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autoexpress.co.ukAfter just a few quick corners it’s clear that we needn’t have worried. The 2.0-litre boxer engine is more than adequate to exploit the lively rear-wheel- drive handling on public roads.
The engine is at its best near the 7,450rpm limit, so hanging on to the gears and changing down to second for tight corners is crucial.
The six-speed manual box fitted to our test car had a wonderfully precise and Porsche-like short throw. We also tried the six-speed paddleshift automatic, which is well engineered to suit the car, but proved less satisfying than changing gear for yourself. Plus, our manual-transmission BRZ had a louder, more characterful exhaust note.
Other cars’ electronically assisted steering systems have been criticised for a lack of feel, but with skinny tyres at each corner of the BRZ, there’s plenty of feedback through the wheel, so you can place the car precisely.
Switch the traction control completely off and you discover the other benefit of slimmer tyres: less grip. A limited-slip differential is also standard, which only adds to the fun.
Key to the BRZ’s predictable handling is the compact 2.0-litre engine sitting 11.9cm lower and 24.1cm further back in the chassis than in the Impreza, which lowers the BRZ’s centre of gravity. Add a lower body, near-50:50 weight distribution and a 1,253kg kerbweight (50kg lighter than a Porsche Cayman R), and it’s easy to see why this new Subaru handles with such finesse.
It has a supple ride, too, which comes as a pleasant surprise. The rear suspension layout comes from a WRX STi, ensuring responsive handling. The wheels are small for a modern car (the mid-spec model has 16-inch alloys, while our range-topper comes with 17s), but the trade-off is some give in the taller sidewalls.
