MIAS 2022: All-new Subaru BRZ launched in PH

We've been waiting for quite a while, but Subaru's rear-wheel-drive sports coupe is finally here.

After making its debut in North America in 2020, Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru, has now officially launched the all-new BRZ at the Manila International Auto Show. The second-generation model features a thorough redesign inside out and gets a bigger, more powerful Boxer engine.

For starters, the exterior of the BRZ gets a larger set of headlights and taillights. The familiar silhouette of the first-generation model is still there, but the new one's got more pronounced curves to flex. Cooling and downforce-generating vents have appeared on the front bumper and fenders, while the integrated ducktail spoiler keeps the car planted to the ground.

Size-wise, the BRZ now measures 4265mm long, 1775mm wide, 1310mm high, and has a 2575mm wheelbase. Compared to the outgoing model, the BRZ grew 25mm longer. The width is still the same, but the car is lower by 10mm. Lastly, the wheelbase was extended a further 5mm.

On the inside, the BRZ still features a driver-centric cabin but with some added interior amenities. The analog tachometer from the previous model has been replaced with a digital unit that forms part of the 7-inch TFT Color LCD instrument panel. Furthermore, the old 2-DIN head unit is gone. It now uses an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Despite appearing identical to the previous 2.0-liter unit, the BRZ now comes with the bigger FA24 2.4-liter boxer-four. It produces 237 PS and 250 Nm of torque. The new model's power has increased by 37 PS, but more importantly, the added 45 Nm of torque can now be felt as early as 3700 rpm. Two transmission options are offered – a six-speed manual, and a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters.

EyeSight 3.0 driver safety technology has also made its way to the BRZ's 6-speed automatic variant. Features like pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane sway warning and lead vehicle start alert are added to the list of the BRZ's safety systems.

Here's some more welcome news for our high-performance car enthusiasts; the BRZ is available off the dealership wearing 18-inch wheels wrapped in 215/40R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.

The all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ retails for PHP 2.399 million for the 6-speed manual variant. On the other hand, the 6-speed automatic transmission variant with Eyesight sells for PHP 2.499-million. The rear-wheel-drive sports coupe comes in seven colors: Ignition Red, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Sapphire Blue Pearl, WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, and Ice Silver Metallic.

Interested to buy one? According to Subaru, the all-new BRZ is now on display and is ready for test drives across all Subaru showrooms nationwide.