WhichCar

2017 Subaru BRZ updates announced

Styling, comfort and performance tweaks for Subaru’s updated BRZ.

Subaru BRZ
Gallery4

Subaru’s 2017 BRZ sports car will hit Australian dealerships in November boasting revised styling and added equipment, as well as a boost to both power and torque outputs – though only for the manual variant.

Headlining the BRZ’s external styling updates is a wider and lower front bumper, while a set of new aluminium wheel designs plus new LED headlamp and tail lamp elements go a long way in keeping the five-year-old car looking fresh.

Subaru BRZ headlights
4

On the inside, it’s the new 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system that steals the show, upgraded to the Subaru’s latest software to include both bluetooth connectivity and voice command capabilities. A new instrument panel, which also now includes a 4.2-inch LCD colour screen, can now be accessed via buttons in the reshaped leather steering wheel.

There are new door panels, the dual-zone air-conditioning system now has a fully-automatic mode while embossed leather front seats with red stitching have been added to the list of options.

Subaru BRZ
4

Hill Start Assist has been added to the spec sheet while the Subaru BRZ’s multi-mode vehicle stability control has been given an extra Track mode to allow more exuberant driving while still keeping an electronic safety net in place.

Performance-wise, the 2.0 litre flat-four petrol engine fitted to the automatic transmission variant remains unchanged at 147kW of power and 205Nm of torque. However, tweaks to manual-equipped models sees peak power rise to 152kW – maximum torque remains identical at 205Nm.

With dual-front and side airbags, as well as curtain and driver’s knee airbags, the 2017 BRZ earns a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Subaru BRZ interior
4

“[The] BRZ was a runaway success when it launched in 2012”, Subaru Australia boss Nick Senior said.

“The latest list of new features will add fresh appeal to a car that has gained an iconic reputation among motoring enthusiasts and sports car purists”.

Due to be launched in Australia in November, the firm is yet to announce pricing for the BRZ range. However, expect a slight premium over the current model’s retail price, which ranges from $37,150 to $38,650.

Kellie Buckley

COMMENTS

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.