While Subaru has kept the BRZ’s build relatively untouched, the 2016 model now comes in a limited edition striking electric blue color and has an updated “infotainment system” that now comes standard. It’s still an excellent drive at a price you can’t beat.
Besides the 6.2-inch infotainment system, the 2016 BRZ also comes standard with the following: Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system, review camera, voice controls, navigation system, smartphone app integration (which includes everything from Pandora to news, weather and calendar features), a fold-down rear seat back, keyless entry, and of course, Bluetooth, aux cord and a USB port for the base Premium trim.
For the second trim level, Limited, the BRZ adds rear spoiler, keyless entry, simulated suede and leather upholstery as well as an upgraded interior trim. Step it up one more notch to the limited edition HyperBlue model and it adds the bright blue exterior paint, blue stitching and accents throughout the cabin, frameless rearview mirror and some slight body styling changes. The latter option is definitely not for those who do not want extra attention. The electric blue paint job is undeniably eye-catching.
Aside from all the great standard features, the Subaru BRZ is also fantastic to drive. It’s lightweight, about 2,800 pound, with a rear-wheel drive powered by 200 horsepower 4-cylinder engine. While its zero to sixty time of 6.8 seconds is not particularly fast for a sports car, where the BRZ shines is winding through curvy roads. The BRZ boasts great responsive steering, making you feel totally in control at all times behind the wheel. Its responsiveness along with its low center of gravity and power make for a really fun ride. Safety features for the BRZ, which include anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, are also very good.
In government testing the 2016 BRZ earned a five out of five stars overall for safety. For impact safety, the BRZ earned four out of five stars, which seems surprising considering the BRZ’s small size. For the manual version, the BRZ gets 22-city/ 30-highway mpg while for the automatic version it gets an exceptional 25-city/34- highway mpg. On long- term road tests, the BRZ is a pleasure to drive. So much so that it would be difficult to find a similar ride at the BRZ’s price.
The biggest set back for the Subaru BRZ is its lack of room. Although it does have a backseat, it is really more for looks than functionality. The most you could fit back there would probably be a children’s seat. The trunk is equally as compact, which fits a weekend bag well but not much else.
If you want a fun ride and fantastic mileage out of an affordable sports car, look no further than the 2016 Subaru BRZ. The BRZ comes loaded with standard features ranging from voice controls to a new touchscreen interface with smartphone app integration. With its drive, price and safety ratings, the 2016 BRZ offers a winning combination many other sports cars can’t beat.
The MSRP for the 2016 Subaru BRZ starts at $25,395.
This column is by Grant Miller, publisher of Miami’s Community Newspapers. He can be reached at 305-669-7355, ext. 216, or via email at grant@communitynewspapers.com.
