Review - 2024 Subaru BRZ

For 2024, prices have increased most notably for the BRZ manual range, though this is largely because there’s far more active safety equipment included over last year’s model.

There’s also a pair of new performance-focussed BRZ tS variants sitting atop the range, so let’s take a closer look at the BRZ lineup to find out which is your best option for an affordable sports car package.

Subaru BRZ Competition

Starting Price: $43,790

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How Much Does the 2024 Subaru BRZ Cost?

Prices for the MY24 Subaru BRZ range kick off from $43,790 for the entry-level BRZ Manual, while the BRZ Automatic is priced at $44,790.

Stepping up to the BRZ S Manual brings the price to $45,090 while the BRZ S Automatic is priced at $46,090.

Subaru’s range-topping BRZ tS is priced at $48,690 for the manual and at $49,690 for the BRZ tS Automatic.

Prices listed here are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

You could save money by using one of OnlineAuto’s car agents to assist you in finding the best car for you. As one of the leading car buying services in Australia, our team have access to a range of dealerships across the country to help find you the best deal.

Subaru BRZ (S) Specifications

What Features Does the Subaru BRZ Have?

Subaru’s entry-level BRZ comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys and receives adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, dual-zone climate control, a rear-view camera (with rear parking sensors for automatic variants) as well as keyless entry & start, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the BRZ S adds a mix of leather and ultrasuede upholstery with heated front seats.

Finally, the range-topping BRZ tS picks up grey 18-inch alloys, a bespoke ‘Bordeaux’ interior, upgraded Brembo brakes with gold brake calipers and performance-focussed suspension from Subaru’s STI division.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys 

• Adaptive LED headlights

• Adaptive cruise control

• Cloth upholstery with leather-wrapped steering wheel & gear lever 

• Dual-zone climate control 

• Rear-view camera (rear parking sensors for BRZ automatic) 

• Keyless entry & start 

• 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster 

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Leather/ultrasuede upholstery (BRZ S)

• Heated front seats (BRZ S)

• Upgraded Brembo brakes with gold calipers (BRZ tS)

• STI suspension package (BRZ tS)

What Engine Powers the Subaru BRZ?

Power for all members of the BRZ range comes supplied by a 2.4-litre naturally-aspirated Boxer four-cylinder engine that kicks out 174kW of power and 250Nm of torque.

The unit produces peak power at the top of the rev range, while peak torque is on offer from 3,700rpm.

Power is sent to the rear wheels only via your choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

What Performance Upgrades Does the BRZ tS Receive?

Over the standard BRZ range, the flagship BRZ tS picks up a handful of performance enhancements from the company’s STI performance division in the same way the WRX features a range-topping STI variant.

In the case of the BRZ tS, Subaru adds a revised suspension package with tuned front and rear dampers for added performance in the corners, namely tackling body roll that can upset the high-speed balance while cornering.

Subaru’s addition of upgraded four-piston front and two-piston rear brakes from Brembo means you’ve got more stopping power to wipe off all that speed, with a set of upgraded brake rotors gripped by larger pads wrapping up the performance enhancements.

Is the Subaru BRZ Fun to Drive?

The first-gen BRZ came as a very pleasant surprise to driving enthusiasts, with Subaru adopting a very engaging rear-wheel drive format that steps away from the company’s more conventional symmetrical all-wheel drive layout.

The second-gen (current) BRZ has taken that same recipe and added a considerable power upgrade which has resulted in a super impressive and dynamic package.

The end result is a fantastic driving experience that challenges experienced drivers while giving those new to the world of performance motoring a more user-friendly slice without being overwhelming.

Thanks to a wonderful near 50-50 weight distribution and a fairly lightweight platform, the BRZ feels super agile on its feet and handles with confidence, encouraging you to push to explore the limits of grip.

Subaru’s suspension package rides on the firmer side, which is something to keep in mind if you’re planning on long-distance country driving, though the end benefit makes the setup perfect for the BRZ’s design brief.

Better yet, it’s not a one-trick pony when it comes to daily driving, with the nimble handling making for a great companion on a daily commute through the city.

It’s no doubt a sports-focused package, but not to the extent that it’s a pain to drive on an errand run or a drive home from work, while the charming handling and healthy acceleration will surely keep a smile on your face.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Subaru’s 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine powering the BRZ range is rated at between 8.8 and 9.5L/100km on a combined cycle, making it quite thirsty though pretty much on par with its sports car peers.

For those wondering, the BRZ manual is the thirstiest transmission option with figures of 9.5L/100km on a combined cycle, while the BRZ automatic is rated at 8.8L/100km, making it the best of the pair for fuel-conscious buyers.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

As you might imagine, space and practicality are difficult to achieve in such a compact sports car package, though the BRZ’s updated cabin is far more refined than its predecessor.

Up front, the driver and front passenger pick up a low-slung driving position that makes you feel like you’re stepping into a race car, while the seats themselves offer a decent amount of bolstering to hold you in place through the corners.

The low seating position also means that tall drivers won’t have an issue getting comfortable in the front of the cabin.

Practical touches in the BRZ’s cabin are limited, though you’ll still find a storage tray sitting behind the gear lever, a cup holder in the centre console, added storage inside the split-fold armrest and a bottle holder on each of the door sills.

While it’s technically billed as a four-seater, the BRZ is undeniably tight in terms of second-row accommodation, making it more of a two-plus-two for you, your partner and some children in the rear.

Thankfully, the BRZ’s second row picks up a pair of ISOFIX anchors and top tether mounts for child seats, though access for bulkier child seats can be tight due to the need to squeeze past the first row.

Finally, the Subaru BRZ has a very compact boot measuring in at 201L in total, which means you might be leaning on the second row, as well as the boot to swallow up a weekend away or a big grocery shop.

Is it Safe?

The latest BRZ range is yet to be officially tested by ANCAP, though for reference, the previous generation scored a five-star safety rating.

As standard, all members of the BRZ range pick up autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure alerts and lead vehicle departure alerts.

This is a major upgrade for BRZ manual variants, which previously missed out on key safety features, while only reverse autonomous emergency braking and rear parking sensors are now reserved for automatic BRZ variants.

Our Verdict: Is the Subaru BRZ Worth it?

The Subaru BRZ is a wonderful little package that celebrates driving engagement with a lightweight and super-agile package that offers a heap of value for enthusiasts and new drivers alike.

While the range-topping tS variant adds even more performance, the base range is already such a well-rounded package that, for the majority of drivers, there’s no real need to upgrade unless you’re looking for maximum thrills.

All up, the BRZ is a fabulous sports car and one very deserving of a spot on your affordable, performance car shortlist.

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car be sure to reach out to one of our car-buying experts who can help find you the best possible price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty 
2. Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions available 
3. No ANCAP safety rating, yet 
4. Front engine, rear-wheel drive platform 
5. 8.8 - 9.5L/100km combined cycle fuel economy figures