Used 2014 Subaru BRZ

Driven by its rear wheels only, the Subaru BRZ for 2014 is a departure from Subaru’s other all-wheel-drive (AWD) offerings, but to purists it’s the only way to build a true sports car. Whether carving out a winding road or spending a day at the track, the BRZ delivers in a way few cars in this price range can. Precise steering, a brilliantly balanced chassis and taut suspension bring back memories of early Mazda RX-7s and Datsun 280Zs, only with all the modern safety and traction-control features expected of a 21st -century performer. Although it’s nowhere near as powerful as the Chevy Camaro or Ford Mustang, the BRZ also doesn’t carry their hefty weight, which means what it lacks in punch it more than makes up for in poise.

If the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang are oversized power lifters, think of the Subaru BRZ as a lean but equally capable distance runner. Its brilliantly balanced suspension and limited-slip differential allow the 2014 Subaru BRZ to slice through twisting pavement like a seamstress’ shears through silk. The BRZ doesn’t just go where you point it, it reacts instantly to every blip of the throttle, every modest adjustment to the steering wheel. Once you leave the corners, you’ll find the BRZ is no one-trick pony, offering up excellent braking, brisk acceleration and a wonderful manual transmission that slips effortlessly into the next gear. The 2.0-liter engine isn’t a power dynamo, but the car’s lightweight body allows the engine’s 200 horsepower to do their job without disappointment. Best of all, the BRZ sips fuel, has a smooth and compliant ride and is nicely equipped, making it a very livable car for everyday use.

Billed as a 2+2 sports car the 2014 Subaru BRZ is best thought of as a 2-seater thanks to elfin rear bucket seats sized for emergency use only. Up front, occupants enjoy more human-like comfort with reasonable head space and comfortable yet incredibly supportive sport seats. The plastic-clad interior isn’t fancy, but it offers simple functionality with minimal distraction, smartly keeping the driver focused on the joy of driving.

Eye the Subaru BRZ for 2014 up and down and you might notice it bears a striking resemblance to the recently introduced Scion FR-S. The fact is, besides some minor details, the 2014 BRZ and FR-S are identical twins (we’ll leave you to figure out which is the evil one). A long hood, an abbreviated trunk and a squat, planted stance all hint at the BRZ’s sporting credentials. In person Subaru’s coupe has a more charming presence than in pictures due to its small, athletic dimensions.

VOICE-ACTIVATED GPS NAVIGATION SYSTEM
While the BRZ’s competitors can be equipped with a navigation system, none of them offers one as standard equipment.

IMPRESSIVE FUEL ECONOMY
We really like that the Subaru BRZ is able to achieve up to 34 mpg highway (with an automatic transmission, no less) while providing all the fun of a sports car.

Anchoring the BRZ’s standard equipment list are a Torsen limited-slip differential, a navigation system with 6.1-inch touch screen, six airbags and an 8-speaker audio system with auxiliary and USB inputs.

Buyers looking to enhance the basic Subaru BRZ premium trim can step up to the Limited trim, which adds heated seats with Alcantara inserts and leather bolsters, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lights, keyless entry and engine start, and a rear spoiler.

We have hopes for a turbocharged engine option in the future, but for now the sole engine available in the 2014 Subaru BRZ is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to the engine’s horizontally opposed layout the Subaru BRZ boasts an extremely low center of gravity, enhancing the vehicle’s handling abilities. Engine power is sent to the rear wheels via a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission.

2.0-liter flat-4
200 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
151 lb-ft of torque @ 6,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg (manual), 25/34 mpg (automatic)