Price cut for Subaru's MY17 BRZ

Subaru has announced a new, $1230-lower starting price for its upgraded 2017 model year BRZ sports coupe, with the base manual now set at $32,990 plus on-road costs.

Although it brings fewer mechanical upgrades, the automatic version of the MY17 BRZ has come in for an even bigger ($1735) price chop, to $34,990, which now makes it a neat $2000 pricier than the manual.

As we've reported, the MY17 BRZ, first customer examples of which arrive in Australian showrooms towards the end of November, brings the same changes as the MY16 Toyota 86 on which it's based.

Headlining the BRZ's most significant upgrade since its launch in 2012 is more power and torque for manual transmission variants (now 152kW/212Nm – up from 147kW/202Nm), plus revised suspension tuning and fresh front-end styling.

In detail, the changes include new LED headlights and tail-lights, "significant" engine refinements for manual transmission models, Vehicle Dynamics Control TRACK mode, Hill Start Assist, wider and lower looking front bumper design, new 17-inch alloy wheel design, fully automatic air-conditioning, new steering wheel, upgraded infotainment, enhanced instrument gauges, red stitching and optional BRZ-embossed front seats.

“BRZ is an even more compelling package when you consider the upgrades to specification at less cost to customers," said Subaru Australia Managing Director, Colin Christie.

“Despite exchange rate pressures, our strong relationship with the factory has produced a great result for BRZ fans and that’s reflected in the volume of showroom interest since we teased the specification upgrades in August.”