The all-new, second-generation Subaru BRZ has finally arrived. Delivering the same fun-to-drive spirit as the original, it now has more power, improved handling, and a sleeker design. When the original was revealed for the 2013 model year it became an instant classic, demonstrating how much fun a sports car can be even without massive power. Instead, the BRZ is all about handling, relying on its agility and low center of gravity to thrill its driver.
What’s new?
• The BRZ is fully redesigned for the 2022 model year
• Chassis stiffness and rigidity are increased
• The flat-four engine becomes larger and more powerful
• The exterior styling gets more aggressive cues
• Features and technology are added to the interior
• Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist suite becomes available
The new 2022 BRZ retains a compact coupe form and promises to improve on its predecessor with even sharper handling—plus a useful increase in engine output. The 2022 Subaru BRZ is a fun driver's car that makes every corner a special occasion—perfect for those who do not want the slightly more affordable Ford Mustang's heavier feel.
Subaru faced a challenge with the new 2022 BRZ: How could it improve on something already so much fun to drive?
Hot rodding might help. Although the new BRZ does not get a turbocharger like many had hoped, it does aquire a larger naturally aspirated flat-four that makes more horsepower and torque. A six-speed manual is standard and a six-speed automatic is available, both driving the rear wheels through a limited-slip differential.
Having been a finalist for Japan Car of the Year 2021-2022 and 2022 World Performance Car of the Year, the 2022 Subaru BRZ now has a 2.4-liter normally-aspirated flat-4 producing 237 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque.
A 6-speed manual is standard, but the 6-speed automatic is now made quicker with an improved Sport mode. On both models, the throttle has been re-tuned for a more progressive acceleration, especially when cornering.
Despite the larger engine and added power, the Subaru BRZ is only slightly heavier (up 10 kilograms) thanks to the extensive use of aluminum. The three-pedal Subaru BRZ accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.3 seconds, while the two-pedal version does the same feat in 6.8 seconds.
The proportions are familiar, but the body is now longer (up 25 mm) and lower (10 mm) than before. The wheelbase has been increased marginally (5 mm) with a widened rear track (10 mm). Larger wheels, upsized from 17- to 18-inches further improve handling.
Helping the Subaru BRZ to cut through the air are front bumper ducts, front wheel-arch slits, and rear wheel-arch fins, along with less obvious aerodynamic elements that manage the airflow underneath the vehicle for optimal stability on the move. Completing the well-engineered aero package are side sill spoilers, small vortex-generating fins at the leading edges of the tail-lamps, and a boot lid shaped like a ducktail to reduce drag.
Inside, the Subaru BRZ’s 2+2 cabin features leather/Ultrasuede upholstery. The red double-stitching on the seats, gearshift boot, handbrake, and door panels set the tone for sporty driving backed up by a 7-inch TFT color display. Infotainment, meanwhile, is provided by an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2022 Subaru BRZ also has improved safety features including Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH), Subaru Rear Vehicle Detection (SRVD) which bundles blind spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alert, and Reverse Automatic Braking (for the AT variant). The AT-variant also adds Subaru EyeSight 3.0 which has six functions: Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
Pros
Stiffer chassis should improve handling
More powerful flat-four engine
Folding second-row seats
Cons
Still no turbocharged engine
Manual transmission lacks driver-assist tech
Agricultural engine note
Specifications:
Engine: 4-Cyl 2.4 Liter BOXER
Trim: Premium (Manual) Coupe
Power: 228@7,000
Torque: 184@3,700
Number Of Cylinders: 4
Transmission: 6 Speed Manual and Auto
0-100: 6.3 on the Manual