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| Subaru’s BRZ is quite a lot dearer than its badge twin, the Toyota 86, but then the Scooby does have higher spec levels inside plus a maintenance plan that is a year or 5 000 km longer than that of the Toyota’s. |
AFTER leaving a decent interval for Toyota to market the 86, Subaru
this week introduced the BRZ, the 86’s visual twin in all but the badge and
front air scoops.
Subaru wants R389 900 for the BRZ manual, which is R91 400 more
than the standard Toyota 86 on its 16-inch wheels and R38 more than what Toyota
wants for its high-spec auto shifter.
Both Japanese manufacturers tout the 96 and BRZ as “the epitome of
a sports car”, with a light chassis and a responsive engine driving the rear
wheels.
The 86 and BRZ were jointly developed using Toyota clout and
Subaru’s engineering know-how and expertise. Both are very good value for money. A front-mounted Boxer engine emits the same power as the 86 (147 kW
and 205 Nm), transmitting the power to the rear wheels with a six-speed manual
gearbox.
Down Under, these two sports cars became the first to share a car-of-the-year
award from the Carguide magazine last year.
Both cars are also on the World Car Awards short-list this year.
So what does the Subaru BRZ have that the 86 doesn’t have? Higher
spec levels inside and a longer warranty.
The Scooby comes with a full maintenance plan for five years or 105
000 km, which complements the standard three years or 100 000 km warranty that
the 86 also has. Toyota’s care service plan is a year or 45 000 km shorter at
four years or 60 000 km, and a warranty of three years or 100 000 km. The Subaru
BRZ also sports a comprehensive list of standard features which contribute to a
premium driving and ownership experience. Smart features like bi-xenon
headlights, keyless access and push-button starting, a premium audio system and
17-inch alloy wheels are further bolstered by unique, BRZ-specific features like
the aerodynamic rear spoiler and the Subaru performance exhaust system, both of
which are fitted as standard as well.
Marketing manager at Subaru Southern Africa Ashley Lazarus
comments: “The BRZ is a true sports car for driving enthusiasts and we believe
that the enhanced standard specification as well as the added value of the full
maintenance plan give the BRZ an advantage over its competitors.
“That, and the fact that the performance exhaust and the cheeky
rear spoiler really give it a special, Subaru-style sound and presence.” Subaru
provides exclusive after-sales backup for BRZ.
Subaru
BRZ pricing:
R389
900 with a five-year/105 000 km maintenance plan and a three-year/100 000 km
warranty.
