Flash Drive

2018 Subaru BRZ tS

September 10, 2018 - Behind The Wheel - Comments: 
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Model Tested: 2018 Subaru BRZ tS

The 2018 Subaru BRZ tS is a limited edition of the popular pocket rocket. The car was built for open road fun.

Engine:2.0-liter flat-4, 205 horsepower, 156 lb-ft torque

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

EPA Rating: 20-mpg city, 27-mpg highway, 23-mpg combined

Base Price: $33,495

As Tested: $34,855

Performance:

Easy revving engine, but could use more hp

Horsepower peaks at 7,000 rpm

Judicious transmission use needed to maximize power

Smooth clutch and 6-speed manual transmission

The stylized body mods are both functional and eye-catching–maybe a little too much so for the rear wing.

Excellent, short throw shifter

Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires offer superior grip

Highly responsive chassis and steering

Powerful Brembo brakes

STI 18-inch alloy wheels

Extra stiff springs

Adjustable carbon fiber rear wing for track driving

Track mode traction control switch

Acceptable fuel economy—our best was 26.3-mpg highway

Comfort:

Nicely bolstered, supportive, comfortable leather and Alcantara seats

The highly comfortable, form-fitting performance seats are great for long trips.

Two temperature heated seats

Stretch-out front legroom

Good headroom

Moderately contoured, very comfortable leather steering wheel

Large range tilt/telescopic adjustment

Big dead pedal

Minimal back seat, but OK access on passenger side

Utility:

Adequate trunk space for two people’s luggage

Flat floor

Carpeted trunk lid

Lots of miscellaneous storage space in tiny back seat

The Subaru BRZ can be equipped with an automatic transmission, but the 6-speed manual is the key to optimum fun and performance.

Door bins mostly large bottle notches

Medium size open console bin with removable cup holder

WOW Factors:

A go-kart with doors and air conditioning

Limited edition (500) tS models

Nice exhaust note

Comfy, form-fitting performance seats

Great driving fun

Whines:

Excessive road noise on less than smooth freeways

The wild carbon fiber rear deck wing is adjustable for serious track activity.

Extra caution required over speed bumps

More horsepower would be nice

No passenger grab handle

Bottom Line:

The 2018 Subaru BRZ tS is a wild looking little pocket rocket with its adjustable carbon fiber rear wing, low stance, body skirts, and bright red Brembo calipers with the go to match the show. It’s quite comfortable for two people and a week’s worth of luggage. The Subaru BRZ tS is fine around town (easy parking), but it really shines on twisty country roads.