Now in its third year, the 2015 Subaru BRZ, a four-seat compact coupe, has a few updates and the new limited “Series.Blue” edition.
The BRZ acronym name means: “B” for boxer engine. “R” for rear-wheel drive. And “Z” for zenith. It remains the Japanese manufacturer’s only model without the brand’s well-received symmetrical all-wheel drive system.
Key Takeaways
- Test car: the limited Series.Blue edition of the Subaru BRZ, a four-seat coupe with a 200-horsepower engine and rear-wheel drive.
- $27,695 MSRP and $30,285 as tested.
- 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds.
- 22 mpg city and 30 highway and 25 combined on the figures in the review.
- Driving: Driving the Subaru BRZ defines fun, if you like the gritty feel of driving a sports car.
- Power: The BRZ has the looks but not the power for such antics.
Beyond the new trim, updates for 2015 Subaru BRZ include a retuned suspension, new exhaust tips, a “shark fin” antenna and a higher quality interior.
The Weekly Driver Test Drive
Like all of the carmaker’s models, the 2015 Subaru BRZ has vast list of standard features.
The Premium comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, summer tires, a limited-slip rear differential, automatic bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, keyless entry, cruise control, air-conditioning, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel, a height-adjustable driver seat and a fold-down rear seatback.
Equipment and Trims
Electronic features include a 6.1-inch touchscreen; Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity; a navigation system; voice controls; smartphone app integration (Aha Radio); and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio, satellite radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.
The Limited edition adds foglamps, a rear spoiler, keyless ignition and entry, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated suede and leather upholstery and an All-Weather package that includes heated front seats and heated mirrors.
My weekly driver was the “Blue.Series” edition. Only 1,000 were manufactured for 2015, and the top-line offering includes a more sporting rear-wheel driver layout and a handful of other items sporty amenities:
Side and side rear under spoilers, black finish wheels, a leather-trimmed interior with blue highlights and stitching, red-painted brake calipers a carbon-fiber patterned trim and an undercover insulator. The package total is $1,795 (after a manufacturer’s $750 discount) and it’s one of the better-priced, high-end packages available in the auto industry.
Driving Impressions
The BRZ, co-developed with Toyota (its version is the Scion FR-S), is the carmaker’s answer to other current and former fairly priced and moderately performance-oriented sports cars: the current Mazda MX-5 Miata to the Datsun 240Z.
Driving the Subaru BRZ defines fun, if you like the gritty feel of driving a sports car. No bump goes unfelt. The BRZ isn’t particularly fast and it doesn’t shift with any degree of refinement. But it’s lightweight, has responsive steering and advances down the road with authority. While not turbo-charged the BRZ is at its best as it approaches freeway speeds.
Since my test vehicle is a limited edition, it attracted a lot of attention, including from a few young drivers who wished to test their respective sports car against mine. The BRZ has the looks but not the power for such antics.
And at least for one week, its driver wasn’t interested in any road competition, either. The Subaru BRZ is fun to drive. It’s handsome. And it costs about $30,000. Those are three strong reasons for many drivers seeking a sports car to buy it.
What Others Say: “But if you’re looking for a fun sport coupe with great road manners, a wonderful 6-speed manual transmission and sleek good looks, the 2015 Subaru BRZ deserves at least a couple of test drives.” AutoTrader. “If you think you need 300 horsepower to have fun, think again. A test-drive in the 2015 Subaru BRZ will prove you wrong. Sleek styling, rear-wheel drive and sharp handling make it one of the most appealing and attainable performance cars sold today.” Edmunds. “If you want quick, agile, affordable fun, there’s little out there that can match the 2015 Subaru BRZ, save its twin, the Scion FR-S. The styling is spot on, it has serviceable rear seats, and it even gets good fuel economy, making it a livable daily driver.” Kelley Blue Book.
2015 Subaru BRZ Verdict
The Subaru BRZ is fun to zip around in, shifting gears, riding low-to-the-ground and a getting a good fix of the overall experience of driving a reasonably priced sports car. It shouldn’t be considered on any level as a practical choice for a daily driver.
Likes
Handsome exterior design. Comfortable seats. Responsive steering.
Dislikes
Difficult entrance and exit. No back-up camera. Not particularly quick.
Facts & Figures: 2015 Subaru BRZ
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Price | $27,695 |
| As-Tested Price | $30,285 |
| Engine | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Horsepower | 200 hp |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| 0-60 mph | 6.8 seconds |
| Fuel Economy (original EPA label) | 22 city / 30 highway / 25 combined mpg |
| Fuel Economy (EPA, revised) | 21 city / 29 highway / 24 combined mpg |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| Seating | 4 |
| Airbags | 6 |
| Warranty | Bumper to bumper 3 yr/36,000 mi; powertrain 5 yr/60,000 mi; corrosion 5 yr/unlimited; roadside assistance 3 yr/36,000 mi |
James Raia
A sports, travel and business journalist for more than 45 years, James has written the new car review column The Weekly Driver since 2004. In addition to founding this site in 2004, James writes a Sunday automotive column for The San Jose Mercury and East Bay Times in Walnut Creek, Calif., and monthly auto review and wellness columns for Gulfshore Business, a magazine in Southwest Florida. An author and contributor to many newspapers, magazines and online publications, co-hosted The Weekly Driver Podcast from 2017 to 2024.
This thing needs more power! Please offer more displacement or a turbo in the future. Nice handling rig at any rate.