2022 Subaru BRZ review: More power for affordable sports car

The Japanese brand has struck a winning chord with its latest machine that brings driving thrills at an affordable price.

The Subaru BRZ is proof the car industry has not given up on folks who love driving.

Though manufacturers might be focused on high-riding SUVs, work-ready utes and eco-conscious hybrid or electric machines, there are still a handful of cars that promise driving thrills for an affordable price.

Subaru’s BRZ is the first in a trio of attractive and affordable rear-wheel-drive, manual sports coupes due in showrooms this year.

The Subaru BRZ is jointly developed with Toyota.

Later it will be joined by its twin-under-the-skin, the Toyota GR 86, and Nissan’s new Z.

Enthusiasts have welcomed the new machine. Subaru reports the first batch of 500 BRZ coupes sold out in short order, suggesting there are still plenty of people keen on an analog driving experience.

Priced from $38,990 plus on-road costs (about $42,000 drive-away), the compact coupe brings new looks and a more powerful engine while sticking to the successful formula of the 2012 original.

It is one of the cheapest new sports cars on sale.

It’s lighter than most sports cars, with a low centre of gravity, a manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive traction and a tight limited-slip differential.

A fresh 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine replaces the old car’s 2.0-litre unit, serving up 173kW/250Nm outputs that represent a significant gain – but not the sort of 200kW grunt offered by hot-hatch rivals.

Subaru and Toyota bucked the trend for turbocharging, preferring a lighter, cheaper and more responsive naturally aspirated unit that fitted their vision for an affordable sports car.

Standard gear includes 18-inch alloys with sticky Michelin tyres, dual-zone climate control, LED headlamps and limited driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assistance and rear cross-traffic alert. More advanced tech such as active cruise control and reverse auto braking is limited to the six-speed automatic model that costs $3800 more than the regular version.

The new version gets a significant bump in power.

A BRZ “S” model adds heated leather and ultra suede seats for $1200.

Both versions have an 8-inch central infotainment screen with satnav, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto alongside a customisable digital dashboard. The interior is a huge step up from the original BRZ and retains the ability to carry a full set of spare wheels with the back seat folded flat.

Subaru backs the BRZ with a five-year warranty, while servicing for five years costs $2390. Customers can choose seven shades of metallic paint for free, and there are already official accessories such as body kits and short-throw gear shifters that will be joined by a torrent of aftermarket offerings.

The BRZ is covered by a five-year warranty.

Buyers should think twice before fiddling with the BRZ’s well-sorted fixed-rate suspension. It feels taut and well-controlled without venturing into harsh or sloppy territory. Quieter than the previous model, the new model has less intrusive engine noise than the 2.0-litre car.

The more muscular engine doesn’t need to be revved as hard in everyday running and the bonus torque makes the car feel effortless around town.

The revised six-speed auto is a better match for the car than its predecessor, helped by smarter software, a choice of driving modes and the more muscular engine.

The BRZ is one of a few cars still sold with a manual transmission.

More than half the first 500 customers picked the manual, and they’ll be rewarded by a more engaging experience helped by a light clutch and accurate gear change.

The BRZ remains a join to drive, with fast steering, a responsive motor and tail-happy handling best sampled on a circuit or skid pan. Smoother than before, with improved power delivery and more punch at the top end, the BRZ’s bigger motor shines when worked hard.

Though it’s not the last word in pace or refinement, the BRZ represents a special driving experience likely to be cherished by driving enthusiasts.

VERDICT 4/5

Affordable, engaging and interesting, the Subaru BRZ remains an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts.

SUBARU BRZ VITALS

Price: From about $42,000 drive-away

Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cyl, 173kW/250Nm

Warranty/servicing: 5-year/unl’td km, $2390 for 5 years

Safety: 7 airbags, lane-keep and blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert

Thirst: 9.5L/100km

Cargo: 201 litres

Spare: Full size

TOYOTA TWIN DELAYED

2022 Toyota GR 86.

As before, the BRZ will have a near-identical twin offered by Toyota.

That car, now known as the Toyota GR 86, has been hit by production delays and its launch has been pushed back to the second half of the year. Toyota has not revealed how much its coupe will cost but it promises to be quite similar to drive.

Originally published as 2022 Subaru BRZ review: More power for affordable sports car