The Subaru BRZ tS Review

The Subaru BRZ tS is the result of a mind-meld between Subaru and that other bastion of automotive progressiveness, Toyota Motor Corporation. We’re kidding of course. You couldn’t pair two more conservative brands if you tried. Despite this, the BRZ tS is a smart, fun to drive sports car that has gained cult-like status amongst the JDM and F&F (Japanese Domestic Market and Fast & Furious) crowd. Here at Napleton News, we always like to pretend we are Dominic Torreto, although he would not likely drive a Subie. Still, hop in, and prepare to be driven.

What is the Subaru BRZ tS all about?

Start with a two-plus-two sports car, add a 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Although an automatic transmission is available, our topline tS tester is only available with a 6-speed manual transmission. Finish the powertrain off with a rear-wheel drive, which is just what the enthusiast ordered.

The mid-range BRZ Limited also comes standard with a manual transmission although there is an available 6-speed automatic transmission.

Wait! What’s a boxer engine? Glad you asked that. A Boxer is an engine where the cylinders are laying flat (horizontally-opposed) rather than operate in a “V” or inline pattern. While the V is more common, and the inline version is smoother by the nature of its design. The Boxer engine has pistons that alternate from left to right. Subaru has perfected the design allowing the engine to sit lower, which also lowers the car’s center of gravity. The result is better handling and cornering on the street and the track. It’s not a track demon by any stretch, but it does allow you to have a good time behind the wheel.

Yes, but what does this Subie Look Like?

A classic sports coupe would be the first thing most observers would come up with. Long nose, short tail, you know the drill. It looks surprisingly like the Toyota GR86 and that’s because other than a slightly differing air intake grille and badging, they are essentially the same cars.

There are three trim levels starting with the BRZ Premium. Next up is the BRZ Limited and it is followed by the top shelf BRZ tS which stands for “tuned by STI.” As for the BRZ tS, it brings Brembo brakes, a retuned suspension, 18-inch wheels with stickier tires, and BRZ tS badging throughout.

The Inside line on the BRZ tS

The Subaru BRZ tS interior is a mix of comfort and performance…and there’s a little extra room in the second row of this 2+2, if you are so inclined. Truthfully, there’s not much room in the second row unless your names are Ken and Barbie.

There’s room up front for a driver and his or her passenger to feel comfortable enough to take an extended cruise. There’s even a decent amount of cargo area in the trunk. Combined with the room in the 2+2 back seat there’s enough room for a substantial amount of suitcases and other things.

The shifter is smooth offering sure shifts time after time. The infotainment screen looks like it was stolen from the Toyota parts bin. We’ll go out on a limb to say the lane departure warning is set to a hair trigger effect, sounding whenever we even approach the line. We call that a hindrance and not a help. Also, the interior could stand a bit more sound deadening insulation. In fact, all Subaru vehicles need more, especially at these prices.

Behind the Wheel of the BRZ tS

The feel behind the wheel of the Subaru BRZ tS is actually a lot of fun, when keeping in mind the adage that it is always better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. It really wants to try and we’ll give it an “A” for effort in that regard.

Acceleration is not lightning fast although you will appreciate the noise emanating from the engine room. It’s not a guttural moan like you would get from a big V8 or a whooshing sound that would occur with a turbo- or supercharger. Still, it’s somewhat satisfying to hear it wind up as you press the skinny pedal at a stoplight. You may not win in the stoplight drags (unless you are up against a Mazda MX5 or even a Toyota GR86, it will manage to put a little hair on your chest either way.

Subaru BRZ tS Specifications