SUBARU BRZ 2.0I SE LUX 6-SPEED MANUAL
by Tony Yates
In light of the Coronavirus and being unable to test any new vehicles at this
moment in time, I have decided we should revisit the review of Subaru BRZ
There are few words that explain the BRZ in full detail such as; dynamic,
sophisticated and thrilling – and I still believe this to be true even now. With
its low centre of gravity, rear-wheel drive and taut chassis – it’s still able to
deliver exceptional road handling which in essence is why I still love the
BRZ in every way. You can still buy a BRZ of course, they are still around –
and loved by many, not only because it looks stunning, but because it feels
like a proper drivers car. Even now a few years on – I can still feel that tingle.
Power and Efficiency:
Fitted with a 2.0-litre horizontally-opposed (Boxer), four-cylinder, four-stroke
(DOHC 16V) petrol engine with 200PS @ 7000rpm and 205Nm of torque.
0-62mph is around 7.6sec, fuel consumption is a decent 33.3 mpg combined
and a top speed of around 140mph. For all those tech nerds out there - the
engine’s pistons are placed 180 degrees apart allowing a lower, flatter engine
profile. This gives the powerplant - and therefore the whole car- a lower centre
of gravity. This more balanced weight distribution gives the BRZ exceptional
handling, poise and more importantly control. Boxer engines have taken
some stick in the past, but, they fascinate me and the Boxer engine in the
BRZ is pretty cool, thanks to key features such as the engine’s square bore
and stroke (86mm x 86mm), which all helps achieve a balance between
mechanical efficiency, environmental performance, speed and power.
The engine is also fitted with an intelligent port injection system, which selects
the appropriate fuel injection rate to provide greater fuel efficiency and lower
emissions - all wonderful stuff then!
On the road:
Nimble, frisky and if I am being honest, a little minx – and that’s just to get
you started. Take the nimble BRZ out on the road and you will feel how well it
grips as I said earlier on in this review. Again, all thanks to the BRZ being fitted
with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential for improved traction, allowing the
more enthusiastic driver to make the most of the car’s rear-wheel-drive layout.
Also, using a rear-wheel-drive sports car drivetrain allows the engine to sit
further back in the BRZ chassis, which helps provide a perfect balance for
precise control and grip during high-speed cornering. The BRZ is also fitted
with a quick-ratio steering system — tuned to react instantly to every input,
which makes it feel like a proper racer.
Of course, to get the best out of a sports car you need to have a front-engined,
rear-wheel-drive layout – and the BRZ has this by the bucket load.
For 2020, there have been some changes, and although very small – they all
make a big difference. Sometimes when you have the perfect balance between
man and machine, it’s not worth trying to perfect it more – especially when
you got it right the first time around.
Interior and Technology:
First off - I’m so glad to see that the designers at Subaru have paid a lot of
attention to the detail inside the cabin of the BRZ - thankfully its refreshing
and modern. Also, the seats are comfy once you get the correct adjustment.
When it comes to the boot – the space is OK for a large suitcase or your golf
clubs. If I’m being honest, you will be very surprised just how much you can
fit in.
On the inside:
Some of the additional standard equipment on the BRZ includes; Subaru
Boxer engine (2.0-litre petrol), Rear-Wheel Drive, Track Mode function,
Torsen® Limited Slip Differential, LED headlights, Keyless Entry & Push
Button Start System, 7” multi-function colour touchscreen with Apple
CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ and Satellite navigation.
To sum up:
What can I say – the BRZ is a great drive and perfect for someone
who wants a nimble little sports car.
Price: from £31,995
78 wirrallife.com