As the sole RWD (rear-wheel drive) vehicle in the lineup, the 2018 Subaru BRZ near Lafayette, LA is a bit of an oddity. While it doesn’t have the turbo engine and AWD of the popular WRX, the new BRZ is appealing to those who can appreciate high revs and good balance in the corners. If a driver wants a fun sports coupe with solid road manners, a smooth six-speed transmission, and good looks, the 2018 BRZ is a worthy contender.
New for 2018
On the manual models, horsepower has increased slightly over the previous version. Front end styling is slightly revised, and there’s an upgraded interior with a 4.2” display on the Limited trim. Along with revised shock and spring settings come 10-spoke, 17” alloys, a thicker sway bar in the rear, and a stability control system with a track mode. Limited models with manual transmissions have a Performance package that brings bigger brake rotors and Brembo brakes, performance shocks, and 17” black alloys. The Series.Yellow edition includes most Performance package features, along with a shiny yellow paint job, black leather interior and yellow accent stitching.
Fuel Economy and Powerplant
The 2018 Subaru BRZ gets its power from a 2.0L boxer engine, which means that the pistons are horizontally opposed. This normally aspirated four-cylinder engine puts out 200hp and 151 lb. ft. of torque when mated to the six-speed automatic, and 205hp/156 lb. ft. when paired with the six-speed manual. When equipped with the manual transmission the 2018 BRZ gets an EPA fuel economy rating of 21mpg in the city and 29 on the highway. Models with the automatic transmission get 24mpg in the city and 33 on the highway.
Usability
While the 2018 BRZ can seat four, taller passengers may find the rear seating area a bit cramped. However, the rear seats add to the car’s everyday usability because they fold to accommodate larger items loaded into the trunk. The front seats are properly bolstered for the type of driving the BRZ is known for, and all controls are easy to use and reach.
Available Options and Standard Features
Subaru is offering the 2018 Subaru BRZ near Lafayette, LA in two well-appointed trim levels: Premium and Limited. There’s also the extremely limited-edition Series.Yellow model to consider; only 500 are to be made. All trims come with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, and a six-speed auto is an option on the Limited.
· The Premium comes with AC, cruise control, power windows, locks, and mirrors, tilt and telescoping steering with Bluetooth and audio controls, 65/35 split rear seating, a limited slip differential, HID headlamps, a deck lid spoiler, and a 6.2” high-res touchscreen audio system with StarLink, satellite radio, CD player, USB and iPod input, eight speakers, and phone connectivity.
· The Limited gets LED fog lighting, leather and Alcantara seats, push button starting, illuminated vanity mirrors, dual climate controls, and a cold weather package with heated mirrors and seats. A six-speed auto transmission with steering wheel paddle shifters is an available option.
· The Series.Yellow has a special paint scheme, a frameless night/day rearview mirror, and yellow accent stitching throughout.
Standalone options for 2018 include an auto dimming rearview mirror, a rear bumper diffuser, a powered subwoofer, and a new inside illumination kit.
Safety Features
Every Subaru BRZ has standard safety features such as ABS, electronic stability and traction controls, and six sets of airbags. In government crash testing, the 2018 BRZ got a four-star rating in the frontal test, and five stars in roof strength and side impact testing. The IIHS gave the BRZ top ratings in all tests but the frontal small overlap crash test, where it earned a rating of Acceptable.
Driving the BRZ
While its 156-lb. ft. of torque isn’t going to deliver the same brisk acceleration as a WRX, the BRZ makes up for it in other areas. Because of the lightweight chassis, however, it will still make drivers smile if they’re willing to work with the six-speed manual and get the tach over 5000 RPM. The BRZ handles neutrally in the turns, its steering is precise, its brakes are great, and its traction is tenacious enough for hours of mountain road driving.
The 2018 Subaru BRZ near Lafayette LA is easy for everyday drivers to live with. The ride isn’t too jarring or harsh, the fuel mileage is competitive, and its maintenance requirements are no more extensive than those of family sedans. Call us at (888) 486-3576 to learn more, or visit the dealership to take a test drive of the BRZ today.
