This sports car for the everyday man or woman is an irresistible combination of style, handling, and just plain fun. The BRZ offers a respectably good time on the way to work or on the way around the race track. With rear-wheel drive and good fuel mileage, plus a couple of modestly sized rear seats just in case you’ve got to run the kids somewhere and want to look amazing doing it, this entry into the compact market makes life just a little more exciting without breaking the bank.
Key Features
Standards include a 6.1” touchscreen with navigation, a full complement of airbags, and a fairly generous 8-speaker stereo system complete with USB and auxiliary jacks. If you upgrade to Limited trim you get heated seats, leather bolsters, fog lights, keyless entry and start, and an experience-enhancing spoiler.
Changes for 2013
The BRZ is a new offering on the compact sports car market for model year 2013.
What We Like
It’s light and it’s responsive – and that’s basically all you need for a thrilling, athletic driving experience. Besides that, the looks are slick and stylish, the interior tech-filled, and the seats supportive for a fully enjoyable ride. As expected from Subaru, the safety ratings for the BRZ are good – despite it being the first sans-AWD model ever produced by the carmaker.
What Concerns Us
The trunk space is, we admit not surprisingly, limited at 6.9 cubic feet. This can be expanded by folding down the itty bitty back seats. The standard seat coverings are rather spartan and the engine, while perfectly sufficient for the everyday commuter who wants the ride to be a bit more heart-pumping, certainly won’t deliver the hardcore race enthusiast the adrenaline rush they’re seeking.
Available Models
One engine is available in the BRZ – a 2.0L flat 4-cylinder 6-speed manual or automatic, with 151 lb.-ft. of torque, 200 HP, and 22/30 mpg manual and 25/34 mpg automatic.
Major Recalls
In June of 2012 Subaru initiated a recall due to incorrectly printed information in the owner’s manual. This information pertained to occupant restraint classification and the airbag system. This information required clarification in order to comply with safety standards, so the company notified owners and mailed out corrected manuals.
Common Issues
There have been complaints reported involving a seal failure on the direct injector.
