The 86 Blues: The Subaru BRZ

The BRZ surely puts you out of the blues, sort of

(Taken from Gran Turismo 6)

       I was a little bored staying at home doing nothing. I decided to go to outside and get some fresh air. I always dreamed of sitting inside a Toyota 86's driver seat and go experience the low center of gravity it gives. 

The nearest Toyota dealer unfortunately doesn't have an 86 in their showroom nor stock. Until I remember about the newly-established Subaru showroom in the area. I quickly called and fortunately they got one in stock. I quickly took a trip to the showroom and there it was. With it's signature Subaru blue color. A true beauty.

"Too bad I wasn't able to get some actual pictures of the BRZ because I was the only customer in the showroom and almost everyone inside looks at me. It felt creepy."

A decent blue coupe awaits you
(Taken from Gran Turismo 6)

Sports cars in my place are considered to be cars for the elites, super-rich and famous. Drive one and your neighbors might think that you are the CEO of a multi-billion company as big as Microsoft or Apple.

But despite of the creepy feeling and the mundane look of the showroom agent, I was able to get a grip and get a chance of what it's like to sit inside the BRZ's driver seat. Just like a man sitting on his couch. The only difference is that you are sitting inside a low ground-clearing car that is sporty inside and out.

Clear and clean gauges, nuff-said.
(Courtesy of Subaru Japan)

The first impression I had was it felt cozy inside. The instrument panel is where it should be. The gauges looked clean and it doesn't need more to look better. Dashboard design is pretty decent, not much clutter to look at.

It also comes with an automatic climate control and and option to turn the radio into touchscreen GPS navigation. Red stitching is evident on most of the interior as an added bonus that reminds me of STi. Steering wheel and the fine rubber finishes can take a good grip especially for extreme maneuvers. 

 

"And I thought the seats are going to be bigger than me. I was wrong. It fits like a glove. And everything follows into the flow. It feels right at home."



Once you sit down inside, it feels sporty and sturdy
(Courtesy of Subaru Canada)

You don't have a trunk lever but instead a button to open it electronically. The driver seats held me very nicely. Normally, the BRZ/86 doesn't have a center armrest. But in my case, it wasn't needed since the seats held my arms nicely. The handbrake is easily reachable though a bit high.

Since the car I looked has a six-speed manual transmission, the shifters didn't felt loose. They are right where they're should be. The shifter design reminds me of an Impreza. Cupholders and all that stuff is in the center. 

One thing has to be taken in mind though. The car seats comforatably for two. You got room in the back but it is going to be cramped with little-to-no leg space. But that doesn't stop the BRZ for having no space inside. Luggages, groceries, or other hobby stuff fits good at the back seats. Plus, you got trunk space if you needed more. It comes with a spare tire as well. In total, trunk space is fine. Decent enough for some luggages and a toolbox filled with handy car tools.

"I think they should have considered a return to a liftback option if they want it to be an AE86 successor. But nonetheless, the design is classy with style."



Dual exhaust tips? Good enough
(Taken from Gran Turismo 6)

The BRZ is pretty low on ground clearing. It was my fair share on how a coupe feels like. With a little effort of getting used to take a seat inside to stepping out of the BRZ, you will definitely settle in perfectly.

I know some of you already know of the powerplant. Subaru's own boxer engine, the FA20 fitted with Toyota's D4-S will surely minimize vibrations while in operation giving you a smooth ride. They even fitted the car with a few tweaks to give you that true sports car sound that you wanted.

"But if you ask my opinion, they should have opted for something that will benefit the FA20 truly great like a turbocharger, instead of putting a loud exhaust note to it."

 

Engaging dual-zone automatic climate controls
(Courtesy of Subaru Japan)

Final Verdicts
The BRZ is a good sports car. The way this car feels made me welcome and I was right with one thing, this car was built for me to own someday.

There is no need for raw horsepower if you got a car that will have good handling and design overall. The last thing I need to truly enjoy this car is to test drive one if I ever have the chance this year. But I can tell this car is going to handle very good.

One complaint that I have to point out is more of the dealership side. These people work well but they have to set their minds open. Cars such as the BRZ/86 is not only for the elites and famous but for sports car enthusiats with tight budgets on their sleeves. My advice, make your customers assured and happy. I'm sure Subaru is not that harsh to its owners and new customers.

Nevertheless, it was an honor sitting inside a BRZ. There will be a review of this when I get the chance of test driving this coupe.

Lonely Driver feels: Truly Impressed

My Ratings: 4.95 out of 5 stars.

*Be sure to stay tuned for more car reviews and other tips. Follow the Lonely Driver at Twitter: @LonelyDriverTWT

*If you are interested with one of these articles, kindly contact the Lonely Driver on Twitter.  Please acknowledge intellectual property rights. Thank you.