Vehicle Overview
The Subaru BRZ, first launched in 2012 and now in its second generation (since 2021), is a pure driver’s sports coupé developed jointly with Toyota (sold there as the GR86).
The BRZ embodies the essence of old-school driving pleasure — rear-wheel drive, lightweight construction, and a naturally aspirated boxer engine — in a modern, everyday-usable package.
For 2025, the BRZ remains one of the few affordable, rear-drive sports cars on the market, offering an ideal balance of performance, engagement, and practicality. It’s designed for purists who crave tactile feedback and precision rather than brute power — a modern analogue hero in a digital world.
Key Specifications (2025 Subaru BRZ 2.4 Boxer – RWD)
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Subaru Global Sports Platform |
| Engine | 2.4-litre naturally aspirated flat-four (Boxer) |
| Power Output | 228 hp (170 kW) |
| Torque | 250 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| 0–62 mph (0–100 km/h) | 6.3 seconds (manual) / 6.8 seconds (auto) |
| Top Speed | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
| Kerb Weight | ~1,275 kg |
| Fuel Economy (WLTP) | ~32 mpg (7.4 L/100 km) |
| CO₂ Emissions | 199 g/km |
| Length / Width / Height | 4,265 mm / 1,775 mm / 1,310 mm |
| Boot Capacity | 237 L (fits a set of track-day tyres with seats folded) |
Exterior Design
The second-generation BRZ evolves its predecessor’s athletic proportions with sharper detailing and enhanced aerodynamics while retaining the classic front-engine, rear-drive silhouette.
Design highlights include
Low, sculpted bonnet and wide stance (centre of gravity just 460 mm high)
Slim LED headlights and aggressive front fascia
Functional side vents for brake and air management
Pronounced rear haunches and ducktail-style spoiler
LED taillights with a full-width graphic
18-inch lightweight alloys with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres
Every line serves a purpose — combining form and function for visual drama and track-ready performance.
Interior, Comfort & Materials
Inside, the BRZ is unapologetically driver-focused. The cabin has been redesigned for better ergonomics, refinement, and visibility while retaining a minimalist sports-car character.
Interior highlights
7-inch digital instrument cluster with driver-selectable display modes (Track Mode includes real-time G-force, rev bar, and gear indicator)
8-inch central infotainment touchscreen (newer Subaru Starlink system)
Supportive bucket seats with Alcantara and leather trim
Compact steering wheel with excellent feedback
Manual handbrake and short-throw gear lever (manual)
Lightweight materials for lower centre of gravity
Despite being a sports coupé, the BRZ offers good visibility, logical controls, and usable space, making it comfortable even for daily driving or long weekend runs.
Features & Infotainment
The 2025 BRZ keeps things simple yet connected — technology serves the drive rather than distracts from it.
8-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto (wired & wireless)
Bluetooth and DAB+ radio
6-speaker or optional 8-speaker audio system
Rear-view camera and parking sensors
Dual-zone climate control
Keyless entry and push-button start
Subaru wisely avoids cluttering the BRZ with excessive tech — keeping the driver-car connection pure.
Safety & Ratings
While primarily a driver’s car, the BRZ still offers key safety and driver assistance features.
Key safety systems include
Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist (automatic models only) – includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision Braking
Multiple airbags (front, side, curtain, knee)
Traction and stability control with adjustable modes
Reinforced chassis with Subaru’s Global Platform rigidity
Rear camera and parking assist
It’s a small, lightweight car, but Subaru’s engineering ensures solid crash safety and occupant protection.
Driving Performance
This is where the BRZ truly shines. Every input — throttle, steering, brake, gearshift — feels precise and mechanical, creating one of the most rewarding drives under £40k.
Driving impressions
2.4L flat-four engine delivers instant throttle response and improved mid-range torque over the old 2.0L
6-speed manual gearbox offers crisp, short throws
Perfect 53:47 weight distribution
Low seating position puts driver at the heart of the car
Balanced chassis with playful yet predictable rear end
Limited-slip differential standard on all models
Rev-happy, linear power delivery to 7,500 rpm
Whether on a tight B-road or a racetrack, the BRZ rewards skill and precision, offering feedback levels rarely found in modern cars. It’s not just fast — it’s immersive.
Fuel Efficiency
| Manual | ~32 mpg combined (7.4 L/100 km) |
| Automatic | ~34 mpg combined (6.9 L/100 km) |
| Tank capacity | 50 L |
CO₂: 190–199 g/km
Fuel economy is acceptable given its naturally aspirated setup and engaging performance. Drivers buy the BRZ for smiles per gallon, not miles per gallon — and it delivers plenty.
Practicality & Everyday Usability
For a sports coupé, the BRZ is surprisingly usable day-to-day.
| Boot | 237 L (fits a set of track wheels or weekend luggage) |
| Rear seats | 2+2 layout — small but foldable for extra cargo space |
| Ground clearance | 130 mm — manageable for city use |
Good visibility and compact dimensions aid parking and urban driving
It’s a sports car you can drive daily without sacrificing comfort or practicality — a rare feat at this price point.
Warranty & Maintenance
| Vehicle warranty | 3 years / 60,000 miles (extendable) |
| Powertrain warranty | 5 years / 100,000 miles |
| Service interval | Every 12 months or 9,000 miles |
| Roadside assistance | Included during warranty period |
Subaru’s reputation for durability extends to the BRZ, with strong reliability and low maintenance costs compared to turbocharged performance cars.
Price & Value for Money
| Trim | Transmission | Starting Price (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| BRZ 2.4 RWD (Manual) | 6-speed manual | ~£34,000 |
| BRZ 2.4 RWD (Auto) | 6-speed automatic | ~£36,000 |
For its price, the BRZ offers pure driving engagement that even cars costing twice as much struggle to match — making it one of the best-value sports cars of the decade.
Comparison with Rivals
| Model | Drivetrain | Power | 0–62 mph | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru BRZ 2.4 | RWD | 228 hp | 6.3s | £34k |
| Toyota GR86 | RWD | 231 hp | 6.3s | £35k |
| Mazda MX-5 RF 2.0 | RWD | 184 hp | 6.8s | £33k |
| BMW 230i Coupe | RWD | 245 hp | 5.9s | £43k |
The BRZ stands out as the purest driver’s car in its class — less powerful but more connected, accessible, and rewarding on real roads.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Superb handling and balance
Engaging manual gearbox
Great visibility and everyday usability
Naturally aspirated engine with linear power
Excellent value for a true sports coupé
Cons
No turbo option for straight-line power fans
Tight rear seats
Road noise on coarse surfaces
⭐ Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (4.8 / 5)
Final Verdict
The 2025 Subaru BRZ is one of the last true driver’s cars in an increasingly digital world. Light, balanced, and beautifully analog, it reconnects you with the road in a way few modern vehicles can.
Its combination of rear-wheel drive purity, excellent handling, and everyday usability make it a standout choice for enthusiasts — a sports car that’s as fun on a daily commute as it is on a twisty backroad or track day.
| Who it’s for | Driving enthusiasts, purists, and weekend racers seeking a lightweight, rewarding, and affordable sports coupé that delivers timeless thrills. |
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Pros & cons
- More engaging than a normal family car
- Strong road presence and driver appeal
- Good fit for UK buyers who choose the right trim
- Strong shortlist candidate when total costs are checked
- Final value depends heavily on trim, options and finance price
- Larger wheels can reduce ride comfort and raise tyre costs
- Availability, standard equipment and pricing may vary during the year
- Performance versions can be expensive to insure and maintain
Final verdict
The BRZ is a credible option in the UK market if it matches your priorities. The smartest approach is to decide what matters most - comfort, space, efficiency, performance, image or technology - then compare the exact trim against two or three rivals on the same route and the same finance basis. Choose the version that feels easiest to live with, not simply the one with the longest equipment list.
Buyer checkpoints
| Buyer checkpoint | True Motion Auto view |
|---|---|
| Best for | Drivers wanting strong driver appeal and performance-focused character. |
| Body style | Performance Car |
| Powertrain focus | Petrol, diesel or hybrid depending on model year and trim |
| UK ownership note | Check insurance group, VED, charging or fuel costs and service-plan pricing before buying. |
| Verdict | Worth shortlisting if its size, running costs and equipment match your daily use. |
Frequently asked questions
Is the BRZ good for UK roads?
Should I buy new or used?
What should I check before ordering?
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Specifications, prices and equipment were current at publication and vary by model year, trim and market. Verify final details with a franchised dealer before ordering. Read how we review cars and our editorial policy.