We’ve waited, and finally, it’s here.
At the 2022 Manila International Auto Show, Motor Image Pilipinas, the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles in the Philippines has unveiled the all-new BRZ. Now in its second generation, it’s a far cry from its predecessor with an entirely different look, an updated interior, and best of all, a bigger and more powerful engine.
Let us start with its looks, shall we? Compared to the previous model, this Subaru BRZ has been fitted with bigger headlight units. The same treatment has been given to the taillights as well, as it loses its round lens in favor of triangular, bicolored lamps. If you thought that the older BRZ was sleek, this one is on the leaner side. With more pronounced front and rear fenders, it looks wider as well this time around. The front even comes with what look to be air outlets; downforce and cooling, perhaps?
This is in contrast to the rear. While we don’t expect to have the same outlets, the back looks more solid with a unified design. No frills here except for the rear skirt and dual-exhaust tips that let you know that the BRZ means some serious business.
The interior has likewise been changed. Gone is the old gauge cluster and in front of the driver sits a digital 7-inch panel. Move your eyes to the center and you’ll also see that the head unit has been changed with an 8-inch infotainment system that comes complete with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and the usual Bluetooth connectivity. These are all good because finally, more to-date tech has reached what’s otherwise an “analog” cabin.
Now here are the best updates that Subaru slapped in. First of all, a new and bigger 2.4-Liter Boxer engine now sits under the hood. Compared to the old 2-Liter mill, this ups the power output by 28 HP and the torque by 44 Nm with the current 237 HP and 250 Nm numbers. The engine is paired to either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The sticky stuff comes by way of Michelin Pilot Sport tires wrapped around 18-inch alloy wheels.
Of course, what is power without safety? This is where the AT variant trumps the Manual because it comes with EyeSight 3.0. Included in this safety system are pre-collision braking, pre-collision throttle management, adaptive cruise control, lane sway warning, lane departure warning, as well as lead vehicle start alert.
The manual transmission 2022 BRZ is priced at PHP 2.399M, while the automatic comes in at PHP 2.499M. Seven colors are available: Ignition Red, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Sapphire Blue Pearl, WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Crystal White Pearl, and Ice Metallic Silver.
Head on over to the MIAS 2022 grounds if you want to see it. Trust us, it’s worth it.
