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

Kia K4 2026 review – can it fill the gap left by the Ford Focus?
Kia K4 – front
Reviews

Kia K4 2026 review – can it fill the gap left by the Ford Focus?

With Ford killing the Focus, there’s space in the market for a semi-premium family hatch to take on the Volkswagen Golf. Kia hopes to fill it with the…
23 Mar 2026
The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally
Defender D7XR
Features

The Land Rover Defender's toughest test: how the D7X-R triumphed at the Dakar Rally

The Defender D7X-R is tackling the world’s most gruelling off-road race, and unlike many competition cars, this one has strong ties to a car we know w…
24 Mar 2026
Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more
Best German cars
Best cars

Best German cars – performance greats from BMW M, Porsche, AMG and more

From Audi to Volkswagen and all in between, Germany has created some outstanding performance cars over the years, and these are some the best
27 Mar 2026