2016 Subaru BRZ 2.0i SE Review

DRIVEN: 2016 Subaru BRZ Review

Following a week long test of the Subaru BRZ, here are my thoughts about this exciting sports car.

What’s the 2016 Subaru BRZ all About?

Subaru has got a long history in sports car motoring, and the car has always been about doing the very best with the resources you have. For years the Impreza has created lots of fun on both the racetrack and the road, but now from Subaru we are seeing a more lightweight approach with the Subaru BRZ. Here on test we have the 2016 Subaru BRZ in SE trim.

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The car was powered by a 2.0 litre, 200 PS engine matched with a 6-speed manual gearbox that puts the power to the rear wheels. This means that the car can do 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and will do a top speed of 143 mph. The car also only weighs 1,202 kg improving the handling and fuel efficiency figures meaning that high figures of 40 mpg combined can be achieved.

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How Does it Drive?

The BRZ provides all of the driving thrills that you want and expect from a rear wheel drive 2.0 litre car. This engine if I’m being honest does feel a little underpowered for a 2.0 litre, mainly because it is naturally aspirated, however, the BRZ isn’t about outright power, the real magic comes in the corners. The car still feels very well planted, but at the same time you can also make the car slip a little when you want it to.

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It still has that raw mechanical feel through the steering which helps to establish exactly what all four corners of the car are doing at any one point. This is one of the characteristics that everyone loves about the BRZ and I’m happy to report that it is still very much there.

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The suspension on the car actually feels very well configured for enthusiastic driving, you can feel the road below you but it is comfortable to live with and I wouldn’t say it is too hard.

The 6-speed gearbox in this car works very well with the 2.0 litre engine, and feels beautifully smooth with a nice amount of travel between the gears. It is actually very enjoyable to use.

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The brakes on the car worked exceptionally well during my testing. I’m sure the real test will be getting onto the track and testing them at high speed, but for road usage they have some great stopping power.

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Comparing this model to the others sports cars I do feel somehow that the car is slightly more grown up. The BRZ feels like a very raw car to drive, but how it handles itself says a lot about its character. You can have plenty of fun in this car, but it’s wise enough to keep you out of danger.

What’s it Like Inside?

Just take a quick look inside, you’ll notice a clean design which looks fantastic. The interior is a mix of leather and red stitching, giving a typical sporty look as you would expect.

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The materials used in the car are all very fancy; the cloth seats are supportive and well made, the leather steering wheel feels great in your hands and the gear stick is also well crafted out of leather, which feels super premium when switching gears.

The car tested didn’t come with the satellite navigation system and the CD player does feel like it has been retro-fitted as the lighting didn’t glow with the orange colour that the rest of the dash puts out but with an odd shade of green, which I thought was a shame.

The Experience

The BRZ provides a low to the ground sporty adrenaline rush, and it’s not an experience that you will get bored of quickly. The characteristics of the BRZ are so pure that it is the perfect setup to learn and develop your skills as a driver. It leaves you feeling fully engaged with the sensation of driving and rewarded when things go well.

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 Verdict

The looks of the car are absolutely brilliant. The engine in the car is just OK in regards to balancing performance and efficiency, but might leave some people wanting more. You get a great Subaru sporty driving experience without the high speed danger. The BRZ is certainly a car for the focused driver at a fairly affordable rate.

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Video Highlights

Specification

2016 Subaru BRZ 2.0i SE Review
  • Price: £22,495  
  • Engine: 2.0-Litre Petrol
  • Power: 200 PS
  • Torque: 205 Nm
  • Transmission: 6 Speed Manual
  • 0-62mph: 7.6 Seconds
  • Top speed: 143 mph
  • Weight: 1,202 kg
  • Economy combined: 40mpg
  • CO2: 181 g/km

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Author: Paul Hadley