Subaru BRZ

The BRZ shares the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with the GR86, a larger engine than the 2.0-liter in the outgoing model. Power climbs from 205 hp to 228 hp, without the use of turbo. Peak torque arrives at a lower rpm, creating a more urgent feel, especially around town.

This is a notable improvement over the previous iteration, endowing it with a more prompt throttle response. The power does come on in a smooth, predictable way, but for true performance driving, the key remains to preserve momentum, staying at mid to high revs and in the right gear. It simply doesn’t have the grunt to power out of the turns, otherwise.

This car comes alive on tight, twisty backroads. It is nimble and sporty to drive, proving controllable and balanced when pushed to its limits. On the track, it doesn’t feel as sharp as the GR86. The steering and suspension are both a hint softer, making the car feel a bit more benign. This slight concession does make it more livable in the real world, where no doubt it will spend most of its time.

There is a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, making it among the few cars available with a stick shift. We rented two cars, enabling us to sample each.

Both transmissions work well. Ultimately, the answer comes down to where you plan to drive it. Major metropolitan areas favor the automatic—same as any car. But that manual transmission is quite easy to manage for a sports car. The clutch is light and a cinch to engage. The shifter has short throws, requiring little motion to row from one gear to the next. The shift gates are neatly defined, and effort is light. Shift-it-yourselfers would find the manual well-suited to a wide range of scenarios, and as a joke goes, it may even be a theft deterrent. The automatic is better than expected. And when you want more direct control, the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel override the automatic and allow you to initiate downshifts at will—say, ahead of a corner.

Steering action is quick and prompt, but we’d welcome a bit more feedback, particularly on the track.

The satisfying soundtrack entertains when flogging the car, but it can be tiresome on casual drives. The BRZ may be a bit quieter than the GR86, thanks to the softer suspension muting some road feedback.

The BRZ's ride is more compliant than that of the GR86. By contrast, it feels much more livable, although the BRZ does seem to sacrifice some sharpness on our test track. We’ll study the ride and handling more closely, lap after fun-filled lap, once we purchase a car to test.

There are some definite trade-offs for being a sharp-looking sports car. The tilt-and-telescope steering wheel helps find a comfortable position; there is a well-placed left foot rest; and the pedals are positioned for easy heel-toe operation for experienced drivers. However, visibility is compromised by the short windshield and side windows. Rear corners are large blind zones. Blindspot warning and rear cross traffic warning are chief draws for the Limited trim.

It is low to the ground and requires some flexibility to enter with grace. No surprise. Exiting requires a full-body squat that could at least count toward your daily exercise regime.