Overview:
This week we’re looking at the 2013 Subaru BRZ Premium Manual 2-door Sports Car and you are gonna love this car. It is, in my opinion, among the best looking in this class and really well priced.
Subaru developed the rear-wheel drive BRZ with the fundamentals of sports car design in mind: low vehicle weight, an ultra-low center of gravity and precision steering. Utilizing Subaru’s new naturally aspirated 200 horsepower horizontally opposed (BOXER) engine design, the BRZ is a sports car that does not sacrifice everyday comfort and practicality, including up to estimated 34 mpg highway fuel economy. It has 2+2 seating and a folding rear seat to provide sufficient cargo space for four race tires and tools to track days.
General Information:
It is assembled in Gunma, Japan. Classification is Sport Car. Cars from Subaru: BRZ, Forester, Impreza, Impreza WRX, Legacy, Outback, Tribeca and XV Crosstrek.
Opinion and Observations:
1. Every diamond lane should be available to all traffic during off peak hour travel just like Northern California where the lane is open to enter and exit anywhere along the route. Southern California does not allow that ease of use and worse yet they can tax you if you go over the double lines even in off hours with fines of $4-500.00. Now that is Criminal.
2. Who were the idiots who thought up FAST TRAK on the 110 freeway? And who were the idiots who let them do it? Enter corruption from Detroit, Chicago and the east coast states where toll roads are a way of life. California has now begun to slip into the toilet. I hope no one uses the damn things including the toll roads in Orange county and elsewhere. Isn’t it bad enough we pay the highest gas prices nationally and the tax is a huge percentage of the total. In California for example state tax is about $.40 and the Fed’s impose $.18. And on top of that I have to pay tolls to use the roads I’ve already paid for. That is BS. Next election change your vote to a name you don’t recognize since the ones you recognize spend the most advertising dollars and are crooked to begin with.
3. Finally – a reminder that you slow down because those government tax collectors (they call themselves California Highway Patrol – more like predators) are out in force raking in the money for corrupt California politicians.
Handling & Performance:
Very good fuel economy while being a lot of fun to drive. Not all manual transmissions are as easy and intuitive to shift. And the power is good enough to skip gears 1st to 3 rd to 5 th gear makes around town driving easy. Seldom do you have to go through all 6 gears. Rear wheel drive.
Styling:
I thought the speedometer design was odd in that the most common speed on the display is not where it is easily readable. It would appear it was done that way for racing which you won’t be doing much of on the highways in most countries or states. And that led to them providing a digital display of current speed where it can be seen more easily without your eyes having to travel too far off the road.
Fit and Finish:
Very good.
Cost:
Extremely well priced in class.
Conveniences and comfort:
I felt the seat belt could not be adjusted to avoid the uncomfortable feeling on my neck.
Consumer Recommendation:
This is a sport car that is worth your consideration for only $26,000.
Recognized Competition:
Subaru BRZ $25,000, Audi TT $39,000, BMW 1 Series $31,000, Ford Mustang $31,000, Hyundai Genesis coupe $24,000, Hyundai Veloster $18,000, MINI Cooper $32,000, Nissan Z $32,000, VW Golf $18,000, Scion FR-S $25,000, VW GTI $24,000, Volvo C30 $26,000.
Good News:
Priced well in class, nice looking, good fuel economy and fun to drive, stability control, traction control with on/off setting for track driving, 4-wheel ABS brake assist disc brakes, fold down rear seats,leather wrapped tilt and telescoping steering wheel with red stitching, power assist steering, navigation with voice control and 6” LCD screen, stereo with HD radio & XM Satellite, CD player in dash, 8 speakers, Bluetooth hands free phone with audio streaming, iTunes tagging capability, USB port, SMS text messaging.
Bad News:
Seat belt adjustment, speedometer small and odd presentation. Difficult entry / exit.
Standard Equipment:
2.0 liter 200 horsepower horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission,
Gas Stats:
$3.89/ Gal avg. April 13, 2013
For more information.
25 City and 34 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $25,495.
Your comments are welcomed. My e-mail is joe@atthewheel.com
