Skip advert
Advertisement

Subaru BRZ (2012 - 2021) review – design

Traditional sports car lines sullied slightly by iffy detailing. These cars are built to be modified though, and a different set of wheels would transform it

Evo rating
RRP
from £31,995
  • Excellent driving position, wonderfully immersive chassis
  • Naff exterior details, low-rent interior, low-grip tyres

The BRZ is a car that pairs great sports car proportions, a low-slung stance and a generally tidy design, with an unfortunate number of ungainly details. Pre-2017 models weren’t bad in certain colours, but the 2017 facelift introduced some awkward angles into the front bumper, just as it did with Toyota’s equivalent.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The rear spoiler equipped on all BRZs is pretty naff too; however effective it might be, we’d be inclined to remove it to tidy up the otherwise pert styling at the back. A set of more serious, less ornate-looking wheels wouldn’t go amiss either, and you could enhance the styling further with a slight drop from an aftermarket suspension set-up.

However, one of the worst offenders when it came to tarnishing the BRZ’s exterior were the Lexus-style rear lights. Thankfully the 2017 model replaced the front and rear lights with LED units that are much classier.

Once again though, the Subaru BRZ looks much like the Toyota GT86. A slightly different shaped front end and some Subaru badges are all that really separate the two. However, you can’t get the Toyota in the same Subaru Mica blue, for it to match Imprezas of old. All it needs is some gold wheels...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi RS5 review – Audi Sport's super estate eyes the BMW M3 Touring
2026 Audi RS5
Reviews

Audi RS5 review – Audi Sport's super estate eyes the BMW M3 Touring

Hybrid power provides Audi’s new super estate with a class leading 630bhp, but it comes at a price. Well two actually
2 Mar 2026
Save £24,000 on a new BMW M4 Competition – massive discounts on M’s flagship coupe
BMW M4 discounted
News

Save £24,000 on a new BMW M4 Competition – massive discounts on M’s flagship coupe

If you've thought about buying BMW's M4 coupe now might be the time. Current discounts make them as cheap as an M2
3 Mar 2026
The new Audi RS5 looks good, but these used fast estates cost a fraction of the price
Used fast estate cars
Best cars

The new Audi RS5 looks good, but these used fast estates cost a fraction of the price

The new RS5 Avant is a hit, but if you don’t have £90k to spare these used alternatives offer impressive performance at a fraction of the price
27 Feb 2026