BRZ back in the game

by Chris Riley      Subaru's BRZ sports car is back in the game with a new model to match the Toyota 86 .  BRZ gets a new more powerful ...

by Chris Riley

   

Subaru's BRZ sports car is back in the game with a new model to match the Toyota 86. 

BRZ gets a new more powerful 2.4-litre, naturally-aspirated, Boxer engine fitted with both direct and port fuel-injection systems that brings improved performance. 

It's good for 174kW of power and 250Nm of torque, an increase of 22kW and 38Nm. 

The auto, meanwhile, gets 27kW more power and 45Nm more torque, bringing output to 179kW and 257Nm. 

BRZ's new Boxer engine gets its power to the ground through either a six-speed manual or six-speed auto with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. 

Both are with a Torsen rear limited-slip differential. 

The body has 60 per cent more front lateral bending rigidity and 50 per cent more torsional stiffness than its predecessor. 

Aluminium materials have been used extensively for the bonnet, front fenders and roof skin, helping to keep the car's weight low despite the fact it has gained additional equipment. 

New BRZ's impressive ride and handling qualities are managed by power-assisted rack and pinion steering, independent MacPherson front struts and double rear wishbone suspension and 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in low-profile Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. 

Braking is handled by large, ventilated front and rear disc brakes. 

Automatic variants introduce Subaru's award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist technologies to the sporty coupe for the first time. 

There's two grades, Coupe and Coupe S, both offering an extensive standard equipment list. 

Features include smart key access with push button start, LED headlights with automatic height adjustment, Vehicle Dynamics Control, 18-inch alloys, dual-zone climate air as well as Active Sound Control to enhance engine sound inside the cabin. 

BRZ's new cockpit design features a clean, intuitive layout with highly visible and readily accessible instruments and controls. 

A new 7.0-inch, customisable digital instrument cluster puts the tachometer at its centre and features a digital speedometer readout while a large 8.0-inch central touchscreen infotainment system makes easy operation of key systems including:

• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
• DAB+ Digital radio
• Satellite navigation
• Vehicle settings

Inside, the cabin is finished in sporty black upholstery, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift. 

BRZ Coupe's sports seats are cloth-trimmed while Coupe S seats are finished in a combination of Ultrasuede and leather-accented trim. 

Driver and front passenger seats are heated in the Coupe S. 

With prices starting from $38,990 for the Coupe manual or $42,790 for the auto, the first allocation of 500 vehicles has already been assigned. 

The better spec'd Coupe S is $40,190 (manual) or $43,990 (auto). 

Guess there's a waiting list. 

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