2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue / FZS (1082)

Overview:

This week we’re looking at the 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue / FZS. Unlike other Subaru models this has rear wheel drive power with the typical feeling in the turns of less control than the AWD models. I never thought I’d stop loving handling characteristics of rear wheel drive cars because that’s all there was while I was growing up and falling in love with the automobile. BUT – my mind is changed and for all around secure handling I prefer AWD.

General Information: Parts – US/Canadian 0%, Japan 95%; Engine and transmission – Japan

It is Assembled in – Ota, Gunma, Japan.  Class – MiniCompact – Cars from Subaru – BRZ, Impreza, WRX, Legacy, Forester, XV Crosstrek, XV Crosstrek Hybrid and the Outback.

Handling & Performance:

It is fun to drive and manual transmission driving experiences of days when automatics were new. Amazing that people still like them while most young people haven’t ever experienced a car with manual shifting. Automatic transmissions in today’s world are just too good to be denied. They make driving more relax-full.

Overall this BRZ handles well, none-the-less, in spite of rear wheel drive. Good fun.

Styling:

Sports car styling reminded me of friend David Murray (professional race driver) taking me for a “wild toad” ride in a Lotus on the track at Willow Springs, north of Lancaster, CA. BRZ has a very similar low profile design that keeps you very close to the ground.

Fit and Finish:

Nice aluminum touches on the pedals and foot rest and special stitching on the seating is very classy. All very well done and well assembled.

Cost:

The price tag is about what you’d expect for a sport car and one that is competitive in class.

Conveniences and comfort:

Everything is necessarily smaller in a Mini Compact and although adequate it diminishes comfort for me and it took time for to get familiar with the controls. I also am constantly reminded that cars like this are a chore to remember you must always take driveways slowly and never, never get close to the tire stops in most parking spaces.

This class car can be expected to have stiff suspension and more road noise than I care for but that’s the nature of the beast.

Consumer Recommendations:

This is a good list of similar cars to help choose in this price point.

Recognized Competition:

Subaru BRZ $30,000, Chevrolet Camaro $30,000, Ford Mustang $30,000, Scion FR-S $25,000, Hyundai Genesis Coupe $30,000, Dodge Challenger $32,000, BMW 2 Series $32,000.

Good News:

Fun sports car ride, good fuel economy and as important, it is Subaru quality.

Bad News:

Small, low entry and exit discomfort can’t be ignored.

Standard Equipment:

2.0 liter horizontally opposed 4 cylinder 200 horsepower engine, manual transmission, rear wheel drive, sport tuned suspension, stability control, front, side and side curtain airbags, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes with brake force distribution, tire pressure monitor, anti theft alarm and immobilizer system, daytime running lights, torsen Limited slip rear differential, 17” aluminum alloy wheels, audio /’ Navigation system with AM/FM/CD/ XM radio & USB port w/ iPod connectivity, bluetooth hands free phone connectivity, climate control, fog lights and rear decklid spoiler, cruise control, tilt / telescopic steering wheel, power door locks and dual power mirrors, keyless access and start, power windows, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, Alcantara trimmed upholstery, height adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats and mirrors.

Gas Stats:

$2.97/ Gal avg. April 4, 2015

www.fueleconomy.gov

for more information.

22 City and 30 Highway MPG

Pricing:

MSRP $30,490

No Comments Yet.

Leave a comment

English EN Spanish ES