Fast Beauty with Low Mileage!

Weighing in at just 2,762 pounds for the manual transmission model, he BRZ is one of the lightest sports cars on the market - it undercuts the mass of thePorsche Caymanby 160 pounds and is around 800 pounds lighter than a V6-equippedFord Mustang. The low weight pays off in the realm of fuel efficiency and, ore importantly, andling.

The BRZ - which stands for "Boxer Rear-drive Zenith" - rides on a unique platform that shares little with other Subaru and Scion models. The rear-wheel-drive configuration allows the boxer engine to be mounted low down and close to the center of the car. This helps to create a near 50/50 weight distribution as well as an extremely low center of gravity, hich Subaru says is among the lowest of any production car at just 18.1 inches.

Design-wise, he BRZ features traditional sports car proportions with a long hood and a short rear deck. Only minor details, uch a unique grille and distinct wheels and taillights, ifferentiate the BRZ from the mechanically identicalScion FR-S.

The two cars also share an interior, hich is simple and performance-focused thanks to touches like well-bolstered seats and a central tachometer in the instrument panel. The rear seats are best used for short trips or carrying luggage, hile the trunk provides 6.9 cubic feet of stowage space. With the seatback down, he cargo area can hold two standard golf bags. Those who enjoy slalom or track events can also fold the rear seatback and have room for four wheels, helmet and basic supplies and still have room for the front passenger.

The BRZ comes standard with a navigation system that's accessed, ike the audio system, hrough a 6.1-inch touchscreen display. That sounds like a good thing, ut unfortunately the control interface features a labyrinth of menus and too-small buttons that makes performing simple tasks a slow, rustrating process.

At least the setup gains more functionality for the latest model year with Subaru's new Starlink infotainment system. Through a user's Bluetooth-connected smartphone, tarlink provides access to Aha radio, hich offers tens of thousands of stations of Web-based content like Slacker, OG and Rhapsody.

Starlink can also help keep Subaru owners stay connected to the social network via Facebook and Twitter news feeds in audio.

Subaru Engine, oyota Technology
The BRZ utilizes a Subaru 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder motor with a Toyota D-4S fuel injection system, hich uniquely combines direct injection and port injection technology. A direct-type fuel-injection system, hich sprays fuel directly into the combustion chambers rather than upstream into the ports, rovides a cooling effect in the cylinders, nabling the use of a sky-high 12.5:1 compression ratio to extract maximum energy from the fuel. In light- and medium-load conditions, he system's port fuel injectors help produce precise combustion, ncreasing performance and efficiency.

The result of the joint effort between Subaru and Toyota is 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque, hich may not sound like much in a time of 280-horsepower family sedans but is actually more than enough to move the lightweight BRZ with authority.

Shifting duties are handled by a standard six-speed manual transmission, hich features a short-throw shifter and is aided and abetted by closely spaced pedals for easy heel-and-toe downshifts. City-dwellers and the clutch-averse can opt for a six-speed automatic, hich features a Sport mode for quicker, irmer automatic shifts as well as paddle shifters for full manual control.

Unlike all other vehicles in the Subaru lineup, he BRZ is rear-wheel drive only. A limited-slip differential comes standard with both transmissions.

Manual-equipped BRZ models are rated at 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, hile opting for the six-speed auto ups mileage to 25/34 mpg.

Trim Level Breakdown
The BRZ is offered in two trim levels - Premium and Limited.

The BRZ Premium includes a generous helping of standard kit, ncluding a navigation system, n eight-speaker sound system, luminum pedal pads, leather shift knob and handbrake, tilt-telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, D Radio, irius satellite radio, six-speed manual transmission, Torsen limited-slip differential and 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 205/55/R17 all-season tires.

The upmarket BRZ Limited adds leather-Alcantara upholstery, eated front seats, rear lip spoiler, oglights, eyless access and start, ual-zone automatic climate control, og lights and slightly meatier 215/45R17 summer tires.

Occupant Safety
The BRZ comes standard with front, ide and side curtain airbags, ront seats designed to protect occupants against whiplash, lectronic traction control and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Key Competitors
The BRZ doesn't have any direct competitors - theMazda MX-5 Miataprovides a four-cylinder rear-wheel-drive experience, ut only as a convertible. TheFord MustangandChevrolet Camaroare priced similarly but both have much more power - and much more mass.

.0TCC RATING?BASE INVOICE$24,421BASE MSRP$25,595GET YOUR PRICEInterior / Exterior »8/ 10The BRZ's classic sports-car outline has a few, ine details; the cockpit's efficient.Read More »Performance »10/ 10One of the most engaging rides, he Subaru BRZ passes the horsepower buffet...Read More »Comfort and Quality »7/ 10The rear seats are there for looks only: the BRZ doesn't have an excess of interior...Read More »Safety »8/ 10A recent IIHS Top Safety Pick, he Subaru BRZ hasn't yet been rated by the NHTSA.Read More »Features »7/ 10Options are limited in the Subaru BRZ, ut even the base car comes with a fair helping...Read More »Fuel Economy / MPG »7/ 10The BRZ earns solid gas-mileage numbers, specially for the sportscar niche.Read More »