Subaru BRZ 2.4L With A 6-Speed Manual Driven

Using the design cues of the desirable latest Supra, a true low slung dynamic sports car was created by this Subaru-Toyota partnership and we are test driving the Subaru version which is called the BRZ.

The cabin continues the theme with the driver’s seat designed to ergonomic perfection through numerous circuit tests and under race conditions, to ensure you remain comfortable over long periods behind the wheel (we tested this with a drive to JB and back covering about 1000 km.

The cabin is tight (so if you are very tall and very wide don’t continue reading) and the driver gets the latest digital instrument cluster designed to ensure optimum, at-a-glance visibility and readability during fast driving. The infotainment and driver assistance systems are all new. 

One good feature is the minimalist integration of all tactile controls for the air conditioning system.

The front and rear wheel arch flares have been designed to be visible both through the windscreen and rear view mirrors, helping the driver place the car accurately on the road.

The engine start button, all-black roof lining, upholstery stitching, handbrake lever (yes you can easily do a handbrake turn), aluminium pedals and the torso hugging seats add to the sporting flavour that buyers in this segment yearn for.

Under the curvaceous front hood is Toyota/Subaru joint developed 2387cc, four-cylinder normal aspirated engine good for 237PS from 7000 rpm and maximum torque of 250Nm from 3700 rpm, giving this sports coupe engaging performance and a top speed of over 216km/h.

The performance figures is no where near supercar territory figures and yet it is entertaining and engaging from behind the wheel because of its low 1280kg weight.

On a smooth, twisting road the BRZ is a very agile with a near perfect weight distribution and a centre of gravity that allows the driver to defy cornering ability. This makes it an entertaining handler with great grip and exceptionally sharp, communicative steering with the 18-inch wheels shod with Michelin rubbers.

The tail happy behaviour often found in sports cars that are short and low is somewhat missing in this BRZ and only when the car is pushed hard does the evenly balanced BRZ lose some its composure.

This BRZ 6-speed manual gearbox shifts are direct and precise. The engine revs climb and drop so quickly that it’s reminiscent of 3.0L engine. It is a good thing that our car had the hugging seat inserts when we found some quick sharp corners to abuse it on.

It has good grip, and it’s easy to drive hard and you will have fun doing it. You can approach a corner, feed in lots of throttle with the engine revving above 4000 rpm, and the rear-wheel drive will pull you around and save your car from damage against the curb.

This Boxer powered car needs a turbocharger and 280bhp and 350Nm of torque to be class best sports car. Will it happen? We have been waiting since 2014!

Subaru BRZ 2.4L Specifications

Engine: D-4S2 Inline 4-Cylinder DOHC

Capacity: 2387cc

Gearbox: 6-Speed Manual

Max power: 237PS @ 7,000rpm

Max torque: 250Nm @ 3,700rpm

Top Speed: 216km/h

0-100km/h Acceleration: 6.8 seconds

Selling Price: RM268,500