Subaru says its sporty BRZ is all-new, though it certainly looks very familiar 

Subaru has unveiled its 2022 BRZ at the Thermal Club Raceway in California. There is a familiar look on both the exterior and interior, despite the fact that the model is completely new and not just an updated version of its predecessor. 

It is still a good-looking beast. The latest BRZ is over an inch longer and almost half an inch lower. The curvy bonnet extends far beyond the front wheels and drops down, making the grille narrow and its position at the front very low. The grille is kept simple, and is flanked by two large teardrop-shaped air intakes. The headlamps are also larger than the lamps on the previous BRZ and have a simple shape, making the front end look a little more modern and fresh.

The roofline has what Subaru describes as a “double bubble appearance”, which is a “nod to vintage racing cars.” Body work at the side is smooth, with the back wheel arches flaring outwards to give the BRZ a formidable stance. There is one bold ridge that starts from the large side vents and runs beneath the door, curling up at the end to mimick the shape of the air vents at the front. 

At the rear, a substantial ducktail spoiler flicks outwards. Under this is a reflective strip that spans the width of the car, joining the two tail lights together. These lights have sharp edges in order to outline the shape of the boot. A large rear bumper pushes up into the body work at either side of the rear and houses the two exhausts.  

Inside, everything is typically Subaru. Most of the surfaces are plastic, and the large circular air vents look like they were made 50 years ago. The touchscreen too looks dated somehow, perhaps due to the large plastic casing that surrounds it. 

The dash is shapeless. It doesn’t curve around the front passengers and therefore lacks a cockpit-like feel (which is surprising, considering Subaru says that the BRZ is all about the sporty driving feel). 

Under the screen sit three large climate control dials as well as five buttons with a metallic finish. There are more buttons on the centre console, flanking the touchscreen, on the steering wheel and on the doors, so it is all rather busy. 

The sportiness does come in the form of simplicity. A big gear knob and enormous handbrake are both finished in black leather with racing-red stitching, as are the seats and steering wheel. The pedals are chrome too, and look weighty. Subaru also says that the driver seating position is low and, as the pillars make use of high strength steel, they are slim to ensure a broad the line of sight.