Subaru BRZ facelift – 5 hp more, suspension tweaks

17BRZ-1

It was leaked in March, but now it’s official – the facelifted Subaru BRZ has finally been unveiled. Like its Toyota 86 twin, the Pleiades-badged sports car gets a minor nip and tuck that hides a number of under-the-skin upgrades, including a slight power bump and a retuned suspension.

Exterior changes include a new front fascia, incorporating a more angular U-shaped spoiler that looks to be inspired by the BRZ STI Performance Concept. There are also new “kono-ji” style full-LED headlights, a first for Subaru, that provide improved light output and reduced power consumption.

With the headlight redesign, the previous C-shaped LED positioning lamps have given way to proper daytime running lights, with a squared-off design – the latter were previously mounted in the bumper. As such, LED DRLs are now standard on all BRZs, and while fog lights are still optional, they too are now LED units. New 17-inch machined finish 10-spoke wheels, shared with the facelifted 86, are also now on.

Along the side, the fake fender vents have also been redesigned. Subaru did not provide a rear photo of the new BRZ, but the tail lights are now full-LED units, as we’ve seen in the leaked photos. There’s also a redesigned rear number plate garnish, as well as a new aluminium rear spoiler that’s now standard on all models – the pedestal design of the wing increases downforce, improving stability and control.

17BRZ-2

Inside, changes are limited to a new multifunction steering wheel from the 86, as well as new red stitching and Incline Start Assist. The Limited model bumps it up with 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), updated controls for the dual-zone automatic climate control, standard-fit paddle shifters on the automatic model and a new BRZ logo embroidered into the seat backs.

As on the facelifted 86, the 2.0 litre D-4S direct-injected, naturally-aspirated flat-four in the BRZ has been tweaked to serve up 205 hp and 214 Nm, up from the current car’s 200 hp and 205 Nm. That’s only in conjunction with the six-speed manual gearbox, however – those with the six-speed auto get the lower figure. The manual’s final drive ratio has also 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, while the stability control’s thresholds have been raised – enough for Subaru to change the name of the system’s Sport mode to Track mode.

For those who want even more finesse, the BRZ is now available with a Performance Package, only on the Limited manual model. The goodies listed are certainly mouth-watering and include Brembo brake callipers clamping larger discs, Sachs Performance dampers and unique 17-inch black aluminium alloy wheels.

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Certified Pre-Owned - 1 Year Warranty

10% discount when you renew your car insurance

Compare prices between different insurer providers and use the promo code 'PAULTAN10' when you make your payment to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services.

Car Insurance

Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Slow car still a slow car. Won’t match AMG GTI RS. Enough for sending taofu only

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 9
  • All we ever wanted for a facelifted BRZ was a Turbo, Symmetrical AWD and an STI badge.

    *flash back to Impreza 22B STI

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • HachiRoku Fans on May 27, 2016 at 12:23 pm

    Why no turbo yet. After so many years from the initial release to date.

    Please release an STI Performance with factory turbo fitted BRZ just like Imprezza WRX STI and bump it up to 260-300Hp. 205HP is a bit sad for a sport car, even ordinary sedan nowadays are making near to 200Hp.

    A45 will smoke this car out of the rear view mirror in seconds

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • takNakP1 on May 27, 2016 at 2:17 pm

    i really wonder how sports car survive Malaysia bumps…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • hamtaro on May 27, 2016 at 6:55 pm

    BRZ is all show, no go…..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • 2ltr bottle on May 28, 2016 at 1:34 am

    It’s also a Toyota 86.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

Add a comment

required

required