There's more to being a driver than getting from one point to another, and that's easy to see with a quick drive in the 2017 Subaru BRZ near Gulfport MS. We like how this sports coupe engages us with its easy nature and its great handling, and we think drivers will feel the same.
What's New for This Year
The 2017 Subaru BRZ has received its most substantial updates since its introduction four years ago. The highlights include a minor uptick in power, revised suspension tuning and transmission gearing, auto LED headlights, updated styling, and an optional performance package including Brembo brakes and an upgraded gauge cluster.
Features and Trim Levels
The 2017 BRZ is a four-seater compact coupe that's available from Subaru dealerships near Gulfport in three trim lines: Limited, Premium, and Series Yellow. The Premium has standard 17" alloys, summer tires, auto LED headlights, a limited-slip differential, keyless entry, cruise control, AC, a leather-bound steering wheel, a fold-down rear seatback, and a backup camera.
Electronic features include the Starlink infotainment unit with a 6.2" touchscreen, Bluetooth audio and phone connectivity, navigation, voice activation, HD and satellite radio, an auxiliary input, CD player, and USB port.
Stepping up a bit, the Limited gives drivers LED fog lights, keyless entry and ignition, a spoiler, dual climate controls, faux leather and suede upholstery, a digital gauge cluster, heated mirrors, and heated front seats.
The Series Yellow model includes all the features found in the Limited edition as well as the options from the performance package. It also has a frameless rearview mirror, black badging, and a black/yellow interior color scheme with a BRZ logo embroidered on each front seat.
MPG and Performance
The 2017 Subaru BRZ near Gulfport MS, unlike most other Subaru models, comes with rear-wheel drive. It sports a 2.0L horizontally-opposed, four-cylinder powerplant, and output depends on the buyer's transmission selection. The standard gearbox is a six-speed manual, and there's an available six-speed auto with paddle shifters on the Limited edition. With the manual gearbox, drivers will get 205hp and 156 lb. ft. of torque. Auto BRZs have 200hp and 151 lb. ft. of torque. According to the EPA, the BRZ has a combined fuel economy of 25 mpg for the manual and a combined economy of 27 mpg for the automatic.
Safety Features
Standard equipment from 2017 Subaru BRZ dealers includes stability and traction control, antilock brakes, and front/side curtain airbags. As mentioned earlier, the Limited trim line comes with larger Brembo brakes as an option, but these are standard on the Series Yellow. In frontal crash tests, the BRZ got a government rating of four out of five stars. Prior tests by IIHS resulted in a rating of Good in head restraint, roof strength, side impact, and moderate overlap front impact categories.
Interior
Though the BRZ isn't full of fancy add-ons, it has a very likable interior. The cabin has pleasant yet simple styling with a combination of Subaru and Toyota touches, and several tech additions are standard, such as a backup camera, a navigation system, and Bluetooth connectivity. This year, the Series Yellow and Limited trims also get a new gauge cluster that displays additional performance and engine information.
One of the greatest features in the BRZ's interior is the front seats. They are firm, properly shaped, and sufficiently supportive for vigorous driving yet comfortable enough to go on longer trips. Drivers of almost all sizes should find the BRZ comfortable to drive, and the front view is expansive thanks to the low-profile hood.
Behind the Wheel
For the 2017 BRZ, revisions include chassis reinforcements and suspension tuning, a slight increase in horsepower, and a shortened final drive ratio in manual transmission cars. The BRZ is, in short, an entertaining car. Although it isn't lightning-fast, it corners well and the steering is sharp and responsive. Tire grip is adequate, but that's a big part of the BRZ's appeal. We recommend going with the manual gearbox for the easy shifting and the slight uptick in horsepower, but even the auto transmission provides rapid upshifts, enthusiastic driving, and vigorous downshifting.
The Verdict
The BRZ has proven itself as more than a mere sports coupe. It is composed and comfortable whether it's driven on bumpy city roads or the open highway. The ride provided is relatively supple, or at the least, not firm enough to be intolerable in the city. While previous models had some road noise, this year's upgraded cabin insulation has made things much better.
While the BRZ won't win any awards for its cargo room, it's not geared toward that segment of the market. If a driver wants responsive steering, great handling, stout brakes, and a fun driving experience, the BRZ is a worthy contender. To learn more about the BRZ or to take a test drive, visit Subaru dealers near Gulfport MS or call us at (888) 486-3576 to schedule an appointment.
