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December 9, 2021
Test drive of the new Subaru BRZ – The individual characters of the BRZ and 86 were clearly established | SUBARU
SUBARU BRZ | The Subaru BRZ
Test drive of the new Subaru BRZ
The new BRZ, released on July 29th ahead of its sibling, the GR86. OPENERS has already providedprototype impressions, but this time we drove the production model after its debut.
Text by OGAWA Fumio | Photographs by MOCHIZUKI Hirohiko
It feels more like cousins than siblings now
The Subaru BRZ was developed in collaboration with Toyota Motor Corporation. The new model, released in July 2021, drives quite differently from the Toyota 86. The concepts of the two companies are clearly expressed, offering a "delightful dilemma" for buyers.
For sports car enthusiasts, isn't this a truly exciting era? There are many enjoyable models from Japan, Italy, Germany, the UK, and the US. While some models cost hundreds of millions, this sports car can be yours for around 2 million yen.
Like the first generation that appeared in 2012, this second generation was also developed under Subaru's leadership. The engine has been replaced with a newly developed 2.4-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder (also found in the new WRX S4), paired with a rear-wheel-drive system. The choice of a manual or automatic transmission is also a welcome feature.
The body size is 25mm longer than the previous generation, with the same width and a 10mm lower height. The wheelbase has been extended by only 5mm. The front tread is the same, while the rear tread has been widened by 10mm. The center of gravity is 4mm lower.
The first time I drove it was a prototype, a test drive on a short circuit in the summer. While it's customary for car manufacturers to call pre-release vehicles prototypes, this one was likely identical to the production model. What left a deep impression was the improved drivability due to the slightly increased torque and the natural, pleasing movement when cornering.
Another surprise was the difference in ride feel compared to its sibling, the Toyota 86. While the first generation might have been chosen based on brand sympathy, the second generation drives quite differently. It feels more like cousins than siblings now.
The BRZ's movements are consistently smooth. When you turn the steering wheel, the car rolls progressively, making it easy to control. The Toyota 86, with its different rear suspension, offers a more direct sportiness, such as the nose tucking in sharply during cornering.
In other words, the BRZ is a bit more relaxed. The steering wheel isn't overly sensitive, and the engine torque builds up gradually rather than abruptly (though the 86 is similar). The suspension is firm, but I felt it would be comfortable enough for long drives.