Subaru BRZ on test: The boxer is a real exotic car

He roars angrily as the engine pulls the chain and speeds off. Occasionally there is a cracking sound in the door frame as the car leans into a corner. Sometimes there is a rattling sound when the unloaded rear axle rolls over a hump.

With sound, but also through vibrations, through small shocks, through life in that place. Such a thing used to be called character, today it means originality – and basically everything has been said about the new BRZ at this point.

But the sports coupé also has a lot to contribute in terms of refinement. An engine, for example. As a four-cylinder boxer it is exotic, as a naturally aspirated engine it is even threatened with extinction, and in terms of displacement it is an independent. The new one goes 2.4 more Easy to turn and work linearly, the increase in displacement works very well – now 250 Newton meters of torque are balanced on the crank mechanism, which makes the car more elastic.

Except in last gear. Here Subaru has included a very long gear ratio in the transmission, so the increase in speed on the road turns out to be a negative thing. The transmission also wants to be touched carefully, stirred and not cracked – the stops of the six-speed lever are designed to be angular and final, but the quick gear changes feel very stubborn.

We don’t want to and can’t complain about the car anymore. Because the BRZ makes up for its pathetic driving experience. Rear wheel drive and closed effect – nothing more needs to be said. This means: The car handles well (albeit at high speeds off-center and unfortunately with very little back-to-zero traction), pushes itself out of corners while resisting skidding, allows itself to be tempted into high lateral maneuvers, and feels . pleasant to direct.

In the end, however, there is a round, general feeling of the car, which weighs only 1279 kg. Conclusion at this point: The BRZ is powerful, playful and light-footed. This is also called a driver’s car. The front seats, which are dominated by side bolsters, and a pleasingly arranged central instrument cluster with a large analog-style tachometer go well with this.

If you like, it can also be more playful: with the game mode activated by the button, the display is transformed into a motorsport-inspired graphic for driving information. Apart from ESP, brake assist and lane keeping, there are no other electronic driving aids in the BRZ. More electricity is not planned at all.

The price list (starting at 38,990 euros) does not offer much in general apart from exterior colors and style, it only shows a sports exhaust system or the second BRZ model with automatic transmission. Regardless, the BRZ has the best additions from the factory: heart and soul.