The new 2014 Subaru BRZ enters into its second year continuing to signify a return of an affordable rear-wheel-drive sports car winning over enthusiasts and those outside of the enthused spectrum seeking economical yet sporty transportation.

The only change for the 2014 Subaru BRZ Limited trim start and end exclusively with new standard smartphone integration. The clever use of the intelligent key system (keyless access) and pushbutton start for the Subaru BRZ Limited keeps things polished yet simplified. Additionally, the BRZ’s automatic climate control with dual climate zones remains to be a nice touch to add a premium perception to the compact rear-wheel-drive sports coupe.

The 2014 Subaru BRZ maintains its sporting duties making due with its 2.0-liter direct-injection boxer 4-cylinder engine producing 200 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 151 ft-lbs. of torque 6,400 rpm. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

My quick spin in the new 2014 Subaru BRZ 6-speed manual characterized itself around its remarkable handling abilities. Although, for obvious reasons, the BRZ is not much of a straight-line performer, it is a vehicle you can push to its cliff-hanging limits without getting into much trouble. At the mercy of its 17-inch Michelin Primacy HP tires, which howl and bark in celebration to how much fun you can have in the BRZ, the well-balanced chassis proves to be competent even for the less-experienced enthusiast.

The Subaru BRZ, as exclaimed in many previous assessments, proves to be the perfect foundation for a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe with untapped potential. That potential resides in a balanced chassis, Torsen limited slip differential, low center of gravity (lowest for any current production vehicle), kidney-hugging sport front seats, razor sharp steering, a manageable and predictable 2.0-liter boxer engine, and just enough feedback communicated to the driver to confidently conquer the most demanding race tracks. The foundational value can be found in hands of the numerous tuners who have successfully taken the BRZ to new heights by adding between 50 to 80 additional horsepower. The additional of such power would be the ideal performance combination when you consider how stout the chassis of the BRZ comes out of the box, further evidence in the enthusiast-derived engineering and development of the new BRZ and its Scion FR-S twin.

Driving the Subaru BRZ begs you to break the legal confides of back roads and local highways. The lackluster power output would likely keep most from enacting the insurance claim process. The stability control and traction control’s VSC Sport mode allows you to break the rear end out just enough before things get ‘progressive’ or you need that ‘good neighbor’, ‘gecko’ or an ‘allstate stand’.

The BRZ’s well-recognized handling abilities and sporty propensity overshadow its few shortcomings starting with the smallish backseat only good for small children and power output reemphasizing the enthusiast’s need for an additional 50 or so horsepower. On the bright end of the spectrum, the BRZ retains its economical stature getting an EPA estimated 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. During my drive of the new 2014 BRZ I found those fuel consumption figures to be rather consistent even when thrashing the little 2.0-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine that could at every bend in the road. I saw a nice return of 21.1 mpg in my flogging adventures and about 31.5 mpg on the highway.

Adding to the economical attribute of the new 2014 Subaru BRZ is its pricing scale weighing in well under $30k at an as-tested price of $28,390 for my top-trimmed BRZ limited including a $795 destination and delivery charge.

Copyright: 2014 AutomotiveAddicts.com

SPECIFICATIONS

• Price: Base BRZ Premium (manual transmission) $25,495.00 / As-Tested BRZ Limited 6-Speed Manual $28,390
• Engine: 2.0-liter DOHC 16-valve Boxer/Flat (horizontally opposed) 4-cylinder 200 horsepower @ 7000 rpm / 151 ft-lbs. @ 6600 rpm
• Track: f/r-59.8/60.6in.
• Wheelbase: 101.2in.
• Height: 50.6in.
• Headroom: f/r-37/35in.
• Legroom: f/r-41.9/29.9in.
• Cargo volume: 6.9cu.ft.
• Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons
• 0-60 mph: 6.4 seconds
• EPA mileage: 22 mpg/city, 30 mpg/highway