One of the last purely compact sports cars is the Subaru BRZ with the typical two-liter four-cylinder boxer engine as a naturally aspirated engine. It only develops its maximum power at 7.000 revolutions, so the power dwarf has to be switched frequently and diligently. A ride into the past with a powerful sound from the two tailpipes.
Anyone who can still remember the dark, black Gulf gas stations in the 4.000s will probably be nostalgic when they get into the BRZ. Starting the engine, shifting into gear and then a firm step on the gas pedal and the quick acceleration of the small sports car with its own sound characteristics characterize its own retro charm. The naturally aspirated engine from the Japanese boxer is truly an asset to long curves on the country road. The acceleration runs linearly in the lower speed range and the correct power development takes place beyond XNUMX revolutions on the tachometer.
Subaru relies on tradition
The small sports car reaches a height of 1,32 m, 4,24 m length and 1,78 m width and is therefore not only very compact in terms of its external dimensions. A sporty note is also predominant in the interior. The leather sports seats enclose the driver with good lateral support and you have this feeling of being seated very close to the asphalt. Then you grab the handy little sports steering wheel and your gaze wanders over the cockpit and the controls. The traditional buttons, buttons and switches look a bit outdated, but they fit the classic sports car character. This is where true fans of classic racing will find their home. The cockpit is a real workplace and needs to be conquered.
So we work out the BRZ adventure, start the low-threshold, grumbling boxer engine and enjoy the speedy performance. A very short gear lever can be quickly guided through the 6 gears and a steering with very good road contact always provides direct feedback about the condition of the road, as does the firm suspension. In the curves, the steering forces increase with increasing speed and the limits of the chassis are clearly perceptible. If you want to push it to the limit, you are welcome to switch from the electronic stability package to the "track" mode and exceed limits when drifting and wagging the rear.
The priorities of the BRZ are clearly set for the sporty appearance and not for the city or daily shopping. The lower speed ranges are not designed for this and the constant shifting in rush hour traffic and in the traffic light phases does not make the real pleasure. The playing field is clearly delimited for sporty trips and your own driving pleasure. The experience in this form is hardly ever offered by new cars crammed with driver assistants.
Conclusion
The Subaru BRZ is probably the last representative of pure traditional driving culture in sports cars. As part of the future changeover to new emissions standards and electromobility, it will probably remain a niche vehicle for enthusiasts, for whom traditional sports car values are in the foreground, as before.
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Addendum
Practical test from green car magazine.
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