The Subaru BRZ tS has arrived, and it’s generating buzz among car enthusiasts. But with so many sports cars on the market, does the BRZ tS stand out? As an automotive expert at cardiagnosticnearme.com, I’ve taken a deep dive into this model to provide you with a comprehensive and objective review. Forget the hype, let’s get into the real driving experience and whether this car deserves your attention.
Subaru BRZ tS: Quick Verdict
Reasons to Buy:
- Engaging driving dynamics reminiscent of a Porsche 911.
- Visually appealing and sporty design.
- Drifting made easy and enjoyable.
- Guaranteed to bring a smile to your face on every drive.
Reasons to Reconsider:
- Interior lacks a luxurious feel.
- Engine noise can be prominent without a significant power surge.
- Subaru’s EyeSight system can be intrusive.
Soul Score: 9/10
Does the Subaru BRZ tS deliver an exceptional driving experience? Let’s explore.
2024 Subaru BRZ tS In-Depth Review
Front view of a white 2024 Subaru BRZ tS
It’s puzzling why the Subaru BRZ tS isn’t flying off dealership lots. This car embodies many of the qualities we celebrate at cardiagnosticnearme.com: balanced handling, a satisfying manual transmission, comfortable seating for two (plus pets), and modern tech features surpassing those in older sports cars.
The BRZ tS boasts attractive styling, respectable speed, and thrilling driving dynamics, all at a price point under $40,000. Yet, sales figures remain modest. Perhaps the target demographic isn’t as car-crazy as we might assume. Teen driver’s license acquisition is down 20% since 1984, suggesting a shift in priorities for younger generations.
However, for those of us who cherish the freedom of the open road and the joy of driving, the BRZ tS offers a compelling package. It’s not flawless, but its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Let’s delve into the performance aspects of the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS.
Performance Analysis: 9/10
Image: The Subaru BRZ tS excels in performance, offering drivers the ability to utilize its full potential on the road or track.
Driving a high-powered sports car like a Corvette on public roads often means tapping into only a fraction of its capability. With the BRZ tS, the experience is different. You can explore almost all of its performance limits within legal speed limits, maximizing driving fun without pushing boundaries irresponsibly. Want to execute controlled drifts at moderate speeds? The BRZ tS makes it easily achievable and immensely satisfying.
Engine Performance
Igniting the BRZ tS’s engine with its prominent red start button is the beginning of an engaging experience. The 2.4-liter boxer four engine delivers 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Peak power arrives high in the rev range, demanding you to push beyond 6,000 RPM to unleash its full potential. Maximum torque also requires engine speeds near 4,000 RPM, encouraging an active driving style.
Image: The red start button in the Subaru BRZ tS interior invites drivers to begin their sporty driving experience.
While the engine revs smoothly and provides a respectable surge of power, it’s not overwhelmingly potent. Around town, the engine performs adequately, blending into the background without drawing undue attention, positively or negatively.
However, the engine’s auditory character might not be for everyone. Lacking the enhanced power of an STI-tuned engine, the BRZ tS shares the standard BRZ’s engine note – a somewhat buzzy and resonant sound, becoming metallic and strained at higher RPMs. It’s not an engine that you’ll rev for the sheer pleasure of its sound.
The boxer engine configuration is a key advantage, contributing to a low center of gravity for improved handling. If you crave more power, turbocharged alternatives like the Nissan Z are available, but they come at a higher price and may not deliver the same level of pure driving enjoyment.
Transmission and Gearbox
The Subaru BRZ tS exclusively offers a six-speed manual transmission, a welcome choice for purists.
Starting the BRZ tS reveals a charmingly vibrating gear shifter, reminiscent of older, more mechanically connected cars. The transmission is a joy to operate, featuring short, precise throws and a clutch with a firm feel. The clutch engagement point is a bit high, which might require some acclimation. Also, the gearbox prefers to be warmed up before aggressive shifting, as rushing shifts when cold can lead to missed gear changes. Sixth gear is relatively short, maintaining higher RPMs at highway speeds, similar to a BMW E92.
Image: The manual transmission in the Subaru BRZ tS, showcasing the track mode display in the background.
While not as surgically precise as a Porsche gearbox, the BRZ tS’s transmission offers a more engaging and rewarding experience than many modern BMW manuals.
Reverse gear engagement is less intuitive, requiring lifting a trim ring and then moving the shifter left and up. This unconventional approach lacks clear indication and differs from more standardized reverse gear operations in brands like BMW and Nissan.
Steering and Chassis Dynamics
The chassis and steering are where the Subaru BRZ tS truly shines. It arguably possesses one of the best-handling chassis in its class, if not globally, especially considering its weight.
The BRZ tS tips the scales at a mere 2,820 lbs, making it exceptionally light, contributing significantly to its agility and responsiveness.
The steering is surprisingly weighty for a compact car, perhaps the heaviest experienced in recent tests. This heft translates to direct and communicative feedback, providing an ideal connection between driver and road. It’s perplexing that such excellent steering feel is present in an affordable sports car while often absent in vehicles costing significantly more.
Image: The Subaru BRZ tS demonstrates excellent handling and ride balance, aided by Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.
The included Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires are a contributing factor to the exceptional handling, but the chassis balance is the core strength. The BRZ tS feels remarkably balanced, almost as if the driver’s weight is perfectly centered within the car. Drifting is easily initiated and controlled, demonstrating the chassis’s inherent poise. A track mode setting relaxes traction control, enabling more spirited driving for those seeking thrills.
Despite its sporty focus, the BRZ tS maintains surprising everyday usability. The suspension effectively absorbs bumps and road imperfections without being overly harsh, striking a commendable balance between performance and comfort. The tS model features Hitachi dampers, but the suspension remains passively tuned, proving that sophisticated electronic adjustments aren’t always necessary for optimal handling.
Braking Performance
Image: The Subaru BRZ tS features enhanced braking with gold Brembo calipers, providing superb stopping power.
The BRZ tS enhances braking performance with gold Brembo four-piston calipers and larger rotors. The brake pedal offers consistent feedback and pressure throughout its travel. During spirited driving on back roads, brake fade was not encountered, a testament to the benefits of the car’s low weight. The BRZ tS proves that elaborate brake technologies are not essential for enjoyable performance.
The Subaru BRZ tS underscores the essence of driving enjoyment: it’s not about excessive power or complex technology, but about balanced engineering and engaging dynamics. It comes very close to achieving a perfect score, only needing a more refined engine to reach a perfect ten.
Lifestyle and Practicality: 5/10
Image: The trunk space in the Subaru BRZ tS is shallow, limiting cargo capacity.
The BRZ tS is not ideally suited for daily commuting, particularly in congested conditions. While the author previously daily drove a Nissan 350Z, doing so in the BRZ tS in modern traffic proved to be less enjoyable, highlighting the compromises inherent in a sports car.
Cargo space is limited, with a shallow trunk floor restricting the height of items that can be carried. The rear seats are essentially vestigial, more of a padded shelf than usable passenger space. While technically a four-seater, rear passenger comfort is minimal, as demonstrated by the author’s family’s reaction to a short trip.
Image: The front seats of the Subaru BRZ tS are supportive but may become less comfortable on longer drives.
Front seats are supportive with ample side bolstering, suitable for spirited driving. However, the thin padding and seat material can become less comfortable on longer journeys, especially for those beyond a younger age bracket.
Taken in context, the BRZ tS is more practical than a dedicated two-seater, offering a degree of versatility, but it’s primarily designed for driving enjoyment, not daily practicality.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
Image: The Subaru BRZ tS achieves reasonable fuel economy, as indicated on the digital display.
The Subaru BRZ tS achieves a combined fuel economy of 22 MPG, aligning with the observed 22.1 MPG during testing. Highway fuel economy can reach up to 30 MPG. While automatic transmission versions offer slightly better fuel efficiency, the tS is exclusively available with a manual.
The BRZ tS demonstrates that engaging driving experiences don’t require excessive fuel consumption. Its balanced performance and reasonable fuel economy are commendable. If more drivers opted for cars like the BRZ tS, it could contribute to improved environmental efficiency without sacrificing driving pleasure.
Features and Comfort: 4/10
The Subaru BRZ tS can function as a daily driver, but it’s not ideally suited for that purpose. Considering its price point, the interior fit and finish are not commensurate with expectations, especially when compared to more premium brands.
EyeSight System and Interior Quality
Image: The interior of the Subaru BRZ tS exhibits a mix of materials and textures, with some elements appearing less refined.
The interior of the BRZ tS presents a somewhat disjointed impression in terms of material quality and design consistency. A mix of materials, from Alcantara to various grades of plastic, creates a somewhat mismatched aesthetic. Switchgear feels budget-oriented, with noticeable creaking when operated.
Certain controls, such as the cruise control stalk, are poorly illuminated and difficult to use without direct visual attention. Steering wheel button markings are also small and challenging to read. The digital instrument cluster offers customizable displays, but retains a dated-looking digital sub-display. The fuel gauge’s segmented bar display provides imprecise fuel level indication.
Subaru’s EyeSight safety system, while intended to be helpful, can be overly sensitive and intrusive in the BRZ tS, similar to experiences in the WRX. It frequently issues unnecessary proximity warnings and can sometimes apply brakes unexpectedly. The infotainment head unit also appears dated.
Image: Interior elements of the Subaru BRZ tS, noting the infotainment screen and material quality.
Despite these shortcomings, the BRZ tS offers essential features like heated seats, Apple CarPlay, dual-zone climate control, and functional cupholders. Interior quality is generally acceptable for its price point, with the Volkswagen GTI being a notable competitor with a more refined cabin.
Unpretentious Design
Image: The Subaru BRZ tS presents an understated yet sporty exterior design.
Unlike some high-performance sports cars that aggressively advertise their capabilities, the Subaru BRZ tS maintains a more subtle presence. Its design is generally appealing without being overtly attention-seeking. While it incorporates sporty elements like side vents, gold brake calipers, a rear spoiler, and dark wheels, these are typical of sports coupes and not excessively flamboyant.
Image: The subtle ducktail spoiler adds a sporty touch to the Subaru BRZ tS’s rear design.
The Crystal White Pearl paint option adds visual interest, but some trim elements, like the unpainted rear diffuser, appear less finished. Apart from tS badging and gold brakes, the BRZ tS doesn’t overtly signal its upgraded status.
BRZ tS: A Gateway to Driving Passion
Automakers aim to cultivate brand loyalty by attracting younger buyers with entry-level models like the BRZ. However, Subaru’s broader model range may not fully capitalize on this strategy. While the BRZ tS is appealing, transitioning to other Subaru models as life stages change might not be a natural progression for all buyers seeking a similar level of aspirational appeal.
Image: The Subaru BRZ tS serves as an accessible entry point into the world of sports cars.
Furthermore, in the social media landscape, the BRZ tS might not project the same “baller” image as some higher-end sports cars. While customization can enhance its visual impact, it may not compete directly with the perceived status of models like BMW M3s, particularly among younger demographics. For those averse to driving engagement, the BRZ tS’s manual transmission and driver-focused nature may also be less appealing.
Despite these considerations, the Subaru BRZ tS represents an excellent and accessible entry point into sports car ownership. It’s suitable for both younger drivers and enthusiasts seeking a fun, secondary car. It’s a platform for learning and honing driving skills, offering an engaging experience without demanding a premium price.
In conclusion, the Subaru BRZ tS is a compelling sports car that prioritizes driving enjoyment and balanced performance over outright luxury or excessive technology. It delivers on its promise of providing an engaging and accessible sports car experience.
Final Verdict: The Subaru BRZ tS is a truth-telling sports car that prioritizes driving pleasure above all else.
2024 Subaru BRZ tS Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE
Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger, two-door coupe
PRICE
Base: $35,354
As tested: $36,465
POWERTRAIN
2.4 liter naturally aspirated boxer four
228 horsepower @ 7,000 RPM
184 lb-ft @ 3,700 RPM
six-speed manual transmission
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 101.4 in
Length: 167.9 in
Width: 69.9 in
Height: 51.6 in
Curb Weight: 2,850 lbs
FUEL ECONOMY
22 combined / 20 city / 27 highway
