2022 Subaru BRZ: A Precise, Fun-to-Drive Car for a Small Price Tag
Serena Aburahma
· 4 min read
If you're looking for a fun-to-drive car with a small price tag, you may want to have a look at the 2022 Subaru BRZ.
Not only is it an affordable, fun car, but Subaru's driver-assist capabilities are some of the best in the industry. Even
Tesla
has started following Subaru's example and now includes a camera-based Autopilot system with its Model 3 and Model Y.The 2022 BRZ has been completely redesigned and reengineered, offering improved handling, as well as more horsepower, torque, and acceleration. The BRZ Premium is priced at MSRP $27,995 while the BRZ Limited has a starting MSRP of $30,495.
The 2022 Subaru BRZ: a sports car that instantly clicks
According to
CNET's
2022 BRZ first drive review, "Subaru's second-generation BRZ is all about pure driving joy." The BRZ's natural amiability is unquestionably its best trait, very forgiving and full of rear-wheel-drive fun. Generally speaking, Subaru hasn't changed the BRZ's formula much: a flat engine using a "boxer" configuration, an RWD powertrain, and Z standing for Zenith (an expression of faith in the horizontally-opposed Subaru boxer engine). Hence the acronym "BRZ."
Both Subaru and Toyota teamed up in developing the new BRZ and Toyota 86 coupes, which is why the vehicles' engines are quite similar.
CNET's review pointed out that the "2.4-liter flat-4 is a turbo-less version of the engine Subaru uses in the Ascent, Legacy, and Outback, making 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque."
That's 23 hp and 28 lb-ft of torque more than what the outgoing BRZ's 2.0-liter engine produced. Most notably, the 2022 BRZ delivers peak torque at 3,700 rpm versus 6,400 rpm.
And for those wondering why Subaru has continued to produce the BRZ without a turbocharger, the author of the CNET review wrote " … do yourself a favor and actually drive the BRZ."
"I love the linear, predictable power delivery that you only get with a naturally aspirated engine, and being able to keep the engine steadily humming at high revs is… the BRZ experience... with the 2.4's better torque curve, low-end power is less of an issue now," they continued.
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Six-speed automatic vs six-speed manual
While Subaru offers an optional six-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, the BRZ's new engine is best paired with the standard six-speed manual transmission.
Automatic transmissions and paddle shifters still can't reproduce that exact precision that a good old-fashioned manual transmission and a stick shifter can. And the BRZ's "tactile, notchy shift gate and perfectly weighted clutch" expresses this perfectly.
According to CNET, Subaru reported that 75% of BRZ buyers choose the manual transmission over the automatic— one of if not the highest in the US auto industry for cars that offer both gearbox variations.
This is quite interesting, considering that 46% of Toyota’s 86 buyers, 58% of
Mazda MX-5 Miata
buyers, and 70% of Porsche’s 911 GT3 buyers choose a manual transmission.What new elements are there to Subaru’s BRZ?
Subaru has added some significant updates to the BRZ's interior and onboard tech. Starting on a simple, but important note, the seats are comfortable with easy-to-find and reach controls.
The Subaru BRZ features a new 7-inch customizable digital instrument cluster and an 8-inch central screen with Subaru's Starlink infotainment technology. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration come standard.
The 2022 BRZ features Subaru's "EyeSight" driver-assistance suite as well. It offers a lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking—but only with automatic transmission.
The manual trim features blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert standard on the BRZ Limited.
The higher trim model also comes with leather/ultra suede-trimmed upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, a full set of Michelin Pilot Sport tires, heated front seats, and LED steering responsive headlights.
If you're in the market for a new car and the 2022 Subaru BRZ is right up your alley, remember to protect your investment with great, affordable insurance coverage. Let
Jerry
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