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Subaru BRZ S (2014)
by Barry Green,reviewed February 2014
After previously being sold exclusively online in Australia, due to limited production availability from Japan, Subaru’s acclaimed BRZ is now available through dealerships.
The other good news is the option of a Sports pack, which is able to be bought online by new buyers, or via the dealer network for existing owners.
Available for $7195 (auto transmission) or $7995 (manual), the pack includes front, boot lip and front/rear underside spoilers; flexible tower bar; set of lowered coil springs; 17-inch black STI alloy wheels; rear diffuser and other bits and bobs. Oh, and an ‘S’ badge. Though not essential, the pack enhances what is already an outstanding drive and ownership package.
Central to the experience is the BRZ’s subliminal balance and handling that provides absolute connection between driver and road. Though not especially powerful or torquey (by performance car standards), the normally-aspirated Boxer engine produces its best between about 4300-5000rpm.
Grip and traction thresholds are huge, thanks in no small way to the low-profile rubber and Torsen limited-slip differential.
Ride quality, while firm, is very much liveable and the leather sports seats support well. This really is a car that combines the roles of weekday commuter and weekend track star seamlessly and superbly.
For
Outstanding sporty drive; free three year/60,000km scheduled service plan
Against
Rear three-quarter visibility, low clearance with front spoiler
Key features
17” alloys, limited-slip differential, self-levelling Bi-Xenon headlights, power folding door mirrors, dual-zone climate-control airconditioning, CD player with MP3/WMA/iPod compatibility, multi-info display, cruise control
Safety
Dual front/side/curtain/driver knee airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control
Car Details
| Vehicle make |
Subaru |
| Vehicle model |
BRZ S |
| Vehicle type |
Sports Under $80,000 |
| Year |
2014 |
| Price when new |
$37,150 driveaway (manual, + $7995 for Sports Pack) MLP |
| Current price range |
$ - $
|
| ANCAP crash rating |
|
| Insurance |
Get a quote for car insurance |
| Technical advice |
For more information about your prospective purchase, contact our Motoring Advice Service. |
| Engine |
2.0-litre, 16-valve DOHC, Boxer 4-cyl |
| Max power |
147kW @ 7000rpm |
| Max torque |
205Nm @ 6600rpm |
| Acceleration to 100 km/h |
7.6 seconds (claimed) |
| Economy ADR |
7.8 litres/100km |
| Emissions rating |
|
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This review is based on road testing conducted by The Road Ahead. Further vehicle reviews, in-depth comparisons and coverage of consumer motoring issues can be found in the Club's magazine. Prices listed were current at the time of review and are manufacturers list prices and do not include statutory and delivery charges. Prices can vary from time to time and dealer to dealer.