A MODERN CLASSIC
Subaru’s handsome sports car is loads of fun but hard to get your hands on
BE PREPARED TO WAIT
If you haven’t ordered the new BRZ yet, then you’re in for a long wait.
The first allocation of 500 cars are sold out and Subaru won’t say when more stock will be available. The new model is worth the wait, though, even if it doesn’t look drastically different from its predecessor.
Styling changes are subtle but include a cleaner front end and more chiselled flanks, with air vents behind the front wheel arches. The cabin looks more modern, with a larger centre screen and a digital readout in front of the driver.
THE BIGGEST CHANGE IS UNDER THE BONNET
The original BRZ’S 2.0-litre Boxer engine had an uninspiring note and felt strained as the revs rose. That has been replaced by a larger, naturally aspirated 2.4-litre unit.
On the six-speed automatic version, power is up by 27kw and 45Nm, while the manual has 22kw and 38Nm more. That doesn’t seem like a big boost but it has improved the driving experience. There’s noticeably more urge off the line, it revs more freely and it finally sounds like a sports car should.
Unfortunately, fuel use has increased dramatically from 7.1L/100km (auto) and 7.8L/100km (manual) in the original to 8.8L/100km and 9.5L/100km. It will use a lot more fuel in city traffic and only takes 98RON premium, which has recently climbed well over $2 a litre.
THE FUN FACTOR HAS BEEN DIALLED UP
The old BRZ was an absolute hoot to drive and the new model is no different, although it feels more sophisticated on the road.
The ride comfort is more than acceptable for such a focused sports car, while the fast, accurate steering and well-tuned suspension make cornering a grin-inducing exercise.
Bigger 18-inch alloys wrapped in stickier Michelin tyres deliver better grip and poise, although it will still give a playful wag of its tail when pressed.
The six-speed manual is a slick unit and allows you to squeeze the most out of the engine but the revised six-speed auto is also impressive, reacting quickly to throttle inputs and plucking the right gear for maximum thrust out of corners.
THERE ARE COMPROMISES
Subaru is to be applauded for keeping the BRZ’S price down, but there is evidence of some penny-pinching in the cabin.
The centre screen looks a little like an afterthought and the graphics in the driver display aren’t the crispest. There are a few hard surfaces as well.
The full-size spare in the boot eats into load space but adds peace of mind on longer trips.
PRICES HAVE RISEN
The BRZ is still one of the cheapest tickets to sports-car fun, but the new model is roughly $5000 more than the old one. That’s not unreasonable given the additional power, better equipped cabin and more comprehensive safety package.
The six-speed manual starts at about $42,000 drive-away, while the auto starts from about $46,000 on the road. An “S” model adds heated leather and suede seats for $1200.
The auto has a bigger array of driver aids, but it’s still a big jump in price.
Servicing is relatively expensive at $2390 over five years, especially when the mechanically identical Toyota 86 – due later this year – is likely to cost a lot less.