SUBARU’S highly anticipated BRZ sports coupe has landed in Australia, joining its Toyota 86 twin on the market with a sub-$40k price point.

To be launched in just one specification and sold in limited numbers exclusively over the internet, the BRZ is powered by the same 2.0-litre normally aspirated boxer engine as the Toyota 86, mixing Subaru Impreza basics with high-end Toyota fuel injection and variable valve technology to produce 147kW of power and 205Nm of torque.

Buyers can choose between six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, but unlike the Toyota model that comes in two variants – GT and GTS – the BRZ is a one-model-fits-all proposition with driveaway pricing starting at $37,150 for the manual.

Unlike Subaru’s WRX bitumen burners, there is no turbocharger in sight.

The question is, can the BRZ produce the same thrills?