How good is the new Subaru BRZ?

If you’re after a sports car that gives you all the looks, power, and fun for a cheap price tag, then you’re probably in the market for a new Subaru BRZ.

But what is this car really about – and how good is it really?

Here is your guide to what’s new and what’s not in this latest edition of Subaru’s most exciting sports car to date.

BRZ basics

Let’s just recap. The main point of the Subaru BRZ is to offer a classic sports car experience – with the unique quirk of the car also being a Subaru.

Why is that a thing?

Well for starters, Subaru isn’t exactly known for its prowess on the Nürburgring. Its pride comes directly from the dust and smoke of the rally track. If you’re a Subaru fan, then the period from 1995 to 2003 will hold particular significance to you. (For those who don’t know just look up Subaru rallying history).

The all-new BRZ bottles up Subaru’s rally pride and turns it into an extremely versatile sports car.

2022 brings more power and predictability

The new BRZ is endowed with a 2.4-liter boxer-four making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. In practice? A quick drive, and definitely faster than the previous model from 2020 (yep, there wasn’t a new version in 2021 – go figure).

But the best thing about this added power is that it now complements the BRZ’s sturdy chassis.

The steering is also more predictable – with upgraded electronic systems making for better handling. Add Subaru’s typical all-wheel drive to this concoction and you’ve got a sports car that virtually flies off the mark.

Feel like you’ve seen this car somewhere before?

It’s because you have. The Toyota GR 86 is essentially the same car from the drivetrain to the interior design. But it’s important to note that there are a few key differences that set these two brothers apart. The main one being the suspension and then the steering.

Toyota took a different route when completing the design of the GR 86’s suspension – even delaying the final release to get their edits over the line. Subaru optimised the BRZ with stability and drive dynamics in mind – they nailed it. Even if you’re only slightly aware of how suspension tuning works – you’ll appreciate Subaru’s work in making the drive – ahem, better.

Should I use the BRZ as a daily driver?

Ask this question 6 years ago and the answer would’ve been a tentative no. Maybe even 4 years ago. The car is greatly improved – especially on the inside. What we mean by that is it no longer resembles a dodgy mashup of early 2000’s car parts. Oh, the good old days.

No. These days we are dealing with a completely different beast. The 2022 Subaru BRZ is nice to sit in, nice to touch, and a pleasure to drive. There’s no feeling that you’ve settled for less when you run your hands over the controls – there’s a sense of quality that has been sorely missing. But best of all is the enormous 7-inch LCD touchscreen that comes as standard no matter whether it is a premium or base model. Heated seats come on all higher classes, as well as a generous 5 year/unlimited km warranty.

Sure, boot space isn’t exactly abundant – but remember this is a sports car we’re talking about here.

Is a BRZ expensive to drive?

If you’re using it every day to get into work then expect an average combined fuel consumption of 8.6L per 100km. Not exactly a Nissan Leaf or VW Polo, but that’s not the point.

Take this car to a track and put your foot down – you’re going to burn through fuel like it’s 1999 and no one cares. And that’s exactly what you’re supposed to do – alright not every day but you get the idea. Subaru didn’t go to all the trouble to develop the Boxer engine just to have you drive it through a traffic jam.

The BRZ won’t set you back more than any other car on the road – just don’t expect to be ‘pleasantly’ surprised at the fuel station.

Is the new Subaru BRZ safe?

Yes. Extremely. Some of the latest safety technologies have been incorporated into this car’s already fantastic safety suite. It’s even been optimised with a special electronic driver-assist system and Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).

There’s also a 5 Star ANCAP safety rating that reflects rigorous testing done on the model.

But it’s not just the frills and awards that make this car safe. The low placement of the engine means that front-on collisions now pose less of a risk to the driver and front passenger as it slides underneath the cabin instead of through it in serious frontal collisions.

The verdict

The new BRZ is an excellent car that deserves your attention, at the very least for a test drive. If you’re looking for a fun car that has impressed not only generations of Subaru fanatics but also the international automotive community, then why not jump in for a test drive. Get in touch with your local Subaru dealer today and get the party started.