A few months after the Toyota 86 received a facelift, it’s now Subaru’s turn to get a makeover with the unveiling of the facelifted BRZ.
So what’s new this time around? To begin, the most obvious difference is the new front bumper and headlamps that include LED DRLs and LED fog lights. The BRZ also receives a new set of redesigned rims, making the aesthetic difference meaningful.
Changes on the inside are minimal as well, apart from the inclusion of a new 4.2-inch LCD display within the instrument cluster and new three-spoke steering wheel. Also updated here are the air conditioning controls.
Just like the facelifted 86, the BRZ receives updates in the performance department, but unfortunately it’s not turbocharged or supercharged like many of you hoped for. Instead, Subaru modestly adds 5 hp and 7 Nm of torque into the BRZ’s 2.0-litre FA20 direct-injected flat-four engine, means the sports car now makes 204 hp and 212 Nm. Only the six-speed manual gets that upgrade, whereas the six-speed automatic settles with no performance increase.
The handling department has received a number of improvements, with the BRZ’s chassis and suspension now tweaked. The rear axle now gets a larger stabiliser bar too. An Incline Start Assist system, which prevents cars from rolling back, is also standard in the BRZ.
Buyers who seek thrills in the corners can opt for the Performance Package, which consists of Brembo brake calipers on all four wheels, SACHS Performance shocks and a different set of black 17-inch rims.
The facelifted BRZ will be available in Limited and Premium variants by September while the Performance Package will only arrive by the end of 2016. Back at home, the BRZ is offered by Motor Image Subaru at RM247,461 for the automatic variant.
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