Svelte, stylish and frisky: 2024 Subaru BRZ turns heads

Affordable, lightweight, two-door sports cars – talk about a small market segment! Mazda MX-5, Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ. That’s it!

Really there are only two – the Mazda and the Toybaru. I give the latter that nickname because the BRZ and GR86 are built on the same (Subaru) platform in the same (Subaru) plant with the same (Subaru) drivetrain.

The idea and approach came from Toyota. In 2008, it asked Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru’s parent company) to collaborate in developing a small, light sports car. The Impreza platform and flat four-cylinder engine was the starting point.

The Subaru-branded version would be the BRZ, and the Toyota was tagged as the GR86. Only subtle differences in looks, suspension tune and standard equipment separate the two. A second and slightly larger generation came along in 2022 with a more powerful engine. There were no changes of significance for the 2023 model year.

The BRZ continues as the only vehicle in the Subaru camp without all-wheel-drive.

A slick shifting six-speed manual transmission is standard. An automatic is available, but anyone interested in the tS trim is highly unlikely to sully the experience with one.

The big change for 2024 is the tS (tuned by STI) trim level.

The tS version puts the frosting on the BRZ cake, emphasizing the mechanical aspects that make the little sports car such a sheer joy to drive.

At each corner, you’ll find a unique 18-inch alloy wheel wrapped in sticky summer-only performance rubber. Behind those wheels lies a Brembo high-performance brake system with ventilated discs grabbed by four-piston calipers up front and dual piston units at the rear – both painted gold.

The independent suspension has been upgraded with Hitachi-Astemo shocks up front and retuned ones in back.

The result is the ability to stop as if running into a giant marshmallow when you jump on the middle pedal from any speed.

The suspension upgrades and sticky tires enhance the already near-neutral handling and feedback-rich steering. At slightly less than 2,900 pounds, the BRZ is one of the lightest vehicles on the market. While that allows it to tackle the turns with ease, it also means it doesn’t take gobs of power to make life enjoyable.

The boxer engine produces only 228 ponies. But they can perform like much larger horses since each one of them only has to deal with 6 kilos.

The BRZ will scat from a complete rest to 100 km/hr in less than six seconds, a very respectable performance. To put that in perspective – a 5,600-pound crossover would need more than 450 horsepower to approach the same level of acceleration.

As it sits atop the BRZ trim level, the tS also boasts a pretty-thorough standard equipment list. That includes heated seats, dual zone automatic climate control, adaptive cruise control, power heated and folding mirrors, and a multi-mode dynamic control system with track mode.

The interior of the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is treated to some visual upgrades but the lightweight means sound deadening material is in short supply.

Road and wind noise become familiar companions. On top of the fun-to-drive factor is a reasonable amount of practicality. There are storage spaces throughout, rear seats and a decent sized trunk, especially with the rear seats folded down. Well, it has two out of those three features. The rear seats are not practical for anything other than a purse or briefcase.

The driver faces a 18-cm fully digital instrument gauge cluster with the tachometer in the primary position. In track mode, it becomes a linear display. A 20-cm infotainment screen has actual knobs for tuning and volume. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and access to SiriusXM satellite radio are all standard.

Svelte, frisky and fun. Add in affordability and the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is pretty attractive for those looking for a modern, reliable sports car. A vehicle that will give you an excuse to go for a drive – even when there is no reason to do so!

FACTS & FIGURES – 2024 Subaru BRZ tS

PRICE

Base: $36,295

As tested: $38,390, including freight

SAFETY

EyeSight driver assist, rear/side vehicle detection system, steering responsive LED headlights with automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lead vehicle start alert, pre-collision braking and throttle management, blind spot detection, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert

INFOTAINMENT

Premium eight-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility,

20-cm colour touchscreen, satellite radio and Travel Link

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Brembo high performance brake system, Hitachi-Astemo front shocks, retuned rear shocks,

heated seats, dual zone automatic climate control, cruise control, power heated and folding mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, multi-mode dynamic control with track mode

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

None

MECHANICAL

2.4 litre, horizontally opposed four-cylinder, 228-horsepower, 184 lb.-ft. of torque, premium fuel, six-speed manual transmission, limited slip differential, NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 12.0/8.8

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,265 mm; wheelbase, 2,575-mm, width, 2,018-mm, weight, 1,296 kg

COMPETITION

Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Mustang, Mazda MX-5, Toyota GR86