What is it?
The second-generation BRZ (ZD8) is the Subaru side of the joint Subaru and Toyota Gazoo Racing sports coupe project. FA24 naturally aspirated 2.4-litre flat-four (174 kW, 250 Nm), rear-wheel drive, Torsen limited-slip diff, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic. Three grades: BRZ S, BRZ Touring, and the manual-only BRZ tS with STI Hitachi dampers and Brembo brakes.
The lineup runs from BRZ S Manual at $43,690 plus on-roads, through to BRZ tS at $48,690 plus on-roads. Warranty cover sits at 5 years, unlimited km.
Interior and Technology
Cheapest rear-drive sports coupe currently on sale in Australia. 2.4 boxer fixed the 2.0's torque dip and is properly usable now. Torsen LSD is standard, manual carries no price premium over the auto, and the tS adds Brembo brakes and Hitachi STI dampers as a true limited run. EyeSight is standard on the auto and manual variants get blind spot monitoring.
Cabin plastics feel cheap against a $43k base price. Adaptive cruise is reserved for the auto so the manual misses out. NA flat-four is coarse on highway driving, especially uphill at part-throttle. Subaru Australia allocation is tight and the tS in particular sells out fast.
Should you buy the BRZ?
Reasons to buy
- Cheapest rear-drive sports coupe currently on sale in Australia. 2.4 boxer fixed the 2.0's torque dip and is properly usable now. Torsen LSD is standard, manual carries no price premium over the auto, and the tS adds Brembo brakes and Hitachi STI dampers as a true limited run. EyeSight is standard on the auto and manual variants get blind spot monitoring.
- Warranty: 5 years, unlimited km.
- 5-star ANCAP (2022), full driver-assist suite.
- 226 L boot, segment-competitive cargo space.
Reasons to wait
- Cabin plastics feel cheap against a $43k base price. Adaptive cruise is reserved for the auto so the manual misses out. NA flat-four is coarse on highway driving, especially uphill at part-throttle. Subaru Australia allocation is tight and the tS in particular sells out fast.
- You want a Toyota dealer network and the GR Sport trim alternative (Toyota GR86), a convertible body (Mazda MX-5), more torque from forced induction (Ford Mustang EcoBoost), or a hot hatch with adaptive cruise on the manual (Hyundai i30 N).
- The base BRZ S manual is the cheapest way into rear-drive sports car ownership in Australia. The tS is the buy if you can find one, the Hitachi STI dampers and Brembo upgrade transform the chassis. Manual every time.
- Top trim climbs to $48,690 plus on-roads.
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