Subaru reinvents smash-hit BRZ coupe

Cult favourite returns for 2021 with fresh looks, a much stronger engine, new technology and a focus on driving purity. But one thing is missing.

Subaru’s BRZ blends sharp looks with a more powerful engine.

The new Subaru BRZ is here with fresh looks, updated tech and more power than before.

But it doesn’t have a turbo.

Comprehensively updated for 2021, the new Subaru BRZ (and its Toyota 86 cousin) will be powered by a new 2.4-litre engine capable of producing 170kW and 249Nm.

Subaru’s BRZ promises to be a lot of fun on the road – or track.

Those numbers compare favourably with the old 2.0-litre car’s 152kW and 212Nm (in more powerful manual trim) before you consider the bigger motor doesn’t need to be revved as hard to deliver its best.

The new car’s engine should feel effortless compared to its strained predecessor.

Subaru says it has 15 per cent more torque than the older model, with a progressive power delivery and sharp throttle response.

This is a turbo-free zone.

Though a turbo successor might have made more power, it would have added weight and raised the car’s centre of gravity — Subaru and Toyota insist the coupe’s low-mounted horizontally-opposed motor is a key to its dynamic appeal.

Besides, Subaru and Toyota both offer affordable turbocharged all-wheel-drive performance cars in the WRX sedan and GR Yaris hot hatch for those who want more grunt and grip.

As before, the BRZ drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, or if buyers insist, a six-speed automatic.

There’s more to rear-wheel-drive handling than drifting and burnouts …

Keen to emphasise the BRZ’s rear-drive layout — and potential for tail-happy oversteer — official press images of the new model feature several sideways action shots.

Heavily revised exterior styling with proportions broadly similar to the original car suggest the new model represents a re-skin rather than a ground-up redesign of the compact sports car duo.

Third party manufacturers of exhausts, wheels, spoilers and body kits are readying new parts.

We can also see a heavily-revised interior home to a 7-inch digital display and separate LCD monitor, plus an 8-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

Revised sports seats and a compact steering wheel complete the deal.

Cabin refinement wasn’t a strong point for the original Subaru BRZ.

Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance technology is available for the first time, bringing active cruise control, auto emergency braking and other safety aids. But some of the technology is restricted to automatic models unlikely to be considered by enthusiasts. Sports car fans should be thankful the six-speed auto wasn’t replaced by the fun-sapping CVT found in the WRX and other Subaru models.

The BRZ joins the likes of Subaru’s WRX STI 22B in its coupe catalogue.

The brand’s local arm says it is too early to confirm a launch date or prices for the new BRZ. A drive-away price of about $40,000 is probably a safe bet.

Originally published as Subaru reinvents smash-hit BRZ coupe