2013 Subaru BRZ Reviews, Specs, and Pricing
For the first time since 1997, when the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique shared, one car sold under two different marques has claimed a single 10Best award.
The 2013 Subaru BRZ is a compact rear-wheel-drive sports car that exists solely to engage its driver and deliver high-performance thrills on the streets and at the racetrack. That##Q##s the kind of simple mission statement we can get behind.
The differences between the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ are some exterior colors and trim, and the BRZ comes standard with a navigation unit, equating to a $1310 premium over the $24,955 FR-S.
Critics of the Scibaru are quick to point out its unrefined and buzzy shortcomings.
Tight steering, a well-sorted suspension and firm, capable brakes help the BRZ deliver ample dynamic fun, while a comparatively modest price tag makes that fun accessible to passionate drivers of common means The BRZ competes in the same rear-drive ring as the Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang and Hyundai Genesis Coupe, but proves itself to be a formidable opponent with its lightweight body and high-strung attitude.
Driver hear the buzzing, and even a little interior rattling, as the backing track to a constant reminder that chassis development took the lead during this car##Q##s gestation.
A Subaru without all-wheel drive seems like sacrilege, but considering the kind of holy fun offered up by the 2013 BRZ we##Q##re willing to overlook its rear-drive sin. While it##Q##s a technical twin of the Scion FR-S, the BRZ adds a bit of luxury to the performance equation by offering a more upscale interior.
Electrically assisted steering that actually communicates and a chassis balance that ebbs and flows between understeer and oversteer with brake or throttle applications are hallmarks of its personality.
It is a lot like the Porsche Boxster in that regard, but for about half the cost. With only 200 horses and a 6400-rpm torque peak, there##Q##s no power cushion to adjust the mid-corner pace. The Subion challenges drivers to maintain speed and when apex velocity is maxed out, so is the driver-satisfaction gauge.
Entertainment, value, and execution of the intended purpose are the 10Best commandments: This one (okay, two) nails ##Q##em all.
Price
The base price for the Subaru BRZ Premium is $25,495, which is $23,855 less expensive than the average for all Coupe Cars.
Vehicle Type
This 2-Door Coupe seats 4 passengers. Available with RWD, the drivetrain in the 2013 BRZ Premium sends power to the wheels through a standard 6-speed Manual transmission.
Eye the all-new Subaru BRZ up and down and you might notice it bears a striking resemblance to the recently introduced Scion FR-S. The fact is, besides some minor details, the 2013 BRZ and FR-S are identical twins (we##Q##ll leave you to figure out which is the evil one). A long hood, abbreviated trunk, and a squat, planted stance all hint at the BRZ##Q##s sporting credentials. In person Subaru##Q##s coupe has a more charming presence than in pictures due to its small, athletic dimensions.
Gas Mileage
The Subaru BRZ Premium achieves 22 MPG in the city, which is 29.4% higher than the average for all Coupe Cars, and 30 MPG on the highway, which is 15.4% higher than the average for all Coupe Cars.
Power & Torque
The BRZ Premium has a peak horsepower output of 200 HP, which is 42.9% less than the average for all Coupe Cars.
Engine power is sent to the rear wheels via a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission.
2.0-liter flat-4
200 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
151 lb-ft of torque @ 6,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (manual), 25/34 mpg (automatic)
Maximum torque available is 151 ft-lbs, which is 51.3% less than the average for all Coupe Cars.
