The 2018 Subaru BRZ near Gulfport, MS: A Hidden Gem
The 2018 Subaru BRZ near Gulfport, MS is both an anomaly and a hidden gem. With its rear-wheel-drive configuration, the BRZ is Subaru’s only offering that’s not AWD. That, along with two-by-two seating and lightweight design, makes the BRZ one of the few affordable options for compact coupe enthusiasts. If a driver wants a smallish, RWD coupe and a naturally aspirated engine, the 2018 Subaru BRZ is a great choice.
New for 2018
The 2018 model has had a few minor styling tweaks on the front and rear. On the inside, it gets a steering wheel with onboard cruise control, phone, and audio buttons. It has a reinforced chassis, along with upgraded dampers and springs, and manual-equipped models have a slight horsepower increase.
Our Opinion
The 2018 BRZ offers a great deal of fun in an affordable package. While the 200+ horsepower boxer engine makes the couple amply quick, the real joy of the BRZ is how it handles corners. We like the upgraded suspension and additional horsepower, but that’s not all. The car’s stability control limits have increased, allowing drivers to slide the rear end with less interference from the car’s safety systems.
Wheel-Mounted Controls
Once drivers have experienced the convenience of wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls, they’ll find it difficult to go backward.
Manual Gearbox
According to the automaker, most BRZ buyers want the six-speed manual transmission rather than the available six-speed auto, and there’s a good reason: The BRZ has one of the best manual transmissions around. Simply put, it feels just right.
On the Inside
The 2018 Subaru BRZ near Gulfport, MS can seat four passengers, although tall riders may find the rear seats a bit cramped. The rear seats can fold down to accommodate larger items passed through from the trunk. The front seats are well-supported and perfectly suited for the type of driving BRZ owners do, and the controls are easy to use and reach.
On the Outside
The BRZ shares much of its appearance with the Toyota 86. While there are slight changes, it takes a sharp eye to find them, but that’s not a bad thing. We like the BRZ’s sleek, tight, and aggressive styling, and it has style in all the right places.
Standard Features
The 2018 BRZ comes in two trims: Limited and Premium. The base model (the Premium) comes with the Starlink touchscreen infotainment system, six-speaker audio system with Bluetooth and USB connectivity, a backup camera, manual adjustable driver’s seat, limited slip differential, 17” wheels, cruise control, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, and leather-covered shift handle. The Limited model gets a plush leather interior with dual climate controls, heated front seating, fog lights, push-button starting, a security system, a color instrument panel, and red interior trim.
Options and Add-Ons
The 2018 BRZ has a relatively short list of options. If a driver wants an auto BRZ, we suggest opting for the Limited trim and optioning it out. Available add-ons include the manual-only Performance package that includes black alloys, Sachs shocks, and Brembo brakes. While the options are certainly nice, even the base model is commendable, as the car’s robust performance is the real draw. For performance enthusiasts, the ultra-limited-edition Series. Yellow BRZ is based on the Limited with the Performance Package; it adds yellow interior accents and a bright exterior color.
Lifting the Hood
There’s only one engine to be had in the 2018 BRZ, but it’s a good one indeed. The 2.0L four-cylinder is horizontally opposed, in what’s known as a flat or boxer configuration. The layout allows the engine to be positioned lower in the car, which means better handling and a lowered center of gravity. The version with the manual transmission gets new valves, camshaft, cylinder heads, intake manifold, and exhaust manifolds. Apart from the reduced price, increased horsepower, and better engagement, another big reason to choose the manual model is its flashy intake manifold. The BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports car, just as it should be.
Safety Ratings
The 2018 Subaru BRZ near Gulfport, MS got a four-star rating in frontal crash testing and a five-star rating in rollover testing from the NHTSA. The IIHS has not yet tested the 2018 version, but the previous model got a rating of Good on all tests except the small overlap crash test. The IIHS hasn’t yet tested the BRZ’s headlights, and no active safety features are available on this year’s model.
The 2018 Subaru BRZ is appealing to performance enthusiasts on a tight budget, but others will like it as well. Stop by the dealership to take a test drive, or call us at (888) 486-3576 to find out more about it.
