Subaru updates and expands BRZ range
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 5th Dec 2017
With all existing versions receiving a price hike of $1000, the range now kicks off from $33,990 plus on-roads for the six-speed manual BRZ, and tops out at $41,894 for the automatic BRZ tS.
Every variant now gets Subaru’s third-generation 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system, featuring sat-nav as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.
As for the tS, which like the BRZ and BRZ Premium is offered in both six-speed manual and automatic flavours, Subaru has added a number of performance features to set it apart from the rest of the range.
To aid in handling and performance, the tS gains STI-tuned Sachs shock absorbers, STI coil springs, Brembo brakes with red painted callipers, and V-shaped bar and draw stiffener suspension components for greater body rigidity.
Visual exterior enhancements include 18-inch black finish STI alloy wheels, an exclusive front bumper with tS badging on the grille, black rear spoiler, mirrors and sharkfin roof-mounted antenna, STI side garnish, and STI exterior badging.
Inside, the tS receives Alcantara seat trim with red highlights and tS logo, grand luxe door panel trim and dashboard highlight, exclusive steering wheel, red seat belts, and push button start with STI logo.
Eight exterior hues are available including Cool Grey, which is available only on the tS for a limited time.
No changes have been made to the 2.0-litre aspirated flat-four engine that powers the entire range and continues to pump out 147kW at 7000rpm and 205Nm at 6600rpm with drive sent exclusively to the rear wheels.
With one month left in 2017, Subaru has sold 708 examples of the BRZ, representing a massive 184.3 per cent rise over the 249 it sold to the same point last year.
Despite its meteoric rise in sales this year, it still trails segment leaders in the sub-$80,000 sportscar segment including the Ford Mustang (8714), Hyundai Veloster (1845), BMW 2 Series (1658), Toyota 86 (1520) and Mazda MX-5 (1367).
| 2017 Subaru BRZ pricing* | |
| BRZ | $33,990 |
| BRZ (a) | $35,990 |
| BRZ Premium | $35,490 |
| BRZ Premium (a) | $37,490 |
| BRZ tS | $39,894 |
| BRZ tS (a) | $41,894 |
