Subaru BRZ review (2012-2021)

Tech and features

The car isn’t quite what you’d expect inside. The materials are cheap and the infotainment is dated.

The whole interior feels like it’s been designed as a toy – the fake carbon fibre trim parts, the simulated leather and imitation aerospace switches would be more appropriate on a gaming simulator, not a real-life car.

It’s almost echoey, too – the sparse cabin amplifies the noise of the engine.

It’s exactly what you want in a sports car, admittedly, but it isn’t something that’s appealing in every single situation and can become tiring.

Driving position

The highlight once you’re inside the BRZ is its seats. With their winged shoulder supports, they look great.

And, thanks to some notable bolsters and Alcantara centres, they really keep you in place while you’re driving seriously.

Unlike many sports seats, however, they’re really soft and squishy, making them deeply comfortable.

Despite the seats, the Subaru's chintzy interior is disappointing. Yet, it isn’t so bad that you can’t live with it.

The plastics and vinyls are hardwearing and, when you’re enjoying the car’s best attribute, how it drives, you just don’t spend that much time worrying about whether the leather is real or not.

Handling and ride comfort

Right from the very start of the Subaru BRZ experience, you know it’s going to be a great car to drive.

Plonk yourself into the low seat and you sit with your legs stretched out in front of you, steering wheel in the perfect position and the gear lever right where you expect it.

Maybe not the best car for granddad, though.

It also combines a tough I-can-take-on-anything attitude, with a nimble lightness – an unlikely pairing, but one that highlights what an engineering masterpiece the BRZ is.

Engines and power

The BRZ’s engine doesn’t quite live up to the rest of the car’s energy and capabilities.

It makes a dull noise and you need to be very deliberate with the throttle and revs to make the little Subaru go as fast as its looks might suggest.

Still, the whirring engine doesn’t ruin the top-notch work of the chassis and suspension. The BRZ is still thoroughly entertaining to drive.

Boot space

The Subaru BRZ was designed with track days in mind, as it can carry a spare set of wheels and tyres in the boot, for those real petrol-heads who want to be Lewis Hamilton for a day.

This means that the BRZ is practical and spacious – a set of replacement wheels and tyres takes up an enormous amount of room.

It achieves its big load space by allowing you to fold down its rear seats.

Rear seats

Yes, the Subaru BRZ is a four-seater – it has two back seats suitable for children and teenagers.

When they’re folded down, the boot and rear cabin provide a wide and long space – it’s just not very tall.

It is deep enough for a suitcase or golf clubs once laid flat or, of course, a wheel on its side.

Fuel economy

Amazingly, many of the attributes that make the BRZ a great sports car – its low weight and simplicity – actually make it an affordable car to run.

It’s great on fuel – drive it like a performance car and you’ll still see over 30mpg. Drive it carefully, however, and the Subaru could do over 40mpg.

Reliability

Its basic mechanical package means there’s nothing too complicated and troublesome, and it’s a very reliable car.

This simplicity also means that it’s no more expensive to service than a regular small family hatchback.