The timing of a sports car and three-day golf trip may seem ill-conceived, but the 2022 Subaru
BRZ Limited made it work.
BRZ is Subaru’s all-new, second-generation, rear-wheel drive sports car with an 2.4-liter
BOXER engine, ultra-low center of gravity, and pin-sharp handling. It’s almost like driving a go
cart, albeit a lot more fun.
It is the lightest rear-wheel, 2+2 (front and rear seat passengers) production sports car in the
U.S. market. Although the backseat is almost painted on, and in all practicality, only helps with
your insurance bill.
The naturally aspirated engine redlines at 7,000 rpm, and delivers a 15-percent increase in
torque. The BRZ is offered in both premium and limited trims, and is available with two
transmission choices: A standard six-speed manual or an available six-speed automatic. My
tester came with the manual, which allowed for more aggressive driving.
For my purposes, the backseat was folded flat, which allowed for two full-size golf bags, two
overnight bags, and various other paraphernalia to all be crammed. It all worked, and made for
a more exciting trip.
The BRZ’s bold new styling is as impressive as its handling prowess. The overall impression is
modern, agile and powerful, with focused and functional aerodynamic details. The aggressive
design flows into bold front fenders with a large side vent. Mine came with a glowing “Sapphire
Blue” coat of enamel.
Running counter to the current trend of power over precision, the 2022 Subaru BRZ focuses on
simplicity and fun. Designed to deliver an unmatched driving experience, the all-new BRZ
delivers 228 horsepower from its horizontally opposed engine. Sitting low in the chassis, the
Subaru BOXER’s unique design allows the BRZ to achieve a center of gravity even lower than
the previous BRZ, and on par with exotic hyper-cars.
With a 101.4-inch wheelbase and near perfect weight distribution, BRZ was nimble and easy to
control. The front suspension uses struts and coil springs to keep weight low, and helps BRZ
race through corners at speed with nary a lean.
For track driving, the standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) traction and stability system offers
the driver five different settings. The system has been redesigned to allow more input from the
driver before it activates the traction system. The system can be turned completely off to put the
driver in full control.
Alas, seniors are not the BRZ’s target market. All of this comes at a price. It’s easy to “fall” into
the nicely bolstered bucket seats. Bu for a 65- and 75-year old, getting out was an entirely
different story. Let’s just say exiting the BRZ and 72 holes of golf left my lower back in a state of
distress.
The cabin is cramped, contemporary and modular. Highlights include an eight-inch infotainment
touch-screen in the center stack, smartphone integration, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto,
Bluetooth, rear-vision camera, and XM radio. Limited trims feature telematics and vehicles
equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission also feature Subaru’s EyeSight Driver
Assist Technology.
Subaru’s acclaimed safety suite is highlighted by pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control,
rear cross-traffic assist, and high beam assist, to name but a few.
BRZ is the perfect solution for younger drivers looking for performance on a budget. There’s
nothing wrong with that.
Base Price: $31,455
Price As Driven: $31,455
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List
price may vary at local dealerships.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
