2017 Subaru BRZ with Performance Package Review

The 2017 Subaru BRZ is refined, primed when coupled with the Performance Package.

The 2017 Subaru BRZ is refined, primed when coupled with the Performance Package.

subaru brz interior

By Isaac Bouchard


Since I have reviewed iterations of this Subaru (and its Scion—now Toyota—twin) before, I want to focus on the changes that come for 2017, particularly when it is equipped with the optional Performance Package.

At $1,195, it’s a bargain, consisting as it does of 4-piston front/2-piston fixed rear Brembo brakes clamping larger rotors, more sophisticated, fixed-rate Sachs dampers, and half-inch wider, dark gray wheels—all the better to hide the brake dust created from hooning about like you should in a BRZ. These upgrades work in harmonious concert with the myriad small but significant tweaks to the structure and chassis, which include stiffer mounting for the struts and shocks, transmission and chassis brace, and higher-rate front and softer rear springs. This BRZ turns in with much more alacrity than before, diving for an apex like few other cars. I drove the test model at the same time I was testing a new, private facility and had access to several race-prepped BMWs. The stock Subaru had a more balanced, approachable dynamic envelope (albeit of lower grip levels since it still rides on Prius tires), was easier to place, rotated more willingly, yet recovered from ham-fisted antics with more grace, than any of these more focused track machines.

subaru brz testing

Subaru revised the tuning of the electric power steering, enhancing what was already one of the best on the market, and changed settings for the stability control system, bringing it more into alignment with what enthusiast owners will probably do with the BRZ. Normal mode is more lenient, feeling like the prior Sport mode; the new Track setting is perfect for learning a new road course or driving in the wet, and off really means off. Kudos to Subaru for showing such respect to human pilots.

The company also expended considerable effort to refine and hone the 2-liter boxer engine. There’s a new airbox feeding an intake with 3mm larger piping; inside the engine new machining techniques make for freer flowing heads, valves and camshafts; likewise the pistons are now shot-peened and crank bearings increased in size for strength. These changes, and mods to the direct-injection system, reduce the harshness that so blighted the older version of this motor—it now revs to redline more freely, and if it doesn’t exactly sing through its more open exhaust, it does sound less strained and more willing. Horsepower is up by five ponies to 205hp, which isn’t too bad for the BRZ’s lithe 2750lb mass; what looses races against the Mazda MX-5 Miata (they used to run in the same SCCA class) is the low torque output of 156lb-ft.

I can only think that the new spec series that has arisen for older versions of these cars could be well contested by this machine, almost right off the showroom floor. On the road between tracks the updates BRZ is also better; the interior feels less cheap and the engine revisions make pedestrian progress much less fatiguing. Those Sachs dampers make for better ride quality too. There’s practicality in spades, and there are few better ways to safely learn the art of performance driving than the BRZ. The enhancements for 2017 that Subaru has lavished on this machine show its passion and commitment and deserve respect and applause.

subaru brz exterior


EPA ratings: 21/29mpg; 24mpg combined

0-60mph: 6.2sec

Price as tested: $29,660

Here is what Subaru has to say.

4 Stars


Contact Isaac Bouchard for help saving time, money and hassle when buying or leasing one at [email protected]

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