2014 Subaru BRZ Premium: A Budget Sports Car Review

by Jhon Lennon 52 views

What's up, car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into a ride that really captured the hearts of affordable sports car lovers: the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium. If you're on the hunt for a car that’s all about the driving experience without emptying your wallet, then buckle up, because this one’s a gem. The BRZ, developed in partnership with Toyota (they call it the GT86 or Scion FR-S over there), is Subaru’s take on a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive (RWD) coupe. It’s designed from the ground up to be a driver's car, focusing on sharp handling, balanced weight distribution, and that pure, unadulterated connection between you, the car, and the road. For 2014, the Premium trim offered a sweet spot for those who wanted a bit more creature comfort while still keeping the core BRZ philosophy intact. We're talking about a car that, even years later, is a blast to drive and a fantastic platform for modifications. So, let's get into what makes the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium tick, why it became so popular, and what you should know if you're considering snagging one up today.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Beast

Let’s talk about the powerplant that gives the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium its go. Under the hood, you’ll find Subaru’s signature 2.0-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine. Now, some folks might look at the horsepower figures and think, “Meh, that’s not a lot.” And yeah, at around 200 horsepower, it’s not going to blow your socks off like some of the turbocharged monsters out there. But here’s the kicker, guys: the BRZ isn’t about raw, brute force. It’s about how that power is delivered and how the car uses it. The Boxer engine, with its flat, horizontally opposed cylinders, gives the BRZ an incredibly low center of gravity. This is absolutely crucial for its handling prowess. That low center of gravity means less body roll in the corners, more stability, and a feeling of being glued to the tarmac. The engine itself has a decent rev range, and when you push it, it makes a rather pleasing, unique sound. Power is sent to the rear wheels via either a slick-shifting 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic. For purists, the manual is the way to go. It’s engaging, precise, and adds to the whole “driver’s car” experience. Clutch feel is good, and the shifter is one of the highlights. The automatic isn’t bad, but it does take away some of the engagement. The car’s gearing is also well-suited for spirited driving, keeping the engine in its happy place when you’re carving up some twisty roads. The 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium might not win drag races, but on a track or a winding road, it truly shines. Its performance is a testament to thoughtful engineering rather than just throwing big numbers at the problem. It’s about balance, agility, and making the most of what you have. The lightweight nature of the car (around 2,700 lbs) means that 200 horsepower feels much more potent than it might in a heavier vehicle. It’s a recipe for fun that’s been perfected over decades, and the BRZ is a modern embodiment of that.

Handling and Driving Dynamics: Where the BRZ Really Shines

Okay, so we’ve touched on it, but let's really hammer home what makes the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium such a joy to drive: its handling. This is where the car truly earns its stripes. Subaru and Toyota engineers worked tirelessly to create a chassis that is incredibly balanced and communicative. We’re talking a near-perfect 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution, thanks to that low-mounted Boxer engine. This means when you turn the steering wheel, the car just goes where you point it, with minimal fuss. The steering itself is sharp, responsive, and provides excellent feedback. You can feel what the front tires are doing, which builds confidence and makes you want to push harder. The suspension is tuned for sportiness, offering a firm ride that keeps the body composed during aggressive cornering. It’s not bone-jarringly stiff, but you definitely know you’re driving a performance-oriented car. The RWD layout is the cherry on top. It allows for a more playful driving experience, letting you explore the limits of grip and even get a little sideways if you’re on a track or closed course (and know what you're doing!). The limited-slip differential (LSD) standard on the Premium trim helps put that power down effectively and contributes to the car's balanced cornering. What’s really special is the feel of the BRZ. It’s an analog experience in a digital world. You feel every little nuance of the road surface through the steering wheel and the seat. It’s a car that encourages you to learn its limits and your own. For a car that was relatively affordable when new, the level of sophistication in its chassis and suspension tuning is genuinely impressive. It feels more expensive and more capable than its price tag suggests. Whether you’re commuting, hitting up some back roads, or even doing some track days, the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium delivers a driving experience that’s hard to beat in its class. It’s a car that rewards smooth inputs and good driving technique, making you feel like a better driver with every mile.

Interior and Features: The 'Premium' Touches

Now, when we talk about the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium trim, we're looking at the slightly more refined version compared to the base model. While the BRZ has always prioritized the driving experience over luxury, the Premium trim adds some niceties that make daily driving and longer trips a bit more comfortable. You still get that sporty, driver-focused cockpit. The seats are generally supportive and well-bolstered, designed to keep you in place during spirited drives. The 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium specifically came with upgraded upholstery – often a combination of cloth and faux leather, which looks and feels a step up from the base model's all-cloth setup. The dashboard layout is clean and functional, with all the important controls within easy reach. You’ve got your gauges front and center, including a large tachometer with the speedometer integrated within it, emphasizing the car’s performance nature. For 2014, the Premium trim usually included things like automatic climate control, a touchscreen infotainment system (though remember, tech from 2014 is pretty basic by today's standards – think Bluetooth, USB, maybe navigation), heated front seats, and a push-button start. Keyless entry was also a standard feature. While the interior materials aren't exactly high-end luxury, they are durable and fit the car's sporty, no-nonsense ethos. It’s not a car you buy for plush materials or excessive tech gadgets. You buy it for the driving experience, and the interior supports that. The rear seats are, to be frank, pretty small. They’re best suited for occasional use or for very small children. The trunk space is also modest, but enough for a couple of track tires or some weekend luggage. Overall, the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium interior provides a comfortable and functional space for the driver and front passenger, with just enough extra features to justify the 'Premium' badge without compromising the car's core identity. It’s a place where you feel connected to the machine, ready to hit the road.

Exterior Design: Sleek and Sporty

The 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium boasts an exterior design that’s both sleek and functional, aiming for a sporty, aerodynamic look without being overly aggressive. The coupe profile is classic sports car, with a low-slung stance and clean lines. The front fascia features sharp headlights and a prominent grille, giving it a determined look. The long hood and short rear deck are quintessential sports car proportions. One of the standout design elements is the roofline, which is specifically designed to be low and aerodynamic, contributing to the car's low center of gravity. The side profile is simple and elegant, with subtle creases that suggest motion. The 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium typically came with standard 17-inch alloy wheels, which fill out the wheel wells nicely and add to the sporty aesthetic. The rear end features distinctive taillights and a subtle trunk lid spoiler that aids in aerodynamics. The dual exhaust tips not only add to the sporty look but also hint at the car's performance aspirations. Subaru’s designers aimed for a design that was timeless rather than trendy, and the BRZ has largely achieved that. It’s a car that looks good from almost any angle, a cohesive design that reflects its performance-oriented nature. The proportions are spot-on for a lightweight sports coupe, making it look agile and ready to pounce. While it might not have the flamboyant wings and vents of some more extreme sports cars, its understated aggression is part of its charm. It’s a design that has aged well and continues to turn heads today. The 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium exterior is a perfect blend of form and function, a visual representation of the driving joy that lies within.

Pros and Cons: Should You Buy a 2014 BRZ Premium?

Alright, let's break down the good and the not-so-good if you're eyeing a 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium. This car is fantastic for a specific type of driver, but it's not for everyone.

Pros:

  • Incredible Handling Dynamics: This is the star of the show. The sharp steering, balanced chassis, and RWD layout make it an absolute blast on twisty roads and even on a track. It offers an engaging and pure driving experience.
  • Affordable Sports Car: When it was new, and especially on the used market today, the BRZ offers incredible value for a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe. It’s a gateway to affordable performance driving.
  • Lightweight and Agile: Its low weight makes the 200 horsepower feel much more potent. The car feels nimble and responsive in all situations.
  • Driver-Focused Interior: The cockpit is designed around the driver, with excellent seating position and clear instrumentation.
  • Subaru Reliability (Generally): While it's a shared platform, Subaru's general reputation for building solid vehicles carries over. Many owners report good reliability, especially if maintenance is kept up.
  • Great Platform for Modifications: The BRZ is incredibly popular in the tuning community. If you love to tinker, there's a massive aftermarket for performance and aesthetic upgrades.

Cons:

  • Modest Power Output: While it handles great, 200 horsepower can feel a bit lacking for some, especially if you're used to more powerful cars or plan on highway passing often. It really needs to be revved to get the most out of it.
  • Stiff Ride: The sporty suspension, while great for handling, can make for a firm ride on rough roads, which might not be ideal for daily commuting in certain areas.
  • Limited Practicality: The rear seats are tiny, and the trunk space is small. This is not a car for hauling friends or lots of gear.
  • Basic Infotainment (by today's standards): The tech features, especially the infotainment system, are quite dated. Don't expect Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
  • Potential for Clutch Wear (if driven hard): As with any RWD sports car, be mindful of potential clutch wear on used examples, especially if they've been tracked or driven aggressively.

So, who is the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium for? It’s for the driving enthusiast who prioritizes handling and engagement over outright power or luxury. It’s for someone who enjoys the process of driving, who loves feeling connected to the road, and who might even want to dip their toes into track days or autocross. If you’re looking for a practical daily driver that can haul a family, this isn’t it. But if you want a fun, affordable, and capable sports coupe that will make you smile every time you get behind the wheel, the 2014 BRZ Premium is definitely worth a serious look.