Subaru BRZ gains momentum in South Africa
Subaru BRZ gains momentum in South Africa
Subaru BRZ gains momentum in South Africa
- Subaru BRZ named a 2014 WesBank/SAGMJ Car of the Year semi-finalist
- Standard performance exhaust proven to add 7 kW extra power
- New BRZ Sportshift automatic model joins local line-up
The Subaru BRZ – the brand’s newest model and also the only one available with rear-wheel drive – is making increasingly important waves in South Africa where its more dedicated following has taken a liking to the pure sports car connotations afforded by the Subaru badge.
Says Ashley Lazarus, Subaru Southern Africa Marketing Manager: “The BRZ is appealing – as it should – to true sports car enthusiasts and not least to those who know what the Subaru badge stands for in South Africa.” The local motoring media seem to realise this as well, as they named the Subaru BRZ 2.0 manual a semi-finalist in the running to next year’s prestigious WesBank/SAGMJ Car of the Year competition. It is a true delight that our BRZ is part of this group of vehicles, and proof of its worthiness as one of the best vehicles in its class.
“What we are also very proud of is the fact that we are now able to confirm that the standard performance exhaust fitted to the BRZ has been proven to deliver an increase in engine output by 7 kW – a meaningful gain which further sets the BRZ apart, not only on the aural front whereby the normally-aspirated Boxer® engine can be heard in all its glory, but also in the performance stakes where seconds count.”
Further to the extra power, the local BRZ range is now expanding with the addition of the BRZ 2.0 Sportshift 6-speed automatic derivative. Following the already high specification level of the six-speed manual derivative, the BRZ automatic gains paddle shifters as an added bonus, with an overall price premium of just R10 000.
“The new BRZ automatic allows anyone who has a yearning to own this iconic sports car the opportunity to do so, whether they prefer manual or automatic gearboxes. Its exclusivity in the South African market adds further appeal as a very attractive option in the compact sports car stakes, and the addition of the automatic ‘box has not removed any of the BRZ’s unique character or driving fun, making it a viable alternative to the manual.”
Both Subaru BRZ models continue to feature a 2.0-litre normally-aspirated four-cylinder Boxer® petrol engine which produces 154 kW and 205 Nm, the six gears of either model delivering the force to the rear wheels via a limited slip differential. Standard equipment includes the performance exhaust, a rear spoiler, 17-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, keyless access and starting, dual-zone climate control, seven airbags and five-mode VDC (Vehicle Dynamics Control).
Retail pricing is as follows, including a 3-year/100 000 km warranty and a generous 5-year/105 000 km maintenance plan:
Subaru BRZ 2.0 6MT R389 900
Subaru BRZ 2.0 Sportshift 6AT R399 900
Confidence in Motion
“Confidence in Motion” expresses the Subaru brand’s global statement, signifying a crossroad for the company. Subaru is a brand driven by its own vision of what mobility should be, never aiming to be all things to all people. Incorporating technological ingenuity and engineering excellence, Subaru is about having the confidence and peace of mind to go anywhere. Celebrating 20 years in South Africa since 1992, Subaru in South Africa stands for enjoying life through exploration and continually embarking on fresh adventures.
About Subaru Southern Africa
Subaru Southern Africa is wholly owned by Toyota Tsusho Corporation Japan and local subsidiary Toyota Tsusho Africa, represented by 15 dealerships and service centres in Southern Africa. It imports, distributes and markets the Subaru brand consisting of XV, Forester, Outback, Tribeca, Legacy, WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ models, products of Fuji Heavy Industries of Japan. The first Subarus were imported into South Africa in 1992. The vehicles are unique for their Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive™ and Boxer® engine combination technology, providing the highest level of active and passive safety, in world-class comfort, on all road surfaces and in all weather.
[ source : Subaru SA ]
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