The revised roadster handles well in the rain and will never leak because it only comes as a hardtop.
It’s the middle of June and most of us are going just a little bit crazy with the record-setting rainfall this spring. Convertible weather should be here by now, but it’s not. However, I recently spent a week driving the Subaru BRZ in the rain, and I was reminded why this affordable sports coupe is one of my favorite vehicles.
The BRZ offers a pure sports car experience. With a 2.4-liter engine good for 228 horsepower and paired with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, the BRZ offers good acceleration and a sporty demeanor. It’s not an exotic or near-exotic with a 3-second 0-60 time, but rather a traditional momentum sports coupe. 2022 is the first year of the second-generation BRZ, and Subaru has given this model year the best handling ever. So while you won’t get to 60 mph in under three seconds, once you’re going the BRZ will keep up its speed through the corners.
Inside, the BRZ is cozy but not cramped, at least in the front. There is a back seat, but you wouldn’t want to sit back there. Consider it a convenient carrying spot for your backpack or purse, or a great place for your dog to ride. The front seats are comfortable, and designed for back and flank support. As a sports car, the wheel and all controls are within easy reach. There’s a nice 8-inch touchscreen for your infotainment and connectivity needs. Full Apple and Android phone integration is supported.
The main thing to know about the BRZ interior is that it reinforces the sports car DNA of the model, with leather touch surfaces and a minimalist design. One last thing, there’s no sunroof, moonroof, or other source of leaks in the top. So even 10 years down the road, your BRZ will survive a Portland winter.
On the road, the BRZ is the kind of sports car you have always wanted. It’s not big and ponderous like so many V8-powered performance cars, but rather light and nimble. The BRZ provides plenty of braking power and predictable handling. This car is so intuitive it feels like an extension of your body.
The base BRZ Premium trim starts at $28,595, while the upgrade Limited trim starts at $31,095. The differences between the trims amount to cloth or leather upholstery, standard or LED headlights, and wheel choice. For the small difference in price, I definitely recommend the Limited trim, but the Premium trim is just as good a car.
The bottom line on the Subaru BRZ is that it’s a perfect choice for a Pacific Northwest sports car. It drives as well in the rain as any all-wheel-drive Subaru,
offers more daily-use utility than you might think, and above all it’s still affordable. That’s an attractive combination.
2022 Subaru BRZ Limited
Base price: $31,095
Price as tested: $31,455
Type: Sports coupe
Engine: 2.4-liter four cylinder (228 hp, 184 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 6-speed automatic; 6-speed manual
EPA estimated mileage: 20/27
Overall length: 167.9 inches
Curb weight: 2,835 pounds
Final assembly: Gunma, Japan
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