By Nitish S. Rele
Introduced four years ago, the 2017 Subaru BRZ gains more power, styling updates, revamped suspension, among other minor changes. The rear-wheel-drive sporty coupe is still equipped with a 2.0-liter inline-4 horizontally opposed DOHC engine putting out 205 horsepower (up 5) @ 7000 rpm and 156 pounds-feet of torque @ 6400 rpm. The revised and lively 6-speed manual gearbox is fun to shift. Updated coil springs and dampers lend more nimbleness and significant body control to the ride, whether it is in city or cruising the highway. A standard Torsen limited slip differential keeps the coupe in control at sharp corners and turns.
Only 500 of the Series. Yellow BRZ that we test drove will be sold. Making this trim unique is black BRZ and Subaru exterior badging, yellow door handles, foldable exterior mirrors, LED headlights and fog lamps, and a prominent rear spoiler. Step into the cabin and the first thing you will notice is black leather and Alcantara seats with yellow stitching and the BRZ logo on the front seatbacks. Other eye-catching goodies include a redesigned leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel, 6.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual auto a/c, fold-down rear seat, aluminum alloy pedals, frameless rearview mirror and a 4.2-inch instrument display next to the tachometer.
Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, revised hill start assist, rearview camera, vehicle stability and traction control, four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist, remote keyless entry, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
Push the starter button to summon the 4-cylinder Boxer engine and the rev-happy BRZ emits an exhaust rumble that will delight any sports coupe enthusiast. Stout and gorgeous-looking from any angle, the four-seater is by no means a speed demon but it deservedly earns a report card full of great marks.
BRZ SERIES.YELLOW
Tires: 215/45R17
Wheelbase: 101.2 inches
Length: 166.7 inches
Suspension: MacPherson strut front; double wishbone rear
Steering: electric-power assist
Weight: 2,785 pounds
Fuel capacity: 13.2 gallons
City: 21 mpg
Highway: 29 mpg
Base price: $29,695
Web site: www.subaru.com
