SPORTS COUPE ENTHUSIASTS WILL DIG SUBARU BRZ tS

By NITISH S. RELE – motoringflorida@gmail.com

It may not be on top of every potential sport coupe buyer, but the Subaru BRZ is a ride guaranteed to provide a thrill or two. And now even more so with the introduction of an even more aggressive trim, tS (tuned by STI) for 2024.

Introduced well over a decade ago, the rear-wheel-drive car is equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-4 horizontally opposed DOHC engine putting out 228 horsepower @ 7000 rpm and 184 pounds-feet of torque @ 3700 rpm. Our tS edition came with a flawless 6-speed manual gearbox that was a breeze to shift. A standard Torsen limited slip differential keeps the coupe in control at sharp corners and turns. For an augmented stopping power and fading resistance, Subaru has incorporated an STI-tuned suspension along with 4-piston front and 2-piston rear Brembo brake calipers, all in gold finish. Returning a weighted response to the driver’s input is a razor-sharp electric-power assist steering system.

That this is an all-new version is evident from the BRZ tS emblem found in the lower three-slatted grille and flanked by steering-responsive LED headlights, as well as on the rear decklid. Further evidence is apparent in the leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter and parking brake boots, all decked in blue stitching. A blue leather accent down the middle of the Ultrasuede front seats will draw your attention. STI start button and meter display with red metallic trim are standouts too. Other eye-catching goodies include an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual auto a/c, fold-down rear seat, aluminum alloy pedals, heated front seats, frameless rearview mirror, six-way manual driver’s seat, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-inch digital instrument display with the tachometer front and center and a digital speedometer readout.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, driver’s knee airbag, side curtain airbag, blind spot monitor with lane keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert, hill start assist, rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, vehicle stability/traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, remote keyless entry, reverse auto brakes, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights. Eyesight assist monitor, which features lane departure warning and active cruise control, ensures that the driver maintains a straight path.

Push the starter button to summon the 4-cylinder Boxer engine and the rev-happy BRZ emits an exhaust rumble that will delight any sports coupe aficionado. Robust and stunning from any angle, the reasonable four-seater is by no means a speedster but it deservedly earns a report card full of excellent marks.

BRZ tS

Tires: 215/40R18

Wheelbase: 101.4 inches

Length: 167.9 inches

Width 69.9 inches

Height: 51.6 inches

Weight: 2,850 pounds

Suspension: MacPherson strut front; double wishbone rear

Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons

City: 20 mpg

Highway: 27 mpg

Base price: $35,345

Price as tested: $36,465

Web site: www.subaru.com