New for 2015

Subaru added a Series.Blue special-edition model to the lineup for 2015. Other small changes to equipment packaging were also made for this car, now in its second model year.

A Sports Car for the 99 Percent  

Subaru may be known for tough all-wheel drive utility vehicles and sedans, but that doesn’t mean it can’t try new things. With rear-wheel drive and a lightweight, 2+2 body, the 2015 Subaru BRZ proves that this carmaker’s talents are many.

With the BRZ, Subaru and collaborator Toyota (which sells the similar Scion FR-S) sought to emphasize driving fun by building an elemental car with all of the fat trimmed. The BRZ is a nimble performance car that will provide an entertaining drive on just about any road.

Powertrain and Performance

As a collaboration of Subaru and Toyota, the BRZ’s powertrain incorporates the best from both companies’ areas of expertise.

The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine features Subaru’s signature boxer configuration, with the cylinders parallel to the ground for a low-profile package. On top of that, the engine has a Toyota-developed fuel injection system that combines direct and port injection for maximum efficiency.

The result is a healthy 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque which, in proper sports car fashion, is sent to the rear wheels. Buyers can choose between six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

That combination of rear-wheel drive and a lightweight, two-seater body with a low center of gravity makes the BRZ tons of fun to chuck around corners. This is a car that doesn’t require extralegal speeds to fully appreciate.

The BRZ may focus on performance, but that doesn’t mean it completely ignores practical considerations. EPA-rated fuel economy with the manual transmission is an impressive 25 mpg combined (22 mpg city, 30 mpg highway),* while the automatic is rated at an even better 28 mpg combined (25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway).*

Features and Trims

With a low starting price and plenty of standard equipment, the 2+2 BRZ coupe proves that sports cars don’t have to be expensive.

The 2015 Subaru BRX Premium starts at $25,695** with a manual transmission; the automatic isn’t offered on this trim level. That price buys auto on-off High-Intensity Discharged (HID) headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, and well as an infotainment system with a 6.1-inch center-stack LCD touch screen.

Tech features include GPS navigation, Aha smartphone integration, and Bluetooth®, iPod®, and USB connectivity.

Upgrading to the BRZ Limited costs $27,695** for the manual-transmission model, and $28,795** for the automatic. This trim level adds Alcantara seat inserts with leather bolsters, dual-zone automatic climate control, a rear spoiler, and other features.

On top of the normal trim levels, Subaru will also offer a special-edition BRZ Series.Blue for the 2015 model year. Available exclusively with the six-speed manual transmission, it starts at $29,490** and is limited to just 1,000 units.

Building on the BRZ Limited, the Series.Blue is distinguished by 17-inch alloy wheels and aerodynamic body add-ons from Subaru’s STI performance division. The interior gets a similar upgrade, with blue stitching throughout and other special touches.

Exterior/Interior

The 2015 Subaru BRZ definitely looks the part of a no-compromise sports car, with taut lines and classic long-hood, short-rear deck proportions. “Hawk-eye” headlights and a wide-hexagonal grille give the car an aggressive face. The clean design is dressed up with dual exhaust outlets and side vents.

The interior is equally sporty. The seats are heavily bolstered to keep driver and passenger from sliding around during vigorous cornering, the three-spoke steering wheel is the perfect instrument for controlling that cornering, and the simple instrument panel cuts down on distractions.

While the rear seats are small, they can fold down to expand cargo room to a total of 6.9 cubic feet. That’s enough for four spare wheels, a helmet, and enough tools for a track day, in case you were wondering.

Safety

A car that promotes exuberant driving should be able to protect its driver from the limits of his or her talent, and that’s exactly what the 2015 Subaru BRZ does. Standard safety equipment includes: anti-lock brakes,  stability and traction control, front, front-seat, and side-curtain airbags.

Bottom Line

For most people, a sports car means something expensive and impractical, and something that requires a closed course to fully appreciate. The 2015 Subaru BRZ proves that sports cars don’t have to spit fire and consume bank accounts to put a smile on their drivers’ faces.

Rather than emphasize power and outright speed, the BRZ is all about finesse and nimble handling, things that can be appreciated on almost any road. Add in the low base price, the four-cylinder engine’s respectable fuel economy, and Subaru build quality, and the BRZ even makes a lot of sense from a rational perspective.

A rational sports-car purchase? What could be better than that? The only thing we can think of is visiting us at 3Birds Template and testing the BRZ out for yourself!

**EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage may vary

*Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.

Image: Subaru