2022 Subaru BRZ review (inc. 0-100): Is it different enough from the old one?

[@KipsanBeck]

in his spare time, Paul Maric puts on an American accent, and creates Family Guy, hosts Comedy Central Roasts, hosts the Oscars and ocassionally makes movies like Ted. Onya fella, Aussie made good.

[@CarExpertAus]

😂

[@CarExpertAus]

Hi everyone, apologies for the typo at the start on the AUD to USD conversion. The correct figure should be ~$29,000 USD. Thanks for pointing it out! - Igor

[@samgreen8766]

Another correction- The car isn't 15mm lower clearance, its roofing is 15mm lower

[@Blight-fp3vt]

Its also 234hp in Australia, you are showing the USD version.

[@zinny999]

@@Blight-fp3vt they aren't doing very well with the conversion metrics are they!

[@Blight-fp3vt]

@@zinny999 Its a little sloppy yeah.

[@SirBigzalot]

@@Blight-fp3vt I think you mean hp?

[@MFitz12]

Picked mine up on January 15th just before the supply ran out. Same color as in the vid. Drives brilliant. Been several decades since my last proper rear drive sports car. Almost forgot what I have been missing. Suspension tuning is a perfect balance between ride and handling, rotates nicely. Steering is wonderful. Never drove the earlier version because reports of the lack of torque put me off. Not an issue here. 2nd gear starts are even possible. Required in snow. Very drivable. Compares well to the torquey car it replaces - a 03' Sentra SE-R Spec V. Choice between the Subota and the Toybaru came down to availability (there simply weren't any GT86 around) and the heated seats on the Zed being fabric, not leather. The styling differences were irrelevant to me other than the more prominent rear spoiler on the GT86 which I felt was too shouty. Using it 365 in Minnesota. With 205/50R17 Michelin XIce Snow tires driving it winter is as normal as can be. No worries.

[@PavelBondarenko-p1m]

I like the red accents in the Sibaru cabin, the Toyota front bumper, but still the main difference is in the suspension. This should be the most important factor in choosing if you are not ready to immediately purchase a third-party suspension. I envy you, I have to wait another 4-6 months for my gr 😱 Glad to hear that winter driving is possible 😁

[@MFitz12]

@@PavelBondarenko-p1m - Never went through a 10" blizzard but 6" was no problem.

[@MFitz12]

@@PavelBondarenko-p1m - I needed a car ASAP when I purchased my BRZ, picking it primarily because the heated seats were not leather and unlike the Toyota at the time, it was available. Roughly in that order. Suspension tuning unfortunately had nothing to do with it and I never even drove either car prior to delivery so could make no comparison. I also preferred the Zed's more low-key rear spoiler but that was a minor concern. That said, I am happy with the suspension on my BRZ. Its a fantastic road car with the perfect compromise of ride vs. handling for daily use. I will autocross it 6-8 times a year but not being as competitively minded as I was in my youth if its a fraction of a second slower then they GR then so be it.

[@zinny999]

You mean GR86... Because GT 86 is no longer in production.

[@zinny999]

@@PavelBondarenko-p1m I think you get the same interior in Toyota On the 2nd check.. they do have red accent on Toyota as well

[@davidquick9460]

I've had mine (identical to test car) for two months now and absolutely love it. Seriously, that missing safety tech is no big deal. If it was there, it would just be more crap I'd have to figure out how to turn off. Paul your review was so much better than Jenny's. You identified the niche this car sits in and weren't critical when the car performed or made appropriate noise to meet that niche and you didn't favour '...the more desirable automatic...' I almost choked when she spruked that utter BS. Great review of a very worthy vehicle.

[@deswa69]

How I miss manual transmissions! Great review Paul

[@CarExpertAus]

Me too! It has been ages since I’ve driven with one!

[@bigbadbull5847]

Just bought a manual BRZ. I used to own a Mazda MX-5. I absolutely love the BRZ, the gear shifting is fantastic and the vision is much better in the BRZ. I thought the MX-5 was good but the BRZ takes it to a whole new level. Very enjoyable and puts a smile on your dial!

[@alexbarquin9]

Which MX5 series if you don't mind me asking? Makes me wanna buy the brz even more from your statement. Thnx

[@bigbadbull5847]

@@alexbarquin9 It was a 2 litre ND GT model, I also find it easier to get out of the BRZ and even the cupholders are easier to use. The only better thing that I found in the MX5 was the Bose sound system.

[@imanenigma3348]

I will be ordering one in the next few days, this exact car unless I go the pearl white. Turning sixty in April, so why not. Hope to get it before Xmas. Good review as always, thanks. Front engine, rear wheel drive, manual, bravo!🙂

[@moldyrefrigerator]

Just bought a 2023 BRZ, it's such a great car! Get the manual if you're in the market for one. You won't regret it!!

[@wasimali5944]

You should do more sport car reviews Paul. Really enjoyed this one. Cheers!

[@NaTe-Von]

Paul, I think I'm too used to you reviewing giant trucks/utes and SUVs, it makes this car look comically small when next to you standing up on camera 😂

[@CarExpertAus]

Haha. Very true!

[@AbrahamArthemius]

In terms of exterior styling i definitely prefer the GR86 front look compared to the new BRZ. It just look cleaner and simpler in a good way.

[@itsSkippy641]

I feel the exact opposite lol

[@bushcraft3773]

Don't like the 86 front end at all. Looks like a piece missing. The big black mouth doesn't suit the car as a subtle performance car.

[@zinny999]

@@itsSkippy641 then you're wrong..

[@KiraOniiChan]

@@bushcraft3773 BRZ looks weird with those side air vents.

[@Jez4prez1]

@@bushcraft3773 gen 2 was designed by Subaru, they basically did the entire revision, so if anything I like to think of the gen 2 being more Subaru influenced in styling. Gen 1 on the other-hand is more Toyota influenced in styling. Look at the rear of 2022 BRZ, then look at rear of 2022 WRX (not including the diffuser) and they look almost the same.

[@imanenigma3348]

I may be biased, as I intend to order one this week but want to point out to all those people, not so much here in Australia but in the states who believe it needs a turbo. From what I have read/watched, this car's 0 - 60mph/100kmh is reported to be what? Anywhere from 6.0 to 6.5 seconds approx? Standing 400m/quarter mile, have people said 14.5 seconds approx? According to old magazine tests( Wheels & Sports car world) Our own Ford XY GTHO's (1500kg approx) 0 - 60mph/96kmh = 6.4 seconds Standing 400m/quarter mile 14.7 seconds (3.25 ratio) Valiant Charger E49's (1368kg) 0 - 60mph/96kmh = 6.1 seconds Standing 400m/quarter mile = 14.4 seconds (3.5 ratio) Now I cant confirm the 2022 BRZ's times ( can someone?) but if true, it will hose all our so called Aussie muscle cars of the early 70's. I say this with the utmost respect for those vehicles. It really puts this car's performance into perspective, does it not? I realise there is 50 years difference in technology/ weight but also a big difference in capacity/ output. I think in these times we should be thankful, someone is building a light weight, somewhat affordable, rear wheel drive manual sports coupe.

[@mrporsche4236]

You are right

[@jamesmoros1274]

I had the old GTS 86, it was a lovely polarising car. I enjoyed it for 5 years then sold it, when this newish BRZ came out I took it for a test drive.. The quality built and performance is markably better. The main difference I found is that the power comes early and actually feels fast ☺️ The disappointment is that the Design is a bit too close to the old one, I’d prefer the car to feel and look different. So don’t think I will go for it again. Great review Paul as always 🙂

[@lordcaptain73]

I really like the outside except for the back, someone on CE once said it looked like a Hyundai Tiburon from the rear and I can’t unsee it. The car fits its brief perfectly and most aftermarket turbo kits fit almost like the engineers left exactly the right amount of room on purpose 😉

[@goprob1]

Yes-Tiburon thats what I was thinking!

[@jl1331]

I think the Hyundai Tiburon is a good looking car that has aged nicely, TBH.

[@australianwi-fi]

What Tiburons are you guys looking at!? I have a 2006 Tiburon and the rears look nothing alike lmao

[@aimanfitri0iv]

i love the looks especially in this blue colour i can't wait to see in person and i can drive this in virtual

[@CarExpertAus]

Looks great in blue!

[@MKu64]

@@CarExpertAus Hi Paul, struggling to spot one of these in black in real life - have you seen one and in terms of looks - thoughts?

[@toyotaAETruenoGT-APEX]

YESSSSSSS THANK YOU SO MUCH PAULL

[@CarExpertAus]

You’re welcome!

[@interceptor7905]

Paul with one L lol

[@-TJ-]

This is a very cute looking car. I like it. I would appreciate a video which highlights the differences between this and the GR86, because I really can't see much more beyond which service centre is more convenient for you.

[@CarExpertAus]

Will do once the 86 launches in Australia 😁

[@julietaylor2685]

Bugger all. Different rear sway bar mounting methods (subframe vs chassis) and slightly stiffer front spring on GR86. You wouldn’t even know it was diff

[@DT41059]

TBH the exterior stylings of the previous gen was way better. Hope you get a chance to review the new Zed when it arrives, that’ll put a smile on your face 😎

[@klougemosquito8064]

PAUL ALWAYS WITH THE AMAZING CONTENT I LOVE IT

[@CarExpertAus]

Thanks legend.

[@jamieroseman4429]

Everyone keeps saying the GR 86 has the better front bumper but I think people are sleeping on what the BRZ front end is trying to do. The 86 kept it conservative, like its something you've seen before. The BRZ is refreshing and pushes for a modern look.

[@ubernoob103]

Been waiting for this. Awesome stuff.

[@CarExpertAus]

😁

[@Bnm-fk9fi]

Great review as always but can someone please buy Paul some Aeroguard? All that Aussie saluting was driving me nuts 😊

[@joshuanedelkovski9992]

Cars like this make me miss my RX8 just simple fun sports cars that look good and drive even better and with enough performance for a novice

[@CarExpertAus]

Agreed! Nothing over the top and easy to modify.

[@KiraOniiChan]

I really hate how Toyota charges us $425 for White and Red while Subaru offers every color for free.

[@gammah]

Looks aggressive and nicer than the previous model!

[@adamb007]

Thanks for the review. by the way is the conversion to USD listed on the screen at the start correct? Should have multiplied AUD price by current exchange rate not divided so around 29k USD not 56k?

[@andrewd7586]

I just thought our Aussie dollar had gone bonkers!🤣

[@kylosolo6128]

Someone pressed the wrong button on the calculator

[@CarExpertAus]

Sorry about that!

[@M8YM8]

Great video Paul!

[@mrnicktoyou]

It’s a shame theres no real competition for this car as I’d love a modern Nissan Silvia/200SX or something similar from another brand. Everyone else has dropped the ball in this market.

[@eyecontrol4900]

The new Nissan 400z looks promising, but will cost a heap more than a 86/brz

[@MKu64]

No need to wait for Nissan - they did great with this 😊

[@connieindahouse]

I reckon you should check if the side pockets fit protein shakers. Realistically, there will be a lot of buyers blaring around in this on the way to the gym.

[@samy4288]

Ohhh yes I was waiting on this one. Thanks #carexpert 👍

[@fourpipes]

Love this. New styling is great.

[@zanechristiansen]

someone fell thru on one and i might be picking it up soon :)

[@richardhoulton4016]

Yes…of course it’s different. It’s the car the first one probably should have been. Everything that needed to be better has been improved, and that haven’t tried to fix anything that didn’t need fixing. It’s a 9/10 car.

[@zinny999]

Well it's hard enough finding cheap RWD sport cars these days. It is rather surprising to find this gem still in production.

[@jameshinchy7758]

Small thing but in the intro - isn't 40 grand here around 29 in USD? Not 56

[@Sk8rGiRl911]

They added the MSRP all the US dealers are adding on haha

[@CarExpertAus]

Sorry about that!

[@jameshinchy7758]

@@CarExpertAus Hahah I was very confused

[@glensubtorq]

Give it to Atko for the track test 😎

[@CarExpertAus]

Definitely! We have something planned in May 😁

[@joshuamansill9394]

Damn! Those flies 😳

[@CarExpertAus]

😅

[@desirabledrives44]

I saw a new BRZ about a month ago and although the front and back look better the side profile was strange. I'm keen to see the 86 because I think it's a better looking car.

[@ThomasFG]

The Goodyear F1 Asymmetric 5 is actually slightly better than the Pilot Sport 4 as tested in an array of conditions but both are very similar.

[@sumchatoe]

I think you guys mixed up the USD and AUD in your pricing

[@purplehazegaming4610]

I subscribed as soon as I heard the Aussie Accent 😂

[@philross1680]

Hi Paul great informative review as always. I owned the first edition of the 86 and look forward to driving the new 86 or BRZ to see and feel for myself on how this wonderful little sports car has improved. The main thing I wasn’t happy with on the old model if it was used as a daily driver the ride could be very harsh. I’d be interested to know how the ride is on the new model.

[@xenonozhid3383]

Did they use two different designers for the dash vents? The outer large round units look tacked on. Why can't most/all Japanese car designers go and look/sit in an Audi/VW/Jaguar? Secondly, time to replace Michelin PS4s with quiet Goodyear Asym 6's that do work very well in the wet, even when cold. I fitted a set of Asym 5's to the previous model 86, and immediately helped on long trips.

[@xenonozhid3383]

Agree re tyres. We fit Asym's to all our cars, from a FIAT 500 to an AMG benz.

[@M79BaLLDoG]

Hail to Manual! ♥️

[@CarExpertAus]

🙌

[@markjohnstone1531]

I think your price in USD is wrong $40,190 is not $56k USD. Apart from that keep up the great work

[@patrickswayze2596]

170KW?? What the actual F? A 2.4L naturally aspirated rear wheel drive pushing 170 stock is pretty impressive, especially the fact how light they are now. Power to weight ratio is very impressive, but my first V8 when I was young was a VN SS putting out 185kw for a 5L V8 probably half the weight of the BRZ. Only reason my partner wants one but doesn’t want an 8 or turbo 4, and over the last two weeks since discussing them I’ve never noticed them ever on the roads til now I see them everywhere haha

[@DEVILTAZ35]

It's weird they didn't do something about excessive road noise on the highway as so many of Australia's roads are noisy as it is. If it is just to be used as a track car fair enough but it would be a pain in the arse to take it away on a weekend drive or something.

[@richieduck67]

Approved

[@CarExpertAus]

🙌

[@alexandram9477]

good idea to turn the headrest around when wearing a helmet!

[@tylerjones3875]

I owned a 2018 BRZ Ts for 3 years. Build quality was good. Had a teething issue with brake noise which was never resolved. Later found out, after requesting from the dealer, that the whole brake package on the car was worth $12-14,000…I wonder why Subaru weren’t interested in fixing it… Good fun car to drive, but no good long term as a daily due to size. Upgraded to the new DMAX Xterrain. Felt like I went from a go kart to a Mack truck. Pretty poor there are no parking sensors on the new model considering previous models had the option.

[@br6559]

I had previous model 86 owned for afew years, was fun to drive but gear box was rubbish very clunkyband build quality was terrible...had a vibration in doors and finally discovered it was the window switches rattling so took apart and put insulation tape and foam in to fix, think the new model looks far better.

[@chris7395]

Am I the only one who prefers the look of the old car? Maybe the new one hasn't grown on me yet...

[@eva-238]

I just wish brz has a hard top convertible version

[@sydjaguar]

The old model looks better. It looked more purposeful. Not a fan of Japanese cars but this one looks desirable

[@MKu64]

Have to say, after driving it - it's one of the most enjoyable cars I've ever driven. Is actually great.

[@yeezywesty3651]

I wonder if sports cars will ever go back to the late 90's, early oughts era essence.

[@kreamypie]

Waiting for toyota to release the gr86 here in NZ but it looks like they wont release it this year 😕

[@mrporsche4236]

It actually does a 5.9 0-100

[@anthonywarry]

I do want to love this car and I bet it is great fun but with the i30N still in town it's a tough one to walk away from...

[@Chadlynx]

Was the pricing wrong? 40k = 56k usd?? lol

[@d.k.1394]

Amazing

[@xenonozhid3383]

Suggested alternatives for long-distance touring please. Quieter and perhaps more economical? Thanks, everyone.

[@OutRAjious]

why didn’t they just retune the 2L for better mpg…. or even make a 1.8?

[@alanchalkley8743]

Will this new BRZ have more recall the recalls than the previous version?

[@d.k.1394]

Great value!!!

[@Aiumy91]

You are the first who did a “softness test”, but I would like to know the db inside. I noticed that you were driving slow (under 50-60km), maybe to keep the noise down? Like compared to other cars, how is the situation?

[@harrybuhse8622]

He mentions noise at higher speeds a little later on. Definitely a car that would benefit from some sound deadening material if you feel inclined

[@richardwardrop6345]

Brilliant car. If you like this kind of sports car just buy one. One review i read said next best om the price scale is a GT4RS. So if you have AU$300K buy that. Otherwise the BRZ Mk2 is a piece of automotive genius.

[@fidrat24]

Where did you get those price quotes from? they are WAY,WAY off. Not even close! Try $28,595 / $31,095 USD ,$43,462 / $47,261 AUD.

[@cyrilthomas9730]

I love the Toyobaru twins, but I prefer the look of the GR 86 more.... But still, an affordable, RWD coupe... *Initial D vibes*

[@therealkrisjenner]

Amazing review, Paul. You are the best car reviewer that I have watched. My brother has age 2014 86, build quality has been alright, but some rattles have developed, but the top of the dashboard (just above the central air vents) has peeled up about 1cm, I am not sure if it is from the heat in Brisbane or what. He has also done a muffler delete on it so the exhaust rattles quite a bit. I try avoiding going in it as much as possible, as it is so loud. Not sure how he daily drives it, but he must think he’s cool in his p plate hairdressers car until my fathers v6 Hilux flies past him.

[@gojo5265]

Hey Paul will u be doing an Audi A3 sedan 35TFSI review?

[@CarExpertAus]

Not at this stage. But will try and track one down!

[@jasonwishart6800]

Paul, you really need to upsize your coffee cup!

[@yusripp]

wow a full size spare tyre..? never seen those from the review in the US or canada.. nice feature. but it take so much space.

[@db6006]

I think you got your USD conversion backwards. These are about $32k USD.

[@devjnz]

What do you reckon a BRZ/86 would be like with the engine from the GR Yaris?! As an 86, mustang, supra owner… reckon gr yaris might trump them all! And yeah build quality of the 86 was okay… better than the mustang - think paper mache with a paper weight up front!

[@hml878]

good car, but.........wait how long to get one???? 12 months??? or more???

[@DKH83]

So who is driving their BRZ with the full size spare wheel removed to save weight and reinstall it upon remote trip? What do you guy do with the residual hole?

[@Kashchey1]

I’m thinking about getting one. However I’m not sure how’s it gonna perform in WA. I wanna use it for long distance road trips, but BRZ requires 98 fuel. :-/

[@hughventer2934]

I find it a bit odd, it sounds closer to a rotary engine than a boxer like a wrx.

[@harrybuhse8622]

Fake sound. It won't sound too rumbly regardless though with a factory exhaust and equal headers

[@starstar5657]

This or the i30n, i cant decide.

[@rainerbalansag]

Subaru brz is platform as toyota gr 86 available in Australia

[@campbellreither550]

That spare tyre in the boot would be a pain in the a... Can it be removed?

[@huyanhpro1999]

For safety, it's mostly related to the transmission, so if it's manual then nothing

[@minimumtrade]

Buy now or wait for a full fruit BRZ STi / GRMN 86? Though it might just be brakes, wheels, tyres and damper upgrades.

[@trentmorris2502]

Would you go this or one of the hot hatches? I think I would go the i20 over this. Still a nice car if your 21 or in a midlife crisis

[@Aiumy91]

I thought the i20 is more for young or midlife crisis! 😬

[@Daledugahole]

This car literally takes a dump on the I20. There is nothing similar about the two cars at all. Test drive both one after the other and trust me, your decision will be a piece of cake 🍰 Ps : yes I’m in a mid life crisis 😢

[@trentmorris2502]

@@Daledugahole takes a dump is a little bit too far. This car has basically no back seat, small boot, lacking in safety tech in manual and is slower 0-100 than an i20n. I haven’t driven it but it would need to be amazing for the extra $4k and considering everything it’s lacking

[@peterg2345]

@@trentmorris2502 The BRZ is a sports car. The i20n is a family car with added bits. The BRZ lacks nanny bits and drives throught the back wheels; the i20n is a fwd nanny car. No comparison.

[@kenadams297]

Yes...thanks to SUBARU...SUBARU supplied the BOXER engine...the ❤ heart of the car...and without it...the BRZ 86 project would never have seen the light of day...PLUS...SUBARU build BOTH the BRZ and 86...so SUBARU have done ALL the heavy lifting in this joint project...just remember THAT* when you test drive a BRZ or the 86...💪🙂

[@bin149tn3]

Why the front LED of BRZ not lightning all ? ( C-shaped lights do not glow )

[@easy4steve]

looks good goes well , would be fun car , cheers {Paul

[@mpsftmfw]

Same style wheels as the gr rallye. I’m guessing these aren’t forged lightweight though.

[@richardhoulton4016]

I think you got your USD conversion back-to-front

[@Acriore]

Wow suddenly I thought it's alpine

[@gpajic1987]

I didn't see an oil gauge - does it have one?

[@javierrosario6372]

How long did you guys get your car once orderd ??

[@peterg2345]

6 months

[@javierrosario6372]

@@peterg2345 was yours manual ?

[@peterg2345]

@@javierrosario6372 Indeed. It's not a proper sports car unless it has a proper gearbox. WR Blue. Haven't seen another one (of any colour) in Canberra yet; the dealer told me they'd sold a few before mine, so they're not in places I go.

[@williamlambert352]

Very nice good looking car new car 2022 Subaru BRZ manual and 2022 Toyota 86 auto not good for very bad back how

[@Booosting]

You flipped the AUD to USD currency conversion

[@dws-art]

Given your height, how does the space inside this compare to your Supra?

[@MKu64]

Old comment I know - but for me, I am more comfortable in this than the Supra. Both are obviously small - but I'm completely comfortable in the BRZ/GR86 but the Supra felt extremely claustrophobic to me. I'm 6'2". Seat goes back a surprisingly decent amount (removing any use of the back seat but whatever). It also drops to the floor which helps a lot.

[@timcheou5649]

Why do t they put in a ej25 turbo and make it 300hp

[@mingzhu7049]

Surely 40k AUD is not worth 56k USD in 2022 😂

[@johnm5131]

the interior and accommodations need to step up. How will this compete with a new Z? Simple things, they got wrong. For example, in my friends BRZ , he puts the stereo on, and I asked him if it was broken. It sounded like a cellphone speaker. C'mon guys.....the diff of costs between trash and good is about $5 on the supply-side of manufacturing.....

[@jackcalow2430]

if you’re referring to the Nissan Z that’s coming out soon that things in a whole other class compared to this.

[@johnm5131]

@@jackcalow2430 the starting cost of new Z is $30k. Both are RWD, Japanese coupes. They are the same class, but the BRZ is outclassed.

[@Matthew-gx3rv]

@@johnm5131 old comment but new Z starts at 40k American while BRZ starts at 27k American. That’s quite the difference

[@johnm5131]

@@Matthew-gx3rv true, but my MIata Rf has a very nice Bose stereo, good interior and I paid $34K out the door. It certainly can be done. Back in 1990, I bought a New civic Si that was $9200 and it's interior shamed GM products that were 3X the price. Most of it comes down to just how much money they wish to trade for quality.

[@cassimkadarkhan7521]

That indicator light looks cheap and not well finish or designed however good looking car!

[@alanstons8072]

Great car. Much better than the wrx

[@jessemartin6461]

'Shares the platform' (different badge)