The 2024 Subaru BRZ is still a bargain among sports cars

Sports cars are victims of inflation like all other cars and Subaru BRZ shows this, its base price increases by $1,400 by 2024. That said, it still remains a bargain in the category.

The model comes in three trims and the cheapest now costs $31,895 (excluding miscellaneous fees totaling $2,528), which is $455 less than its twin, Toyota GR 86and still cheaper than a Mazda MX-5 RF and a retractable hardtop. The 2.4-liter engine developing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.

Standard equipment includes automatic LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, aluminum pedals and premium cloth sports seats. A 7-inch digital instrument cluster is paired with an 8-inch touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Photo: Subaru

Then, thanks to the stereo road-monitoring camera, Subaru finally found a way to include the same EyeSight safety features and driver assistance previously reserved for automatic models: pre-collision braking, cruise control, adaptive cruise control, get out of the way and. sway warnings, start vehicle warning ahead and high beams directly.

The Sport-tech version has a starting price of $34,895 for 2024, at least with the manual transmission. It adds 18-inch wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires, heated front seats trimmed in leather and ultrasuede, an eight-speaker audio system, Subaru STARLINK connected services (three-year free trial ) and a vehicle detection system that can detect blind spots, among others.

Only the BRZ can offer the option of an automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, for an extra $1,800. That said, with this option, buyers also get automatic reverse braking, remote start and heating and climate control via Subaru STARLINK.

Finally, the new 2024 edition is the BRZ tS version, exclusive and priced from $36,295. This improves performance and handling thanks to the suspension and brakes developed by the STD division.

More precisely, we are talking about Hitachi shock absorbers that lower the car’s center of gravity for better control in corners. Brembo brakes feature gold-plated calipers with four pistons at the front and two at the rear as well as large pads that bite into large rotors.

These brakes are partially hidden by 18-inch wheels with a dark gray finish, which are covered by Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires (215/40R18), the same as on the Sport-tech version. Naturally, there are “BRZ tS” badges on the grille and trunk. Glass houses and roof antennas are painted black.

In the cabin, the main changes are blue stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake gaiters, as well as a leather belt of the same color between the seats. The STI logo appears on the red start button and the 7-inch digital instrument cluster, the latter receiving the tS’ unique red treatment.

While it’s fun on the cheap, the Subaru BRZ/Toyota GR 86 duo represents the best buy in the sports car segment according to the team at Car guide.