Subaru BRZ 2012 Review

Subaru BRZ

Not that there’s anything wrong with that. Sampling BRZ under embargo in the lead-up to its “static launch”, motoring.com.au discovered that just like 86, Subaru BRZ is a barrel of laughs behind the wheel.

As standard, BRZ also offers a single-zone climate control air-conditioning system, cruise control, auto headlamps, power folding wing mirrors, electric windows, adjustable rev limited, proximity key with push-button starter, front fog lamps, bi-xenon headlamps and 17-inch alloy wheels.

But here’s where things get interesting. Although BRZ is at first glance dearer than the similarly spec’ed Toyota 86 GTS, pricing for BRZ is driveaway 'no more to pay' at $37,150 (MT) and $39,730 (AT) and both figures include free scheduled servicing for the first three years or 60,000 kilometres (whichever comes first).

By way of comparison, the entry-level 86 GT is priced from $29,990 (MRLP) while the 86 GTS range topper is stickered at $35,490 (MRLP).

discountnewcars.com.au online driveaway price calculator positions the manual GT and GTS at $33,363 and $39,001 respectively (based on a metro Vic address), thus at first flush Subaru appears to be asking a premium for its sportster. We'll be interested in hearing it's justification for the spec-adjusted positioning of the BRZ.

Whatever the final accounting results, Subaru has only a limited number of BRZ’s (201 – all with build plates) available before the end of the year (2012). In a radical (though we might say, logical) move these will be sold exclusively online.

MECHANICAL

Married to a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions the latter is offered with steering column-mounted paddles and Sports mode, blipping the throttle on downchange.

Subaru offers single-spec BRZ as standard with the Torsen limited slip differential (manual). Driving the rear wheels only, Subaru Australia says BRZ is a “one off departure” from its all-wheel drive philosophy.

Electric rack and pinion steering, four-wheel disc brakes (294mm front/290mm rear), MacPherson strut (front) / dual wishbone (rear) suspension and 17-inch alloys are all familiar to the Toyota model, though BRZ is shod with 215/45 Michelin Pilot Premacy HP rubber. BRZ includes a full-size spare wheel and offers a turning circle of 10.8 metres.

Subaru tells us that BRZ’s centre of gravity is located just 460mm from the tarmac and its weight distribution 53:47 per cent front-to-rear.

Claimed fuel economy and emissions rates are 7.8L/100km (combined cycle) while emitting 181g/km of CO2 for manual models and 7.1L/100km and 164g/km for the automatic.

PACKAGING

Externally, too, BRZ shares matching measurements with 86 at 4240mm long, 1775mm wide and 1245mm high. The wheelbase, front and rear track are also shared at 2570mm, 1520mm and 1540mm respectively.

BRZ tips the scale at 1256kg for the manual variant and 1278kg for the automatic.

Boot space totals 218 litres and is extendable via 50:50 split-fold rear seats.

BRZ is available in seven colours, six of which are metallic. Fortunately, metallic paint is a no-cost option.

SAFETY

Three-point (lap/sash) seat belts and anti-whiplash head restraint are fitted in all four seating positions with the front pews adding pyrotechnic pretensioners and force limiters. The rear seats are further equipped with both top-tether and ISOFIX child seat anchorages.

BRZ is also fitted as standard with dual front, side and curtain airbags, as well as an airbag for the driver’s knee.

COMPETITORS

Without getting in to it again the cars share DNA inside and out, though pricing places Toyota’s entry-level 86 GT manual at a clear advantage… even without a limited slip rear end.

Otherwise there’s any number of warm hatches you could consider, and if that wind-on-your-hair feeling is more your thing, Mazda MX-5 comes pretty close too.

ON THE ROAD

Slipping behind that kart-sized steering wheel, dabbing the well-spaced pedals and scurrying through Suby’s short-throw DIY box we get a strange sense of déjà vu. The subtle push in the back, the offbeat rumble of the Boxer engine, even that glued-to-the-ground feeling of narrow rubber on tarmac are telegraphed candidly to the hot seat.

With gear ratios close enough to keep BRZ’s engine in the sweet spot, albeit with charitable use, BRZ accelerates eagerly when kept on the boil. There’s little masking between BRZ’s front feet and the fingertips, the quick rack correcting any moments of oversteer.

The LSD makes for a more hunkered down feel than the single spinner offered in the auto, but you’ve got to be pushing pretty hard on tight corners to notice the diff (ba da ching!). Well-spaced pedals encourage heel and toe downshifts, the brake pedal perfectly modulated for measured deceleration.

Yes, there’s the same level of noise in the cabin and the ride is well and truly on the rigid side of firm. But it all adds to that sense of oneness with the road -- and if you’re after a cushy ride, you’re probably not going to look at a BRZ to begin with.

Cornering comes with about as much grip as you care to seek, the Michelins howling in protest long before BRZ loses its foothold on the black stuff. The car communicates its intentions with crystal clarity; in fact it’s so talkative that you’d really have to be driving like a Muppet to come unstuck – even with the stability control disabled.

If you’re a Subaru tragic or the Toyota-branded effort simply doesn’t float your boat, then jump online and buy yourself a BRZ. It’s an absolutely cracking way to spend $40K and is one of the few cars on the market at this price that’s this entertaining straight out of the box.