Source: Jordan Times, AmmanAug.存倉 13--A departure from a tradition of an exclusively four-wheel-drive line-up (barring tiny Japanese domestic market "kei" cars) for Subaru, the long-awaited and much-feted Subaru BRZ is the car that Toyota have desperately need for some time to shake off a less-than-exciting image that has developed around the conventional, conformist and "safe pair of hands" values that have served them so well.A back-to-basics naturally aspirated rear-drive sports car with restrained power and weight, the BRZ is designed with the fun-factor and classic handling traits firmly in focus and is an altogether different proposition that Subaru's legendary rally bred turbocharged four-wheel-drive Impreza WRX STI.Developed mainly by Subaru in cooperation with Toyota -- who are shareholders -- the BRZ is more widely sold in the guise of a Toyota 86, and also under Toyota's Scion value brand as the FR-S exclusively in North America.Light, balanced and involving the BRZ uses a front-engine and rear-drive platform, and is smaller, lighter and less muscular than the GT-leaning Hyundai Genesis Coupe, with which it is tempting to draw parallels. Without a four-wheel-drive differential, the BRZ's flat, compact and well-packaged Subaru horizontally opposed or "boxer" engine is mounted yet lower, while Toyota's contribution mainly includes a direct fuel injection system adopted for the Subaru engine and the design.Handsome proportionsVirtually identical in appearance to its Toyota and Scion sister models, the Subaru BRZ however receives a more handsome, upright and bold fascia.In fact, it is essentially a different bumper design, with a trapezoidal grille/air intake that is wider on top in addition to more horizontal running and fog light housings. Shark-like and low with swept-back headlights with a semi-circular outside kink, the BRZ is a handsome machine with classic rear-drive proportions including a low and long hood, and low sloping roofline, which extends to a fastback-like rear with a small boot-lid rather than hatchback. Sporting details include front air splitter, side ports and dual exhaust pipes.Defined side haunches lend the BRZ presence and tone, while with its engine mounted especially low and a correspondingly low bonnet, front visibility is terrific.Rear light clusters are shaped nicely but would look better if they weren't clear cased. The BRZ's matt grey alloy wheel design looks better than its sister models, but larger rear footwear would have better filled out the somewhat muscular rear haunches and offered better rear grip -- perhaps Subaru's trademark gold alloys would have worked well with the beautiful traditional blue paint, but that is something we might see on a more powerful Subaru BRZ STI version in the future.Delicate and connectedSitting low and upright in an alert driving position in the BRZ's six-way adjustable and supportive body-hugging sports seat one feels hunkered down and cozy but not uncomfortable. With a small but chunky steering wheel and stiff, stubby and precise short-throw gear lever falling nicely to hand, one enjoys a distinctly sporty and connected experience, which is enhanced by the fact that the BRZ's cabin isn't overly insulated and one can steel hear the throbbing "boxer" engine and gearbox linkages at work. With shoulder pressed slightly to the door and compact dimensions, the BRZ is easy to manoeuvre and place on the road.Controls, vents, buttons and dials are clear and user-friendly, while styling is pleasant but not over-stated or obsessed with heavy and expensive luxury materials.The BRZ feels well assembled but somewhat delicate, but isn't quite a stripped-down racer, and includes safety and convenience features like six-speaker stereo with USB connectivity, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, brake assist, numerous airbags and even Isofix child seat mounts for the somewhat occasional-use rear twin bucket seats. Driven in GCC-spec with full-size spare wh自存倉el rather than space saver or re-inflation kit, the BRZ's 243-litre boot space is limited in size and opening and not flat, but folding rear seats expand luggage capacity.Eager to revThe BRZ features a light but precise clutch pedal with delicate biting point, which takes a few minutes to adjust to, as well as accurate crisp brakes and throttle, and a general un-fussed, sporty and pragmatic business-like sensibility.Thumbing the ignition button, the BRZ's charismatic Subaru flat-four engine comes to life, and with a staccato rumble of sorts, is eager to be revved hard and high into rev range.Designed to be a revvy engine with precise throttle control for delicacy and precision, the BRZ's engine not just rewards more in high revs, but needs to be thrashed mercilessly for it to deliver.A different proposition to the Impreza STI's meatier, more brutal and surging turbocharged cousins, the BRZ's engine is progressive and revvy, and delivers its maximum potential at lofty engine speeds. With power building up to 197BHP at 7,000rpm and 151lb/ft torque peaking at 6,400-6,600rpm, the BRZ isn't exactly a muscle car, and can feel under motivated in low- and mid-range speeds.Dispatching the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.6-seconds and topping out at 225km/h, the BRZ is quick enough, but with hot family hatchbacks like the Ford Focus ST and VW Golf GTI coming delivering sub-seven-second acceleration, the BRZ could do with more firepower.Balance and precisionA light, balanced and eager drive that is reasonably priced, rear-drive and handsome, the Subaru BRZ is a car best enjoyed when driven hard, but with only 151lb/ft on offer, some will be baying for a possible STI version, while for others this is a prime candidate to be tuned to 250BHP or even 300BHP with the addition of a turbo.After a short test drive however, one is happy to report that the BRZ isn't nearly as tail-happy and drifter-oriented as some gushingly report about its' Toyota sister. Perhaps it is a case of exaggeration, or more likely that Subaru's suspension tuning takes a more mature approach.With rally and four-wheel-drive heritage, where grip is important to cover ground effectively, quickly and safely, Subaru hasn't succumbed to a trendy and overtly drifty set-up, even with modest 215/45R17 rear tires. A fun and precise car, the BRZ has a nice balance between crisp handling, intuitiveness and decent rear grip. Quick and light steering is accurate and the front wheels bite hard on turn-in, while the light 1,230kg BRZ enjoys flat cornering and with revvy engine and modest torque, one can come back on the throttle early.Smooth but firm, the BRZ is agile and light on its feet but stable -- And yes it will tail-slide accurately, progressively and intuitively if one wants it to.Technical specificationsEngine: 2-litre, horizontally-opposed 'boxer' 4-cylindersBore x stroke: 86 x 86mmCompression: 12.5:1Valve-train: 16-valve DOHC, direct-injectionGearbox: 6-speed manual, RWD, Torsen limited-slip rear-differentialGear ratios: 1st 3.626:1; 2nd 2.188:1; 3rd 1.541:1; 4th 1.213:1; 5th 1:1; 6th 0.767:1Reverse / final drive ratio: 3.437:1 / 4.1:1Power, BHP (PS) [kW]: 200 (197) [147] @ 7000rpmSpecific power: 98.6BHP/litrePower-to-weight: 160.1BHP/tonTorque, lb/ft (Nm): 151 (205) @ 6400-6600rpmSpecific torque: 102.6Nm/litre0-100 km/h: 7.6-secondsTop speed: 225km/hFuel consumption, urban / extra-urban / combined: 10.4 / 6.4 / 7.8l/100kmCO2 emissions, combined: 181g/kmFuel capacity: 50-litresLength: 4240mmWidth: 1775mmHeight: 1425mmWheelbase: 2570mmTrack, F/R: 1520 / 1540mmGround clearance: 120mmKerb weight: 1230kgBoot capacity: 243-litresSuspension, F/R: MacPherson struts / double wishbonesSteering: Electric assistance, rack and pinionLock-to-lock: 2.48-turnsTurning radius: 10.79-metresBrakes: Ventilated discsWheels: 215/45R17Copyright: ___ (c)2013 the Jordan Times (Amman, Jordan) Visit the Jordan Times (Amman, Jordan) at .jordantimes.com Distributed by MCT Information Services迷你倉新蒲崗
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