THEY say, you can take the boy (or girl) out of [insert relevant place name], but you can’t take the [insert same relevant place name] out of the boy (or girl).
Well, instead of inserting a relevant place name into that phrase, I vote, after our first drive of the 2015 (or MY15) Subaru BRZ Premium 6MT, that we change that to racer.
Wicked, potent and just damn good fun to drive, particularly in VSC Sports mode (that’s the no traction control performance mode), the BRZ is a budget conscious sports car that ignites the race driver in anyone who gets behind the wheel.
Handling is exceptional to say the least, thanks in part to its low centre of gravity, as well as its upgraded suspension and ride height.
Powered by a 2L four cylinder petrol engine that’s throaty and loud, putting the pedal to the metal will generate an impressive 147kW and 205Nm of torque through the rear wheels (oh yes it’s rear wheel drive).
Married to a six speed manual gearbox that is precise and responsive, particularly when driven hard, the 2015 incarnation of the Subaru BRZ promises fuel efficiency of 7.8L/100km.
Devoid of most mod cons (there’s no steering wheel controls, satnav or electric seats, the stereo is basic and something as simple as a spare wheel cover in the restricted boot space is only an optional extra), you will find seat warmers in the leather seats, a leather steering wheel and individual air conditioning controls, which is nice.
It’s also not family friendly and squeezing passengers in the back seat is simply not happening. We tried two different toddler seats and managed to get our three-year-old in for a drive around as part of the test but it was hard work.
Her priceless response after just minutes in the car was “go faster daddy, it’s noisy” and her grin from ear to ear said it all.
Let’s face it the BRZ is not a family car and it’s not big on nice little luxury add ons – but damn it’s a great car to drive, and you can drive one out of the showroom for just $37,150. Yes, really.
And while that makes it dearer than its twin – the Toyota 86 GT, the Subaru exclusive Blue Pearl paint job, a better suspension package and some minor interior and exterior tweaks (including smart keys, a shark fin antenna and cool frame-less rear vision mirror) make it all worth it.
This car really is about the driving experience and having fun behind the wheel.
Our test vehicle was provided by Subaru Australia. To find out more about the 2015 Subaru BRZ Premium, contact your local Subaru dealer.
Vehicle: 2015 Subaru BRZ Premium MT6
Overall Rating: 3/5
Pros: Handling is sensational, Performance is superb, Great package at a great price.
Cons: No room for rear passengers; Small boot space; Interior levels basic at best.
