CNET On Cars - Subaru BRZ: Underpowered, under-tech, but overwhelmingly fun - Ep 16

[@cydonia3420]

I test drove the automatic because of 3 left ankle surgeries last 3 years. Tried the paddle shifters, then forgot I was using them at a stop light and revved the $hit out of it. Felt like the car was in command. Said F-it and tested the manual. Holy $hit! What a difference. It was too much fun. Bought it. (my ankle will have to deal) Just went over 1000 miles. Now time to open it up. Never a dull moment, highway or city. Plus, everywhere I go the rubbernecks are out in droves. Lot's of, "wow, what kind of car is that?" With the high sporty revs and tight handling it's an absolute blast to drive.

[@RB20ANDY]

Nice, I'm from Australia and i bought one this year, Best drivers car ever! You must be crazy to buy this in the Auto!

[@PasDeMD]

Your shows have been getting much better compared to when I first started watching/reading! Very nice! I don't really know how I feel about all the in-car "connectivity" and "apps" and stuff. Or even purchasing all of them. I have a smartphone and a tablet already. I'll just mount those? Not even that, when I'm driving, I try not to be distracted.

[@Hargak]

Great interview, thanks! The part about not being a fan of the boxer rumble... well, you're the first I've heard publicize that opinion.

[@cuddles6938]

This was such a quick review of the BRZ, looks like Cooley is starting to do what the rest of the Cnet crew does. Tells you a video is just about one thing, and then you watch and it's got a zillion other products in the same video. Come on Brian!

[@crazyheatrocker]

driving manual cars is just pure, raw and fun that just gives you a buzz only high speed controllability can give you

[@fatboy19831]

Brian, You have the stability control on. I can hear it activating. That crap slows you way down. Even in a straight line. If you hold the off button for 5 seconds it turns off everything.

[@PhantomR32]

The nice thing about the BRZ is you can actually get those 400-500hp numbers out of it if you wanted to. Plus, with it being 2700 lbs, you could have yourself a light weight rocket.

[@fatboy19831]

My aunt had a 740 Turbo Wagon. She loved that car. She could be driving down the road at 80 mph and it would just go dead. Roll to a stop and would not start for days. Volvo never figured out what was wrong with that car. A friend of mine just sold his 940 that had tons of problems till 80k than it ran fine. No more problems. He sold it at 130k miles and it was running fine? If you know what you are doing they will last 500k. For most of us we give up long before than and don't look back.

[@fatboy19831]

I like the engine in the original Sentra SER. Also the first 90 hp GTI mil was very sweet. The Honda 4's were wonderful on the cam but no one was home in the lower part of the power band. The BRZ 2.0 makes very good bottom end torque and has a good top end (thanks to Toyota and Yamaha). It dose not make all the right sounds. It flattens out in the last 500 rpm before the red-line. It is the best 4 cylinder Subaru engine I have driven.

[@Mannikomann]

It's getting better and better. Great Show!

[@pixelatedjoe]

This is the best CNET show.

[@999benhonda]

Ive had 2 volvo 7 turbos. both over 200k. They ran awsome. one had over 300k and the previous owner had turned up the boost to 20psi..with spikes of 25! Blew the front engines seals and so it leaked oil. Replaced the seals...and bought a used turbo for $65. Im no mech, but it only took 1.5 hours to remove the old turbo and put in the new. adjusted boost to 15psi...around 200hp with about the same for torque. granted, a 740 turbo was 30k back in '92!

[@PorscheCayenneLover]

This was awesome Brian, I want to see more or these types of videos along with the Car Tech videos.

[@flakeyjay]

Learned more about headlights than I thought possible. Thanks Mr. Cooley!

[@sranjesuper]

There are bolt on CAI and Header back exhaust system that combined will give you another 15HP and 10FTlb plus if you do a tune with that, you can squeeze another 5-10hp and 5FTlb i think the car is cool... it has awesome handling, weight and center of gravity and all it is missing is speed... and speed is something we can improve and we love to do so as it is fun! and if you got money there are turbo kits available, making it closer to 500HP... now then, you have something that can rival a frikken 9/11 turbo in all aspects

[@Texarmageddon]

Turbo kits puts them closer to 340-350 Hp with full bolt ons.... Anything past that requires E85 to make those power levels ... There are too many cars that can make 700-800hp WITHOUT the use of E85.. Sorry.. The car is slow and isn't mod friendly no matter how you put it.

[@MichaelStanton]

I think this guys is fun to watch. Keep them coming!

[@striderx8255]

This car isn't Underpowered. It's quite powerful at straight lines and corners

[@PBWANNAB]

The first S2000s are 13 years old. Its nice that you can compare it to a car made in 2013. Its not hard to keep a type r over 6000 rpm on a track when you consider they rev to 9000 rpm. The whole point of Vtec is to offer crazy amounts of power at +6000 rpm. When vtec kicks in fuel economy goes out the window. 99% of the time when you are driving on the road you wont need to go over 5000rpm. The whole point of a type r is a track ready road car from factory.

[@Tangeloor]

I wish I knew what audio rig you were using when you were recording from the driver seat! the sound was GREAT! As to the lighting.. I am shopping around for a Car or Pickup with HID lights, heated seats, Moonroof, MANUAL trans - and under 30K.

[@tepeke88]

Brian rocks, this show is just amazing!

[@fatboy19831]

The type R is Awesome, I was running with one the other day. That was 16 years ago. The type r was painfully slow below 6000 rpm. It sucked fuel above 6000 rpm. It was a 25 mpg car the BRZ is a 30 mpg one. All the BRZ is what most of us dreamed about 16 years ago. A RWD Integra.

[@kunal1223]

the ST looks much better in person. I was like you and thought it was ugly because of the pictures but in person, it looks really nice.

[@DonDarb]

Awesome episode Cnet!

[@Nicktrance1]

Yeah, it's still the same car though (aside from a few very minor differences, such as a better head unit, carbon fiber trim rather than silver on the dash and better warranty for the 86/Scion), they all come from the same factories but there was an agreement between Subaru and Toyota, so Toyota gets to produce a lot more, IDK how they're doing in the US but there's already a six month waiting list for the BRZ in the UK!

[@jim1621]

yeah basically spending more is to show off if ur a car enthusiast like at car meets and stuff and u race others in tracks or illegal street racing...while the brz is an over all fun daily driver car which is what i love sense its cheap and a car u just want to mess around in because Subaru has always been known for their Handeling...luxury cars though are more for people who want high quality interior with some speed

[@TheArfdog]

Also the nice thing about a Z06 is you get those to 800-1000 hp if you wanted to.

[@BloodstainedSinner]

Under-tech?You high, son? This car has more technology than a Ferrari under the hood. The engine is one of the most advanced in the world. Cosmetically, it may be "undertech" but that's why it's great. It's a straight-forward, fun-as-hell car.

[@waynejohnson6928]

In the early 90's Subaru made a few front while drive cars. They made the M70, M80 and the Justy. Do your research.

[@MonteOlsen]

Great episode, and the HID information is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@zunedog31]

Brian is a really smart guy. He seems to know about a lot of stuff.

[@mihink]

we don't get the toyota86 here in the US, it's called Scion FR-S. It is also hard to find, has to be ordered

[@Sethiol73]

The first affordable sports car in 45 years? Are you kidding? Have you not heard of the 914? Other than it being mid engine, its almost identical to the GT-86. Inexpensive, well powered, great handling, and slightly stripped down. But with some love and mods, both are high end killers.

[@sickjohnson]

I hear ya...but I have been waiting for over 5yrs. The plan is to drop in a 6.4L Hemi in the future...so I think I can make a go with the 3.6L (with a Voloperformance mod) for a few years...I hope!

[@fatboy19831]

The A4, BMW 3, the X3 and the q5 all have been fairly reliable in their base forms. Many of us know someone with a BMW 3 that has over 100k trouble free miles. 130k Is a major fault area for German cars. When was the last time you saw a 30 year old Japanese car? Not a problem for the Germans or even the Swedes.

[@johngerritsen908]

this is about driving experince and not sprint times .good value for the price.Honest to goodness motoring .

[@fatboy19831]

I am 200 pounds 6.5 feet tall. I can ware a hat in the BRZ. It has one of the best seats in the industry. I have done 500 miles in a day no problem. I cannot fit in the Genesis Coupe or the 370 zx. The BMW 1 and the Mustang have even more room but not as good seats or driving position.

[@buba4267]

An e90 328i has 30 more hp, 49 more torque, but gets to 60 a little slower. however, it does handle better , and is an absolute joy around corners. The BRZ... not so much. Even though it still is my dream car

[@PBWANNAB]

Tyre R was ment for the track. Maybe you have trouble keeping the rpm above 6000 on a track because you are new to driving?

[@waltdog72080]

I love this show. Keep them coming please.

[@fatboy19831]

The Scion FRS is the number one or number two hottest moving cars in the United States and Canada. It has gone back and forth between it and the BRZ. It is just now that you are starting to see BRZ's on the lot that are available to buy. The TC is a sales hit also. The rest of the Scion line sucks from a drivers point. They all are a good value. Scions hold their value very well also and are one of the most reliable cars money can buy.

[@juancaps]

I was expecting more drifting and fast driving! Hopefully they edited it out, if not Brian greatly underused this car.

[@justsumguy2u]

Aside from the rear wheel drive, this car reminds me alot of the last generation Celica GT-S. HP and torque figures are pretty close, as are 0-60 times. And like the GT-S, you have to rev this car to get decent power out of it. I'd own one in a heartbeat, but alas, my bank account says no.

[@mx5hong]

I believe the 2014 Ford Fiesta, with the new Aston Martin styling, will be available with the latest Synch My Touch with a full color screen.

[@leongabriel7723]

Who's driving at 3:18 ..?

[@sunnyfung2678]

I see a lot of video tidbits of the Jaguar F-type, are you guys going to review that soon?

[@jamesmay3336]

Wanna correct U on 4:50 U can Kill Vsc by holding TRC for 5 SEC !

[@patricki5481]

I think you missed the point. This car is still fun to drive at slow speeds AND since it's limits are set lower (it does after all use stock Prius tires) it's easier to get to them and still be in control and out of danger. A 500HP Mustang is well and good but getting to the limit in one is really scary and dangerous. I'd rather drive a slow car fast than fast car slow.

[@kiithsjet2]

and if you have an automatic transmission you might as well settle for 90hp. Even if you have no plans to build the car, 200hp is plenty if you have access to it and know how to use.

[@fatboy19831]

I have a much loved 2001 Jeep Cherokee that my wife and I drive most of the time. 220,000 miles. I drive the BRZ on nice sunny days. If you can only have one automobile I would defiantly do the Wrangler. I would wait a bit to see if it gets the Grand Cherokees Diesel. 30 mpg and 420 ft-pds Torque would be to much for me to pass buy. I have a friend with the 4 door 300 hp gas v6 Wrangler and he gets in the low 20's with a light foot.

[@In2oil2]

Awesome Show.. Brian is the best! I have said it then and will say it again.

[@bmeryman]

You actually can kill the VSC all the way. Sorry for repeating if someone else has already mentioned that.

[@jaowseph]

Brian has his own show!

[@NovaSp33d]

Very nicely done...good show.

[@TheWrightable]

Three things: 1. Don't get a Manual if you never goto the track. 2. If you do want a Manual in the city, get a motorcycle. 3. Audi has the best looking headlights.

[@nihilgeist666]

First World Problems: My car is too big and expensive for me to know how to park properly.

[@Grimlock1973]

Great vid Cooley!

[@bigumpy]

Thanks Cooley, keep up the good work

[@fatboy19831]

The 24k Mustang V6 is electronically limited to 118 mph. Take off that limiter and the drive shaft will come apart shortly after that point.

[@josef959]

I see what you mean. People buy expensive lambos or luxury cars because they're status symbols, to show other people how rich they are... Because let's be honest, a mustang gt or mustang gt500 accelerates just as fast as a lambo or luxury car. I believe that the sensation of fast acceleration and speed is due to you taking your car to it's limit and the fear or excitement that extends from that is what constitutes 'fun to drive,' which for me would mean that a brz is fun to drive on normal roads

[@ImpalerVlad]

It's that a Sony action cam attached to the car?

[@STEFAZON500]

06:22 1989 Benetton B189 F1 car where did they find that

[@evanserickson]

I liked when he talked about the auto option for the BRZ and said "but your not going to do that."

[@Mercury888]

gtr speed and acceleration and torque makes driving auto fun. And the gearing is much more aggressive. Drive it and you'll see why its fun.

[@cuddles6938]

Hey Cooley! Audi wants to use HIGH BEAMS all THE TIME! And when "the car detects an oncoming vehicle, it will automatically turn off the high beam". Oh and what if it doesnt figure out thats a car coming towards you and it doesnt turn off the high beams, can you be sued by the guy you blinded? That's why the DOT won't allow these "new" led headlights into the USA.

[@TVinmyEye]

BRZ/FRS or 2013 Genesis coupe 2.0T?

[@kiithsjet2]

It's always going to be shifting when you dont want it to, not shifting when you do want it to, and you cant control how much engine output makes it to the ground because you dont have a clutch pedal

[@zulizin]

Even though the camry does 0-60 in 8.7 seconds and my BRZ bone stock does it in 6.0 flat with a hard launch?

[@MrVnick1]

great show, more like this would be great.

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

not sure why they gotta diss on autos. some of us sit in traffic all day and the tiptronic shifting on it is pretty nice.

[@patricki5481]

When was the last time you saw a 5 year old European or German car still running with no major issues? I've seen BMW's start at under 40k but never really sell at less than that.

[@bonzie1645]

how come the automatic transmission for this car is more gas saving than the manual?

[@fsimpro]

They should make a high-perf version of the BRZ, with a turbocharger, better brakes, and a perf-tuned suspension

[@fatboy19831]

It does not need a $4000 price jump. It is already peaking at 30k. In the 34k price range it had better have at least 280 hp. The Mustang GT would still crush it. I love the 200 hp 26k BRZ the way it is. If they can do a 230 hp N/A STI for 30 k that would be dead on. In the 34k range there will be the all new lighter 240 hp RWD BMW 2 series, 420 hp Mustang GT and Subaru's own considerably cheaper all new WRX. With out an interior upgrade the BRZ cant play in that field.

[@cheynelothering7461]

I have actually test driven the Manual and Automatic BRZ. Automatic felt a bit sluggish for my liking. Manual was quite a bit better and more responsive and will admit that I quite enjoyed this car! However - the price is a high for a car with 200HP. This is the only reason I didnt buy the BRZ. If I had money to literally throw around.. Sure... But then again, Id probably rather get the wrx sti instead if that was the case... It is a nice car though

[@cheynelothering7461]

Completely agree with you. But for that price, you can get much more, 2nd hand with more power and a much more spacious car. Agreed, for the price what Sports car can you get ? Probably none, besides the Toyota 86. But it is a hefty price for a car with almost no boot space and can only fit midgets in the back. Spend a few more thousand($) or in our case R40k - R50k more and you get an sti that has better handling, more power and space to go on holiday with, including 2 passengers at the back. Just my opinion.

[@Texarmageddon]

Tom Bennings This car doesn't have 200 whp... it makes 200 BASE hp and even less Whp.... The RX8 played this game decades ago minus the fuel economy... it got them nowhere.

[@cuddles6938]

Usually 720p is much better for things that move fast like fast cars. Uses less bandwith too.

[@shoryukenpower]

this is a 'drivers' car the same way the Corvette is. except low power so it's not as much of a disaster. however, it's cheap so lots of teenagers will get one. if you're a rather good driver, and you also happen to be on a track and/or have 3/4 lanes to yourself to get sideways and slide all over.. super fun and great to drive. but on the streets, and when the average/typical driver gets behind the wheel.. lots of these are going to crash.

[@HEMi1995]

Why not get the automatic if it has better mileage? I drive stick sometimes and I much prefer automatic. Better mileage>>manual.

[@KillerZero259]

my intent wasn't to be ignorant. everything you mentioned has a loop whole around it. not gonna spend time explaining it, but if enjoying a car to its full potential matters to you, you will find a way to do it. i sure did.

[@joshdavis7311]

Now I have been looking for this for a couple weeks but every time I see a review or test drive; people say the automatic is no worth it and to go with manual. I've only driven a manual once to try it out and it felt nice but I felt like there was a lot to do at once. Now why is the auto bad and is the car worth it if I didn't go for manual since of my lack of experience?

[@scotts978]

Get the manual you won't regret it. It's a sports car, you want to row the gears and you will have a lot more fun driving. Having a manual actually makes you focus a lot more on driving and you are more aware of your surroundings. I just got my first manual a year ago and I never want to go back.

[@joshdavis7311]

Scott E I heard the automatic is quite slower than the manual... Is that true? I'm just looking for practicality since I live in more of a town setting than a open road all the time setting. How will the almost constant stop and go stop signs and red lights be with a manual? Just want to get more knowledge on manual before getting it and failing completely on an open road.

[@scotts978]

I've actually never driven a brz with either transmission so I can't say, but as far as driving stick It's really not bad. I live in a city where there isn't many open roads and there is a good amount of traffic all the time and it doesn't bother me. It becomes second nature after a while. If your getting a sports car it's the only way

[@brettc6730]

josh davis I'm pretty sure but not exacually sure, I think the automatic is about a second slower to 60

[@lalobrit9]

If manuals where cool, and a "sports car thing", Ferrari would offer them. But they don't anymore. Just saying.

[@fatboy19831]

You are preaching to the choir. As good as the Type R was on the track it was no fun on the road unless you were above 6000 rpm (most type R drivers do just that). I purchased the first Acura ever to this country the 1986 Integra. I had to stay above 4 grand on that car. It had a 7 k redline you could rev it to 7.5 no problem. Never went below 4 grand. even in stop and go traffic. I got no more than 23 mpg. Honda makes nothing today as fun as that first Acura. The Type R was 3 times as good.

[@MrBenjabin]

hi. in the auto brz does the transmission automtically shift up when hitting redline?

[@kun0608]

Great show!

[@walmark1980]

Not about this, but why does this video load so slow, and yet the Ad before it loads instantly?

[@KZSoze]

For it's segment (the sub 30K sports car realm), is that "tech" beneficial compared to rivals? Is it particularly any faster (whether that be in a straight line or around a track) comparatively? .... No, it is not. Does it have fantastic MPG? No, not really... a gargantuan Chrysler 300 V6 gets better MPG on the highway (versus the 6 speed model). I think it's a great little car, but the test was spot-on, very honest and very fair. To be cliche.. it is what it is. Nothing more, nothing less

[@TheArfdog]

How do you figure that? Maybe 200 hp is good enough for some people, but those with higher standards demand more.

[@jim1621]

well not really because u always have the option to lower the quality in the settings if u have slow internet....1080p would be better for most of us who have a higher resolution monitor so we can have a clear picture

[@lophilip]

I tried the automatic version, I was surprised at how good the transmission is.

[@sickjohnson]

Brian, how did you shoe-horn yourself in a BRZ? Most impressive sir!

[@patricki5481]

Yup.... and fewer and fewer people can drive manuals today. It would be literally stupid for them to offer it without a manual especially since the manual is pretty good. Besides I have a bad left knee and get gout once in a while. You can't stay young forever and an auto makes it an easier (not better) daily driver.

[@auwkeung]

Cnet on cars should have its own channel

[@Prestonesfpv]

Well, here in Denmark where i live, a BRZ would cost me 110.000 USD inkluding all the taxes, AND for the privilege of driving it on our roads i would have to come up with aprox 5000 USD a year in road tax and insurrance..... So i have a brand new Ford Ka (the small weird one) wich i have payed 19000 USD for all inclusive.... This is one sick nation !!

[@ToxicHorsePucky]

The mpg is great. What are you talking about?

[@fatboy19831]

I love the 740 Turbo. That was one of the most complex cars of its time. It is almost impossible to keep that dam car working right past 90k miles.The BRZ is as basic as it gets in 2013. I would give up another 25 hp if it meant they could chop another 300 pounds from the car. You dont have to do much on the Subies till 80 or 100k or so. I dont know how the hell you change the spark plugs. 26k is dead on for the car. It is the right price to sale the 12,000 cars a year they bring to the US.

[@azburgessfamily]

I'm sure that someone will come out with their own RS FRS/BRZ model that has been lightened up, and retuned. I prefer the styling of BRZ, and its better tuned suspension.

[@mx5hong]

Uh...the HID headlights are standard on both trim model.

[@daDonn]

Hold your finger on the traction control button to turn it all the way off. I can't believe they didn't realise this!

[@TheArfdog]

What's wrong with the automatic? I was actually going to get it.

[@SilenceTheGod]

at 15:57 shes texting and a someones getting pulled over by a cop XD

[@AdonisGaming93]

did these guys know about the 2016 acura nsx all the way back in 2013?

[@fatboy19831]

Yep. I have done 6.9 in mine.