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

Best electric cars – these EVs deserve the attention of car enthusiasts
Best electric cars
Best cars

Best electric cars – these EVs deserve the attention of car enthusiasts

There's a huge variety of electric cars on sale in 2026, and we've picked the best of the breed for those looking for performance
3 Sep 2026
Hyundai i30 N (2017 - 2024) review – the bargain Civic Type R rival
Hyundai i30 N
In-depth reviews

Hyundai i30 N (2017 - 2024) review – the bargain Civic Type R rival

Hyundai knocked it out of the park at the first time of asking with the i30 N. It’s not perfect, it’s one of the most rounded and rewarding hot hatche…
4 Sep 2026
Bristol Fighter review – Britain’s troubled 210mph answer to the Ferrari 599
Bristol Fighter
Reviews

Bristol Fighter review – Britain’s troubled 210mph answer to the Ferrari 599

The 200mph British supercar with gullwing doors and an 8-litre V10 was conceived to challenge accepted supercar norms, and now it's made an unexpected…
2 Sep 2026