Motor Image Malaysia has introduce the
revised Subaru BRZ. The big news is that the purist rear-wheel drive sports car
is now offered with a six-speed manual transmission option, joining the
previously-available six-speed auto – the row-your-own gearbox was hitherto
only available on an indent order basis.
This lowers the entry point slightly, with the BRZ
now available from RM 224,389 with the manual ‘box, on-the-road without
insurance; the auto model is also over RM 10,000 cheaper than before, retailing
at RM 230,749. Both variants are significantly less expensive than the
equivalent Toyota, to the tune of over RM 33,000.
The updates introduced through the mid-cycle
revision have given the BRZ a sharper, more aggressive look. The new front
fascia features a more angular U-shaped spoiler, along with new full-LED
headlights that incorporate C-shaped LED daytime running lights and LED
indicators.
Elsewhere, the fog lights are also now LED units,
while redesigned faux fender vents sit aft of the front wheel arches. At the
rear, the tail lights are now full-LED units, as seen on the facelifted 86. New
17-inch machined finish 10-spoke wheels, also shared with the 86, are fitted as
well.
Inside, changes include a new multifunction steering
wheel – also from the 86 – as well as a redesigned instrument cluster with a
wrapped visor and a new 4.2-inch colour multifunction display (now with vehicle
performance data and a lap timer) and updated controls for the dual-zone
automatic climate control. There’s also new red stitching across the cabin and
a new BRZ logo embroidered into the seat backs.
Standard kit includes keyless entry, push-button
start, cruise control, dual-zone auto climate control, leather and Alcantara
upholstery and a 2-DIN radio/CD player with six speakers. Safety-wise, there
are seven airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, new Hill Start Assist and
revised Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with a more lenient Track mode.
The 2.0 litre D-4S direct-injected,
naturally-aspirated flat-four in the BRZ makes 200 hp and 205 Nm, the same as
before. However, the manual’s final drive ratio has dropped from 4.1 to 4.3:1,
improving acceleration.
The suspension has been tweaked with updated springs
and dampers as well as a larger rear anti-roll bar for improved responsiveness,
stability and comfort. The strut tower braces, transmission crossmember plate
and rear wheel housings have also been strengthened to increase rigidity.