2017 Subaru BRZ
New for 2017
For 2017 the BRZ gets updated exterior and interior styling, retuned suspension, and enhanced performance courtesy of a new “Track” mode.
Affordable, Approachable Performance
Not every sports car is a fire-spitting, tire-destroying ball of fury. Enthusiasts know of the long tradition of small, affordable sports cars that emphasize enjoyment over outright speed, and that tradition is embodied in the 2017 Subaru BRZ. The BRZ gets back to the basics with a well-tuned rear-wheel drive chassis, willing engine, and available manual transmission. What more do you need?
Performance
The 2017 Subaru BRZ represents a type of performance car that’s nearly extinct. It’s a simple, small rear-wheel drive coupe, offering lots of fun at a relatively affordable price. The BRZ is one of the most accessible performance cars available.
It all starts with a rear-wheel drive chassis, which is a rarity in non-luxury cars these days. Subaru co-developed the BRZ chassis with Toyota, which uses it for its 86. For 2017, Subaru further refined the design, adding reinforcements to the strut tower braces, transmission cross-member plate, and rear wheel housings to improve rigidity. Subaru also reprogrammed the stability control, raising the threshold for intervention in a new “Track” mode that replaces the previous “Sport” mode.
Like all other Subaru models, the BRZ uses a boxer engine, which lowers its center of gravity and improves handling. The BRZ engine displaces 2.0 liters, producing 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Buyers can choose between six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. With the manual, the BRZ achieves an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (21 mpg city, 29 mpg highway), and the automatic is rated at 27 mpg combined (24 mpg city, 33 mpg highway).*
While some performance cars are all about lap times and bragging rights, the BRZ is all about fun. The rear-wheel drive layout not only provides an ideal handling balance, but also makes the BRZ a veritable drift machine. The Subaru sports car has enough power to get out of its own way, but not so much that it will overwhelm an unskilled driver. In fact, the BRZ is enjoyable to drive at any speed.
Features
The 2017 Subaru BRZ is a two-door, four-seat coupe. It’s available in two trim levels, priced starting from $25,495.**
The base BRZ Premium model comes well-equipped with standard features like automatic LED headlights, Subaru STARLINK™ multimedia system with 6.2-inch touchscreen, leather-wrapped multifunction tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, leather-wrapped shifter and parking brake boot, aluminum trunk spoiler, performance-design front seats, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
The BRZ Limited model adds fog lights, heated front seats, Alcantara and leather upholstery, All-Weather Package (dual-mode heated front seats and heated exterior mirrors), keyless access with push-button start, 4.2-inch multifunction instrument cluster display, and an upgraded interior with red stitching and other trim changes.
New for 2017 is an optional Performance Package. Available only on models equipped with the manual transmission, it adds model-specific 17-inch black alloy wheels, Brembo® brakes, and SACHS Performance shock absorbers front and rear.
Design
When it comes to design, the Subaru BRZ takes full advantage of its rear-wheel drive platform. It features classic long-hood, short-rear-deck proportions, visually pushing the cab toward the back. Thanks to the boxer engine’s low height, the hood line is also pleasingly low and sleek.
Subaru tweaked the design a bit for 2017. The front bumper was redesigned to both make the car look wider and to improve aerodynamics, while the headlights were upgraded to full LED, with the same running-light signature now used on other Subaru models. All BRZ models also get a standard aluminum rear spoiler, rather than the tacky plastic spoilers often added onto other car models.
Updates to the interior include a 4.2-inch LCD multifunction display on the Limited model. Positioned to the right of the tachometer, it shows lateral Gs, accelerator position, braking force, steering angle, and oil and coolant temperature. It also includes a stopwatch for recording lap times. A redesigned steering wheel includes audio and Bluetooth® controls, plus paddle shifters on Limited models equipped with the automatic transmission.
Subaru notes that the BRZ offers a measure of practicality not available in other sports cars. The rear seats can fold to expand cargo space to 6.9 cubic feet. That’s enough room for four spare tires, a helmet, and basic supplies for a track day, Subaru points out. Alternatively, the rear seats can accommodate front-facing child seats.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2017 Subaru BRZ includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full array of airbags.
Verdict
The 2017 Subaru BRZ is a performance car for the masses that doesn't compromise.
For more information or to schedule a test drive of the 2017 Subaru BRZ, contact us online or visit Herb Gordon Subaru at 3161 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904.
*EPA-estimated fuel economy. Actual mileage may vary.
**Manufacturer's suggested retail price does not include destination and delivery charges, tax, title and registration fees. Destination and delivery includes handling and inland freight fees and may vary in some states. Prices, specifications, options, features and models subject to change without notice.
Image: Subaru