Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Subaru BRZ is a testament to the enduring appeal of the classic sports car formula: lightweight, rear-wheel drive, a sparkling suspension and a manual transmission.

After a week behind the wheel, it’s clear that this affordable coupe delivers an abundance of driving pleasure that belies its modest price tag.

At the heart of the BRZ is a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While these numbers may not seem impressive on paper, the BRZ’s relatively light weight allows it to make the most of its power. The engine is eager to rev, with a satisfying growl that encourages enthusiastic driving.

The six-speed manual transmission is a joy to operate, with short, precise throws that make every gear change a pleasure. It would be a disservice to the car’s character to opt for the available automatic. This is a driver’s car through and through, and the manual is an integral part of the experience.

Where the BRZ truly shines is in its handling. The chassis is beautifully balanced, with quick, communicative steering that provides excellent feedback.

The BRZ tS’s sleek profile and subtle performance enhancements create a handsome, purposeful look that punches above its price class.

The STI-tuned suspension in the tS model that I tested offers even sharper responses without significantly compromising ride quality. The Brembo braking system provides strong, fade-resistant stopping power, inspiring confidence during spirited driving.

Visually, the BRZ is a handsome little coupe with classic sports-car proportions. The tS model adds subtle visual enhancements, including unique badging and dark gray 18-inch wheels.

Inside, the cabin is driver-focused, with supportive seats and a logical layout of controls. However, material quality is merely adequate, and there’s noticeable road noise at highway speeds — constant reminders of the car’s affordable price point.

Practicality is not the BRZ’s strong suit. The rear seats are best thought of as additional storage space rather than suitable for passengers. However, for a sports car, the trunk is surprisingly usable, especially with the rear seats folded down.

Fuel economy, rated at 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, is reasonable considering the car’s performance focus. The inclusion of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite as standard equipment for 2024 adds a welcome layer of safety technology to this sports car.

While not luxurious, the BRZ’s driver-focused cockpit provides all the essentials for an engaging driving experience, with supportive seats and well-placed controls.

At $36,465 as tested, the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS represents exceptional value in the fun-to-drive car market. It offers a driving experience that rivals much more expensive machines, with a focus on driver engagement that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s automotive landscape.

The BRZ isn’t without compromises. It’s not particularly quick in a straight line. The interior isn’t luxurious, and it’s not practical as a daily driver for those who regularly need to carry more than one passenger. But for enthusiasts seeking a pure driving experience without breaking the bank, it’s hard to beat.

In a world of increasingly complex and expensive performance cars, the BRZ is a refreshing throwback to simpler times. It proves that you don’t need massive horsepower or a six-figure price tag to have fun behind the wheel.

For those who, like me, prioritize driving enjoyment above all else, the BRZ offers an unbeatable combination of performance, affordability and pure automotive joy.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?
2024 Subaru BRZ tS ($35,345). Options: None. Price as tested (including $1,120 destination charge): $36,465

BY THE NUMBERS
Wheelbase: 101.4 in.
Length: 167.9 in.
Width: 69.9 in.
Height: 51.6 in.
Engine: 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four cylinder (228 hp, 184 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
MPG: 20 city, 27 highway

RATINGS
Style: 10
Performance: 8
Price: 9
Handling: 9
Ride: 6
Comfort: 4
Quality: 7
Overall: 9

WHY BUY IT?
The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS delivers an engaging, back-to-basics sports car experience with sharp handling, a satisfying manual transmission, and attractive styling at a price point that’s hard to beat in today’s performance car market.

Cargazing
By Derek Price

The 2024 Subaru WRX TR is a testament to the brand’s commitment to performance, offering a more refined take on the rally-inspired sedan that has captivated enthusiasts for decades.

After a week behind the wheel, it’s clear that while the WRX may have matured, it hasn’t forgotten how to thrill.

At the heart of the WRX is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, with a smooth-revving inline layout, that produces a robust 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

This powerplant shines in real-world driving with strong low-end grunt that makes for effortless acceleration in daily traffic. Paired with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission, the WRX TR delivers an engaging driving experience that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s market.

Where the WRX TR truly excels is in its handling. Subaru has hit a sweet spot with the suspension tuning, offering exceptional grip and body control without sacrificing everyday comfort.

The standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides seemingly limitless traction in corners, instilling confidence even in challenging conditions.

The WRX’s aggressive stance and bold styling cues hint at its performance potential, while maintaining a somewhat understated presence.

The new high-performance Brembo braking system, featuring 6-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers, delivers impressive stopping power and pedal feel.

For 2024, Subaru has made some notable improvements to enhance the WRX’s performance credentials. The TR trim introduces stiffer springs, revised damping rates and a retuned steering rack, resulting in sharper responses and better body control. The addition of 19-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires further improves grip and braking performance.

Inside, the WRX strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort. The standard Recaro seats, upholstered in black and gray Ultrasuede, provide excellent support during spirited driving while remaining somewhat comfortable for longer journeys.

The 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system offers modern connectivity features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety hasn’t been overlooked, with Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology now standard even on manual transmission models — a first for the WRX. This suite includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and lane departure warning, among other features.

Supportive Recaro seats and a large touchscreen infotainment system blend sportiness with modern convenience in the WRX’s driver-focused cabin.

While the latest WRX may not have the raw, uncompromising edge of the discontinued STI model, it compensates by offering a more well-rounded package.

The ride quality and noise levels have been improved, making the WRX a more palatable daily driver without sacrificing its performance DNA.

At $42,907 as tested, the WRX TR offers capabilities that rival more expensive European sports sedans, wrapped in a practical four-door package with Subaru’s renowned reliability.

For longtime WRX fans, this latest iteration might seem a bit more grown-up than its predecessors. However, the core attributes that have made the WRX a performance icon — turbocharged power, all-wheel-drive grip, and an engaging driving experience — remain firmly intact.

The 2024 WRX TR proves that maturity and excitement need not be mutually exclusive, delivering a compelling blend of everyday usability and thrilling performance.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2024 Subaru WRX TR ($41,655). Options: All-weather floor liners ($132). Price as tested (including $1,120 destination charge): $42,907

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 105.1 in.
Length: 183.8 in.
Width: 79.3 in.
Height: 57.8 in.
Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged four cylinder (271 hp, 258 ft. lbs.)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
MPG: 19 city, 26 highway

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 9
Price: 8
Handling: 9
Ride: 4
Comfort: 5
Quality: 8
Overall: 8

WHY BUY IT?

It offers an exhilarating driving experience with good everyday comfort, advanced safety features and all-weather capability.