The small fun-to-drive coupes that dotted the automotive landscape in the 1990s and early 2000s are a wishful thing for many builders and buyers alike. However, all is not lost for buyers seeking that different driving experience today.
For Subaru, the BRZ is its daring car in a landscape of SUVs and crossovers. The BRZ is a small coupe with RWD and a manual transmission that’s a true joy to drive. It doesn’t take long to realize that you’re the lowest vehicle to the ground and you hope that the monster truck sees you in its mirror.
The BRZ tS is a breath of fresh air to drive and a reminder why I wanted that driver’s license in the first place. Its recipe is what driving enthusiasts want in car. It delivers just enough power to get you into a little bit of trouble. The small four-cylinder engine and manual transmission work in harmony to deliver fun at an affordable price. The handling is honest and engaging with a nice improvement if you choose the sportier tS trim level. Bigger Brembo brakes stop the car with confidence and the STI-tuned dampers really payoff on back roads and at the track with only a slightly firmer ride.
The Subaru BRZ tS looks different from everything else on the road or in the parking lot. It’s small and low to the ground with an aggressive stance but a happy face. This little Subaru looks like a blast just sitting still. The low-slung coupe is enhanced with the new tS package that promises better performance. Those bigger brakes finished in gold peek out from behind dark colored 18-inch wheels. The body of the Subaru BRZ seems slicker and more sculpted with crisper lines after last year’s redesign.
Inside the snug cockpit the Subaru BRZ tS is all business. Supportive and handsome Ultrasuede and leather front seats with the blue accent stripe look sharp. The red STI start button and leather wrapped shifter and steering wheel make the BRZ look sportier than other cars. There is a back seat, however, it’s a tight fit even for children. The trunk space is equally limited. This is a coupe and not a hatchback so hauling larger items could be a challenge.
Cost: $35,345; as tested $36,465
MPG: 20 MPG City, 27 MPG Highway. I managed 29.6 in 320 miles of mixed driving.
Options: $1,120 destination and delivery
Safety: Rear vision camera; EyeSight driver assist technology; blind spot detection with lane change assist & rear cross traffic alert; high beam assist; brake assist; vehicle stability control with track mode
Things to know: The Subaru BRZ tS, with its improved driver experience, turns dull commutes into fun drives.
Pros:
- Good fuel economy for a sporty coupe
- Fun-to-drive car with improved handling and braking capabilities in tS trim
- Lower price for performance compared to many sport coupes it goes up against
Cons:
- Small size means it’s not a good fit for everyone
- You hear some road and engine noise at higher highway speeds
- Back seat is more for extra storage than actual people
