Subaru BRZ MY17 facelift details

"A comprehensive update to further cement BRZ as the driver's car of choice" - here's the important info!

It was more than four years ago now when PistonHeads first compared the BRZ and GT86 Toyobaru coupes, the twin-test eventually drawing 239 comments. The verdict? There were differences between the two, but they could only be separated on personal preferences rather than any ability gap.

Because who cares about less than 5,000rpm?

Since then the GT86 has been covered more extensively, the BRZ a much rarer car by the sales stats. Now, following the 2017 model year updates for the Toyota, the Subaru has also received a slight facelift.

Subaru says the work improves every area of the car, "refining the driving experience whilst enhancing sports car appeal." To those ends, the 2.0-litre flat-four has stronger cylinder blocks, buffed and polished valve stems, a lower friction cam and light rocker arms. All in the details, right? Despite unchanged power and torque, Subaru claims it's "a more responsive, fuel efficient engine."

Dynamically, the BRZ also incorporates a Track mode for the stability control as well as retuned dampers for improved ride and additional cornering precision. Oh yes, and a Hill Start Assist for city-dwelling BRZ drivers.

Wheels, spoiler and lights are new

Unsurprisingly, much of the changes inside mirror those seen in the GT86: there's that LCD display in the instruments, featuring a lap timer and a G-force meter, plus a new (and smaller) steering wheel with more Alcantara and leather for "upgrading the feel of components". And there's a new airbag. It's an improvement, certainly, albeit nothing to worry a TT owner.

To the exterior design, finally. The new front end is said to improve air flow, while the headlights are all-LED; note as well the wheels, spoiler and rear lights are tweaked too. The new BRZ will be available from the Spring in SE Lux trim only but manual or auto gearbox choices. Prices will follow soon, but early BRZs - of the few that are available - start at £15,000.