Subaru has finally announced the new Subaru BRZ sports coupe in Australia. The new model is available as a single variant, in either six-speed manual or six-speed auto form, through online purchase only.
The Subaru version of the Toyota 86/BRZ joint-project has taken a bit longer for release compared with the Toyota. There was some initial delays before the BRZ was approved for the Australian market, with concerns that it would disrupt the all all-wheel drive showroom lineup.
Featuring an identical powertrain as the Toyota 86, including the 2.0-litre naturally aspirated boxer engine producing 147kW and 205Nm, the BRZ is Subaru’s only rear-wheel drive car currently on the market.
Unlike the more mainstream Toyota 86, the BRZ will be a much more exclusive model. Subaru has announced that it will only be available to order online, as opposed to through its nationwide dealership network.
The company says that due to popular international demand, only limited versions will be sold in Australia. So limited in fact, Subaru has said in a recent statement that it expects only 201 vehicles to be available for sale between now and the end of the year. Nick Senior, managing director at Subaru Australia, recently said,
“High demand with short supply gave us some challenges on how to give our customers the best possible purchases experience.
“We believe that online purchase will provide transparency in supply, pricing and delivery expectations that match our high standards.”
Senior said that customers will get to experience a unique and exclusive buying process with the BRZ, including being able to track the status of their cars. Each BRZ will be individually numbered as well, adding to the exclusivity.
If you’re ready to purchase one, you need to log on to subaru.com.au at 12 noon on Monday, July 16, when orders will ‘go live’. Subaru encourages those who don’t have access to the internet to go to their nearest dealer where special computers will be set up.
With prices starting at a fair premium over the Toyota 86, which kicks off at $29,990 before on-road costs, the BRZ price is drive-away. The price also includes three years of free servicing, or 60,000km, whichever comes first. Buyers will be able to select from seven unique colours:
- WR Blue Mica (exclusive)
- Crystal Black Silica
- Lightning Red
- Satin White Pearl
- Dark Gray Metallic
- Galaxy Blue Silica
- Sterling Silver Metallic
Standard features include:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- LED daytime running lights (a first for a Subaru)
- Sports seats, optional heating and Alcantara and leather
- USB/AUX/Bluetooth compatible CD audio system with six speakers
- Torsen limited-slip differential
- 16-inch front and 15-inch rear brake discs
- Dual-zone climate control
- alloy pedals
Subaru has really done a great job of building anticipation, with the initial vehicles allocated for Australia expected to sell very quickly. Subaru has also given very little notice for potential sports car buyers. All we can say is, you better get in quick. Drive-away prices are as follows:
MY2013 Subaru BRZ six-speed manual – $37,150
MY2013 Subaru BRZ six-speed automatic – $39,730
| MY13 SUBARU BRZ SPECIFICATIONS: Engine |
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| Type Cylinders Displacement Bore x stroke Compression ratio Cam-train system Fuel system Maximum power Maximum torque |
Horizontally opposed, naturally aspirated Four 1998 cc 86 x 86 12.5 DOHC D-4S Injection 147 kW/7000 rpm 205 Nm/6600 rpm |
|
|
Transmission – NA six-speed manual/six-speed automatic |
||
| First | 3.626/3.538 | |
| Second | 2.188/2.060 | |
| Third | 1.541/1.404 | |
| Fourth | 1.213/1.000 | |
| Fifth | 1.000/0.713 | |
| Sixth | 0.767/0.582 | |
| Reverse | 3.437/3.168 | |
| Final reduction | 4.100/4.100 | |
|
Exterior dimensions and weight |
||
| Overall length mm | 4240 | |
| Overall width mm | 1775 | |
| Overall height mm | 1245 (1425 including radio antenna) | |
| Wheelbase mm | 2570 | |
| Tread – front mm | 1520 | |
| Tread – rear mm | 1540 | |
| Minimum ground clearance mm | 130 | |
| Kerb weight kg: BRZ manual BRZ automatic |
1256 1278 |
|
|
Fuel |
||
| Fuel consumption (L/100km) combined: BRZ manual BRZ automatic |
7.8 7.1 |
|
| Carbondioxide (g/km – combined cycle): BRZ manual BRZ automatic |
181 164 |
|
| Fuel tank capacity | 50 litres | |
| Minimum fuel requirement: | 98 RON | |
|
Steering, brakes, tyres & towing |
||
| Steering | Rack and pinion assist type electric power | |
| Turning circle (metres, kerb to kerb) | 10.8 | |
| Turning radius (metres) | 5.4 | |
| Suspension: Front Rear |
MacPherson independent strut-type Independent double wishbone |
|
| 0-100 km/h – secs (manual/auto) | 7.6/8.2 | |
| Brakes (mm): Front Rear |
Vacuum assisted ventilated discs – 294 Vacuum assisted ventilated discs – 290 |
|
| Tyres: | 215/45R17 Michelin Primacy HP | |
| Rim: | 17-inch alloy (17 x 7J) | |
Seems like a crazy concept pricing this model so much more than the 86. Does it have more standard features? What makes this model worth more and more exclusive?
I dare say the pricing of the toyota, the history of the 86, and the fact that you can go into a dealer and test drive one as opposed to buying it online, will definately play into the hand of Toyota over Subaru.
Thanks for your comment Whatguy.
The Subaru comes with 17-inch alloy wheels whereas the base model Toyota comes with 16 inch. Apart from that most features are shared between the two.
We’ve updated the story incorporating a list of standard features for you.
Cheers,
PD