Car news! Subaru BRZ Coupe

Subaru BRZ Coupe

Full 2015 Subaru BRZ Review

What's New for 2015

For 2015, the Subaru BRZ gets a retuned suspension as well as new exhaust tips, a standard "shark fin" antenna and updated interior trim. This year also sees the debut of the limited edition "Series.Blue" version.

Introduction

In this age of powerful and fast but somewhat pudgy performance cars, driving enthusiasts who would rather pilot a lighter and more agile sports car should take note of the 2015 Subaru BRZ. Comparing aSubaru to such sports car luminaries as the Datsun 240Z, Porsche 944 and original Mazda RX-7 would've been heresy just a few short years ago, before the BRZ debuted. Yet this Subaru can proudly stand tire-to-tire with those icons as it similarly proves that if you've got a very well-balanced chassis, communicative steering and light weight then you don't need a lot of power to have a lot of fun. Sharp looks and an as-new price tag well under 30 grand, nicely equipped, don't hurt either.

The BRZ, which was co-developed with Toyota (which sells its version as the Scion FR-S) breaks with Subaru tradition in that rather than having the brand's expected all-wheel-drive system, it uses a lighter and more sporting rear-wheel-drive layout. It also uses a naturally aspirated engine rather than having a turbocharged mill expected of a Subaru performance model.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2015 Subaru BRZ is a four-seat compact coupe available in three trim levels: Premium, Limited and Series.Blue.

The Premium comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, summer tires, a limited-slip rear differential, automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat and a fold-down rear seatback. Electronic features include a 6.1-inch touchscreen; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; a navigation system; voice controls; smartphone app integration (Aha Radio); and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

Stepping up to the Limited adds foglamps, a rear spoiler, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated suede and leather upholstery and an All-Weather package that includes heated front seats and heated mirrors.

With only a total of 1,000 slated for production, the Series.Blue (available in blue or white) includes the Limited features and adds aero body styling tweaks, black wheels, red brake calipers, interior accent stitching and a black-and-blue interior scheme.