Model year 2022 Subaru BRZ review finds engine upgrades deliver beautiful balance and performance

Coupes and sports cars may be a dying breed, but for those who love to change gears and steer the excitement still lives with the Subaru BRZ.

Driving passion remains alive.

Sports cars may be a dying breed, but Australians have proved with their wallets there remains a strong contingent who love to steer.

Before getting a chance to drive Subaru’s second generation BRZ, the full 500-unit allocation sold out.

Promises of more power and improved performance saw buyers happy to part with more than $43k for the base model manual.

Subaru has just announced it has opened the order book for the next 2023 model year batch destined for our shores from July, and our test found it would be worth the wait for those who embrace driving dexterity.

Prices for the Subaru BRZ start from about $43,300 drive-away for the base manual.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

KEL: Three pedals, we haven’t seen that in some time.

GRANT: Manuals are becoming harder to find nowadays, and while you can have the BRZ with a self-shifter, those interested in sports cars really love manuals.

KEL: Nice lines and that beautiful coupe shape, it doesn’t look dramatically different from the first generation.

GRANT: Most of the changes come under the metal with a bigger engine and improved suspension. The bonnet, front fenders and roof are now all made from aluminium to save weight and helps lower the centre of gravity.

KEL: It looks classy and without any stickers or a massive spoiler the BRZ isn’t overtly attention-grabbing like I’ve seen some models in recent times.

GRANT: Rather than having a rear spoiler Subaru introduced a ‘duck bill’ boot lid … but boy racers will still install a gigantic wing just to prove a point.

KEL: With drive-away prices starting from about $43,300, how does that compare?

GRANT: That figure has risen compared to the previous model, but Subaru has upgraded the performance and safety on this car. Toyota’s GR86 is a twin under the skin and is coming in the second half of this year, but is yet to release pricing. But there aren’t too many rivals around, with the other option Mazda’s MX5 soft-top which also starts from about $42k drive-away.

Subaru’s BRZ Coupe S has Ultrasuede and leather trimmed seats which also have a heating function.

THE LIVING SPACE

KEL: Getting inside can be a challenge for those used to high-riding SUVs.

GRANT: It’s a sports car so you sit low to the ground and it has figure-hugging bucket seats. The model we drove was the “S” which includes a combination of Ultrasuede and leather trimmed seats which also have a heating function for an extra $1200.

KEL: The interior feels dated with some hard plastics across the dash and doors.

GRANT: Subaru has attempted to keep prices low with the BRZ so there are compromises. It comes with an eight-inch touchscreen armed with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and it’s best to use the phone mirroring system as the factory offering is clunky with average graphics.

KEL: Being shorter and needing to shift the seat forward, I found the cupholders were difficult to access.

GRANT: It does require some nimbleness to reach backward to grab your coffee.

KEL: Given the proportions it’s not a family choice due to the limited back seat space.

GRANT: Head, leg and knee room is confined so best left to children, and even then those in the front have to shift a reasonable way forward to allow the space for rear passengers.

Subaru’s BRZ now has a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine which results in gains of 22kW and 38Nm (the auto improves 27kW and 45Nm).

THE COMMUTE

KEL: Getting off the line nicely, I found the acceleration responsive and punchy.

GRANT: The previous BRZ had a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, this new donk is a 2.4-litre which results in gains of 22kW and 38Nm (the auto improves 27kW and 45Nm). That may not sound like much but combined with weight reductions collectively it has made hefty improvements.

KEL: Cruising around it didn’t feel raw or hard-edged like previous tests.

GRANT: Cabin refinement has improved, even though it’s still got the low-profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres which traditionally offer a firmer ride yet the trade-off is outstanding grip.

KEL: There was standard cruise control, but not the radar function which maintains distances from other cars for your in traffic.

GRANT: Only automatic models get the full Subaru EyeSight safety suite. It does have blind spot monitoring, for peace of mind when changing lanes, and rear cross traffic alert.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard in the 2022 Subaru BRZ Coupe S.

THE SHOPPING

KEL: Family grocery trips have to be undertaken solo so you can use the back seat for additional loading. That’s a tiny boot.

GRANT: It’s not the intent of the BRZ. At only 200 litres you’re lucky to get a large suitcase inside – especially with the full size spare protruding from the wheel well.

KEL: Parking is a breeze given the coupe’s size and accurate steering.

GRANT: The rear seat does fold and those who like track days have been known to load a complete set of spare wheels.

While the manual version of Subaru’s BRZ Coupe S doesn’t have the high level of safety equipment as the automatic, the driving enjoyment takes a hefty step forward.

THE SUNDAY RUN

KEL: Carving through some of the valleys and sharp bends near our place, the BRZ feels at home.

GRANT: When first launched it was lauded for its balance and rear-wheel drive performance. Not relying on pure power, it’s a car which you can attack bends with uncompromising confidence and it feels almost attached to your hips as you sling alternate directions.

KEL: It was really nice to have a manual again with the short throws between gears and an easy clutch.

GRANT: When worked hard the engine does its best work. Undulating roads with sharp bends become a place of euphoria.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

THE FAMILY

KEL: Definitely no SUV rival.

GRANT: Not at all, but both our boys loved the previous generation BRZ. They are great cars to steer and learn the joys of driving.

KEL: Are they expensive to run?

GRANT: During our test we averaged 8.4L for every 100km which is below the official figure from Subaru, but it does require premium unleaded. Servicing averages about $480 annually if you return to a Subaru dealer – likely to be severely undercut by Toyota, but it’s always worth analysing the inclusions list.

MY22 Subaru BRZ Coupe S

THE VERDICT

KEL: Athletic to look at and to drive, it was wonderful to sample a manual again. I can certainly see the appeal for the enthusiasts, but it’s not a great fit for family duties.

GRANT: The BRZ is certainly a car best suited to a duo. Anyone looking for driving thrills, beautiful symmetry and pure fun better get in line. Cars like this won’t be around for much longer.