Subaru prices new BRZ from $38,990, long delays

BY CALLUM HUNTER | 6th Sep 2021

SUBARU Australia has confirmed a $38,990 plus on-road costs starting price for its second-generation BRZ sportscar, due to arrive in showrooms during the closing stages of this year before first customer deliveries start in the first quarter of 2022.

Four variants will be offered Down Under across two different trim levels with the entry price referring to the six-speed manual ‘BRZ’, while the more generously specified ‘S’ trim starts from $40,190 + ORC.

Both variants can be had with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle-shifters that adds an extra $3800 to their respective asking prices ($42,790 and $43,990).

Compared to the last of the first-gen cars, the MY22 model has risen in price by between $3720 and $5210, although buyers are being treated to a new platform and new engine with increased power and torque, as well as more standard equipment.

The new architecture is Subaru’s own modular ‘global platform’ that can also be found underpinning the current Forester, Outback, Impreza, XV and looming fifth-gen WRX.

Under the bonnet is a new 2.4-litre flat four-cylinder developing 170kW and 249Nm, all of which is still sent to the rear wheels.

While full specifications will be revealed closer to launch, standard equipment on the base BRZ is headlined by an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as DAB+ digital radio and satellite navigation.

Other equipment highlights include dual-zone climate control, digital instrument cluster, leather steering wheel and gear lever, keyless entry and push-button start, cloth upholstery, self-levelling LED headlights and 18-inch wheels shod with Michelin rubber.

Stepping up to the S trim adds a few extra creature comforts and ups the sporty factor within the interior with Ultrasuede and leather accented upholstery as well as heated front seats.

All new BRZs will come as standard with blind spot monitoring, lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic alert, while automatic versions up the ante with high-beam assist and reverse automatic braking.

Owing to extensive use of aluminium both in the body and chassis set-up, Subaru Australia says the new BRZ’s shell is around 50 per cent stiffer than its predecessor, resulting in better steering response, enhanced agility and more stability.

Under the skin are revised spring and damper set-ups, beefier sway bars, stiffer bushings and relocated rear sway bar mounting points.

According to Subaru Australia general manager Blair Read, the aim for the second-generation BRZ was to “enhance all key areas of the vehicle, taking on-board customer feedback from the first-generation, while staying true to the fundamentals of a rear wheel drive, normally aspirated sports coupe”.

“After all, the success of the first-generation be as it has been that’s fantastic handling giving enjoyment to the driver,” he said.

“The second aspect was refinement to further boost BRZ’s value of ownership and this is reflected in increased engine size and the restyled aerodynamics.

“And the third design principle was in advancement, creating new value for the added owners by giving the optimal level of safety for a sports car.”

Mr Read added that automatic versions would come with Subaru’s propriety Eyesight safety system as standard, helping justify the $3800 premium over the manuals.

Those hoping for a dedicated STI performance halo or even a semi-skim tS successor may be deflated to hear there are no immediate plans for such vehicles, but it is not all bad news as local executives confirmed a range of ‘STI performance accessories’ would be available.

In terms of sheer demand, Subaru Australia marketing general manager Amanda Leaney said the brand had received more than 2930 expressions of interest in the new BRZ since its reveal in May and that there would be some lengthy wait times with cars set to be allocated on a first in, best-dressed basis.

“There will be 500 BRZ models available during this first allocation, with delivery starting from mid-Q1 2022 and continuing into Q2,” she said.

“Now the delivery wait time from the point of order will be long, but worth the wait.

“We're offering a full omni-channel approach to purchase which allows customers to choose the method that best suits their needs.”

The brand is expecting an even 50:50 sales split between manual and automatic transmissions – the old model ended up having a 60:40 split but saw a surge in popularity of the automatics later in its lifecycle.

As previously reported by GoAuto, the new model 25mm longer than its predecessor and 9mm shorter in terms of overall height, meaning it now measures 4265mm long and stands just 1311mm tall.

With stock beginning to dry up, BRZ sales are down 9.7 per cent compared to at the same point in 2020 with 195 being sold so far this year ending August 21, accounting for 5.2 per cent of the sub-$80,000 sportscar segment.