Subaru price-matches Toyota with BRZ sports car

Buyers trying to make a decision between the almost identical Subaru BRZ and Toyota GT86 sports cars will find it tougher now that Subaru has announced the pricing of its newcomer.

Prices for the BRZ range from £24,995 to £27,995, very similar to the price tag of the GT86, revealed in March, which ranges from £24,995 to £26,495.

The two cars are a joint project between the rival manufacturers. Both versions use a Subaru-developed 2-litre Boxer engine driving through the rear wheels – unusual for Subaru which is renowned for its all-wheel-drive cars.

The price is slightly surprising as many expected Subaru to place its version of the car more upmarket with a higher price tag.

The BRZ offers two trim levels, the 2.0i SE and 2.0i SE Lux, with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, or an automatic variant for an extra £1,500. A more basic S model is expected to arrive in 2013.

Also fitted as standard to both models are 17-inch alloy wheels, a torque sensing limited slip differential and fully automatic air conditioning with dual-zone controls.

Additional features include heated electrically-folding door mirrors, keyless Smart Entry with push button start, cruise control, leather-trimmed steering wheel and iPod connectivity. Heated leather seats are included in the SE Lux models.

Satellite navigation is available for an additional £1,000, and special paint finishes for an extra £500.

According to Subaru UK Marketing Director Kenyon Neads, there is huge interest in the Subaru BRZ, heightened by positive press reviews of the car so far.

“Early demand is strong so we fully expect that some early customers will have to wait some months for delivery, especially during 2012,” Neads says, adding; “We have no doubt they will agree it will be worth the wait.”

Words by: James Charman