Subaru BRZ Automatic Tested: A Sacrilege?
Translated & summarized from Sport5 by baba
The Subaru BRZ automatic was tested, highlighting its striking design and driver-focused interior despite simple materials. While its stiff suspension and basic noise insulation impact comfort, the automatic transmission adds daily usability and safety features. The 228 hp boxer engine requires high RPMs, and the automatic gearbox, though smooth, feels slow, affecting performance. Despite these compromises, the BRZ is praised for its excellent handling and connection to the road, making it a rare sports car option for those valuing driving engagement over modern conveniences.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- The Subaru BRZ automatic offers a striking design and driver-focused interior but features simple materials and basic noise insulation.
- Its stiff suspension provides good handling but compromises ride comfort, especially on rough roads.
- The 228 hp boxer engine requires high RPMs, and the 6-speed automatic transmission feels slow, impacting performance.
- Handling is a strong point, with a low center of gravity and responsive chassis contributing to engaging driving dynamics.
- The BRZ is positioned as a rare, affordable sports car for enthusiasts valuing driving connection over modern features.
The Subaru BRZ automatic was tested on Tel Aviv's busy Yigal Alon street during a hot summer afternoon. The reviewer noted the car's striking and unusual beauty, a rare sight for a pure sports car in today's market. The BRZ is described as a driver-focused machine with components specifically designed for the driving experience, unlike the overpowered SUVs common today.
During a spirited drive, the reviewer initially imagined the full manual experience, only to remember they were testing the automatic version. The interior is driver-centric with a low seating position, though it features mostly simple plastics and a symbolic rear seat. The ride is firm due to stiff suspension and basic noise insulation, but the automatic transmission offers daily usability in traffic and improved safety features.
The BRZ's performance is powered by a 2.4-liter boxer engine producing 228 horsepower, sending power to the rear wheels and achieving 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds. The engine requires high RPMs for peak power, unlike modern turbocharged engines. The 6-speed automatic transmission is smooth but feels slow, especially in mountain driving or when precise control is needed, impacting acceleration time.
Handling is praised for its low center of gravity and tight chassis, allowing the car to dive into corners with minimal body roll. With traction control off, the rear end participates willingly in predictable and progressive oversteer. The steering is quick and communicative, and the brakes are strong and resistant to fade. Fuel consumption averaged 9 km/liter, reaching 6 km/liter under strenuous conditions.
The BRZ is considered a rare automotive specimen, valued for its simple engineering, rear-wheel drive, low center of gravity, and polished chassis. While the automatic transmission and linear power delivery may not appeal to purists, it offers practicality in traffic. The car's simple interior materials, basic noise insulation, stiff suspension, and lack of low-end torque are noted drawbacks. However, for those who appreciate the diminishing human-machine connection and seek a true sports car at a digestible price, it remains a strong contender.