. Throttle response is great, and the motor at least sounds distinctive (although the noise can grate on long runs), but a lack of mid-range torque and a reluctance to be
Newcars “Appeal centres on drive, not fit and finish; on that basis, the BRZ is even more enjoyable than before”
taken right to the red line mean it isn’t as flexible as the Mazda MX-5’S 2.0-litre. And again, all but the weediest turbocharged hot hatch will have more overtaking prowess.
That’s a pity, because the BRZ’S chassis is better than ever. The new dampers make the car slightly more supple over bumpy roads without harming its brilliantly engaging and playful agility. It’s amusing even when being driven at low speeds – especially in the wet, where the shortage of traction causes the BRZ to slither about with virtually no effort. It’s all helped by a rifle-bolt gearchange and involving steering. There’s little else at this price point that can put as big a smile on your face and still be usable every day.
Price is Subaru’s biggest selling point over the Toyota GT86; the BRZ is offered in only one, high-specification trim, bringing heated Alcantara seats, keyless entry and Bluetooth connectivity. And while satellite navigation is still a £1,250 option, spec for spec the Scooby is still over £1,500 cheaper than its cousin.