Flash Drive

2015 Subaru BRZ

July 29, 2015 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 

Model Tested: 2015 Subaru BRZ Series Blue

The 2015 Subaru BRZ excels on wide open mountain roads.
The 2015 Subaru BRZ excels on wide open mountain roads.

Engine: 2.0-liter flat four gas, 200 horsepower 151 lb-ft torque

Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive

EPA Ratings: 22/City—30/Highway—25/Combined

Base Price: $27,695

As Tested: $30,285

Performance:

Peppy Subaru flat four engine

Good 6-speed manual makes best use of power

The flat four cylinder 2.0L engine carries both Subaru and Toyota insignias since Toyota offers the twin Scion FR-S.
The flat four cylinder 2.0L engine carries both Subaru and Toyota insignias since Toyota offers the twin Scion FR-S.

Nimble handling

Assertive exhaust system

Handles like an air-conditioned go-kart

Traditional RWD sports car character

AWD would be even better

Highway ride a little harsh, but to be expected

No Hill Hold like on many Subaru models

Comfort:

Narrow, form-fitting seats for secure positioning

Seats not good for wide-beamed individuals

Seating position is very low to ground

The excellent contoured steering wheel would be even better with auxiliary radio controls.
The excellent contoured steering wheel would be even better with auxiliary radio controls.

Entire interior is on the cozy side

Very nice soft suede upholstery

Stretch-out front legroom

Ample headroom

Driver seat height pump

Handsome blue stitching interior detailing

Very nice thick contoured steering wheel

Lacks steering wheel auxiliary controls

Two temperature heated seats

Very small rear seats and tall driveline tunnel

Difficult rear seat access

Utility:

Small glovebox space filled by owner’s manual

Folding rear seats and a trunk portal provide decent cargo carrying space.
Folding rear seats and a trunk portal provide decent cargo carrying space.

Slick perforated pedals and sill plates

Small, shallow trunk

Flat trunk floor

Useable folding seats and trunk portal

Small door bins

Not much small item storage

Big central tachometer with digital speedometer

Wow Factors:

Excellent driving fun

The BRZ thrives on twisty roads

Very nimble

Boy racer persona and styling

Whines:

Very small area for touch screen radio controls

Not easy to change channels without being distracted

Cheap headliner

Bottom Line:

The 2015 Subaru BRZ is much more about fun than practicality, but that’s why mini vans exist. The BRZ is a blast for two people and their luggage on a trek across America’s backroads. It’s passable for daily driving, but that’s not the optimum use of its merits.