For a niche model that was launched back in 2022, the GR86/BRZ sports car jointly developed and produced by Toyota and Subaru (the latter builds ’em, by the way) is claiming quite a few column inches at the moment.
Toyota’s GR86 is a regular part of its local lineup of course, but late last year the Japanese maker announced a limited-edition Hakone model, which is indeed being offered in NZ; the 16 examples include both manual and automatic.
Earlier this year we took the GR86 Hakone for a few laps of Hampton Downs in company with the refreshed GR Yaris and GR Corolla, and even if the little coupe ultimately couldn’t keep up with the higher-powered stuff, it was a hugely entertaining drive.
Around the same time as the Hakone announcement came news that Subaru of NZ was importing just 10 BRZ tS models, all in manual. That’s potentially a bigger deal, because it’s not strictly part of the local model range; Subaru NZ likes to stick to its AWD ethos, and the BRZ is rear-drive only.
We’re not getting into a comparison-situation here, not least because there wouldn’t be much point. The GR86 and BRZ are pretty much identical cars, save some minor styling differences. But for what it’s worth, the $59,990 BRZ tS is $2k cheaper than the GR86 Hakone, albeit exactly the same price as the standard GR86.
This BRZ is potentially a bigger deal, because it’s not strictly part of the local model range; Subaru NZ likes to stick to its AWD ethos, and the BRZ is rear-drive only.
That “tS” means tuned-by-STi, although this is far from a full STI model. It does mean you get the good suspension, the good Brembo brakes and the good Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, but for the record: the NZ-specification GR86 has those too.
Subaru NZ has given the BRZ a whiff of special-edition by making every example WR Blue and manual, and there’s a fancy 1-of-10 keybox for each buyer, but it’s really just a standard factory model. Nothing wrong with that; there’s nothing mechanically different about the Hakone either. Subaru of NZ actually advertises this BRZ as the “first allocation”, so there could be more.
This is a brilliant little sports car to drive, no matter what badge is on the bonnet.
Presumably the BRZ tS has a slightly different suspension tune to the GR86 because it’s allegedly tuned by STI, but how much scope there is in that we can’t say; our recent GR86 experience was track-only, while this BRZ tS drive was road-only.
It’s a brilliant little sports car no matter what badge is on the bonnet. The first-generation model was highly entertaining too, but severely lacking in torque - and what was there was delivered in a weirdly up-and-down fashion.
We totally get Subaru NZ only offering the BRZ in manual; it’s always keen to emphasise its 3-pedal cred, with stuff like this and the WRX.
The enlarged 2.4-litre engine is much more muscular and delivers its power in a beautifully linear fashion, with great throttle response and lots of revs if you want them. It’s vocal, but the soundtrack has a hard edge and it really suits the car.
There’s a powerful appeal in having a proper manual transmission in a car like this and for many, it’ll be a must-have in a rear-drive sports car. We totally get Subaru only offering the BRZ in manual, too; it’s always keen to emphasise its 3-pedal cred, with stuff like this and the WRX.
And yet. The extra torque of this engine and the adept 6-speed automatic offered by the sister Toyota model means we have to say it: if you simply didn't want a manual and went for the GR86 automatic instead, you wouldn’t be disappointed. Nor should you feel embarrassed. Because it's brilliant, too.
It’s a valid point to raise, because as well as the BRZ tS being manual-only for NZ, the GR86 is now only listed by Toyota NZ as an automatic (save that handful of manual Hakones).
It’s natural to compare both these cars to the Mazda MX-5, because it’s also a rear-drive Japanese sports model at around the same price. But they’re very different to drive; the Mazda dances around corners in a delightful way and keeps you busy with the steering wheel and pedals, but the BRZ/GR86 in this specification is a much more grown-up experience. There’s real nuance to the suspension and the tyre package is sensationally grippy.
No, the BRZ is still not that fast, but that's a big part of the appeal of cars like these; they’re fun to work hard. For smooth, hard (but not silly-fast) driving on a demanding backroad, this offers a sublime sports-car experience.
It’s performance-functional, not flashy. May we direct you to the cabin, which is snug with fantastic sports seats and leather/Ultrasuede trim, but also quite prosaic: lots of hard plastic and a modest infotainment screen inserted into the console, mid-2000s style. Detail touches like red trim/stitching and an STI starter button give a lift, but fancy cabin design is clearly not what this car is about.
A pleasing addition is Subaru’s EyeSight active safety system, which is fitted to the manual BRZ for the first time. That means adaptive cruise control, all the lane-assist stuff and tech like brake-light recognition.
Should you run, not walk to your local Subaru dealer? The BRZ tS is still listed by the company at the time of writing, so presumably there are still some of these to be had. It’s an awesome little coupe that provides a purist driving experience; there’s also an argument that the Subaru is the one to have, because it’s the rarer thing in NZ and perhaps the more authentic model given Subaru makes these cars for both brands.
In tangible terms, there’s very little between them. Let’s just say if you want a manual grab one of these quickly; if you prefer automatic, the GR86 is ready when you are.
How much is the Subaru BRZ tS?
There are 10 official Subaru NZ BRZ tS models, at $59,990.
What are the key statistics for the Subaru BRZ tS?
The 2.4-litre boxer engine makes 174kW/250Nm. All the Kiwi models are 6-speed manual and of course the BRZ is rear-drive.
Is the Subaru BRZ tS efficient?
Subaru only quotes an ADR figure for the BRZ: 9.5l/100km. That's an Australian-specific standard, which is less demanding than the Kiwi 3P-WLTP regime; and the NZ Government RightCar database doesn't currently have a figure for the manual BRZ or Toyota GR86. But you'll be in double figures.
Is the Subaru BRZ tS good to drive?
The BRZ is already a brilliantly capable sports car, but the tS ('tuned by STI', although it's unclear by how much) model brings even better suspension, tyres and brakes. It's truly a thing to be enjoyed on a backroad.
Is the Subaru BRZ tS practical?
It's not bad for a small coupe, although it's very low to get in and out of. The rear seats (yes, there are some) are strictly occasional, although an adult can get in there (just). The boot is a modest 201 litres, but quite usable.
What do we like about the Subaru BRZ tS?
The move to a 2.4-litre engine from the previous model's 2.0-litre has brought a lot more torque and flexibility, and the chassis is brilliant with the tS suspension and tyre package. It's a superb little sports car.
What don’t we like about the Subaru BRZ tS?
Does the styling have as much character as the old one? The cabin is a bit dowdy once you look beyond the flashes of red and leather/Ultrasuede trim. It's really just a limited importation of a factory model, rather than a special edition: these 10 are described as a "first allocation".
What kind of person would the Subaru BRZ tS suit?
A sports car purist who must have a manual - and/or reckons the BRZ is the more desirable and authentic of Subaru and Toyota's so-very-similar sports coupes.
