2014 Subaru BRZ Premium Coupe: Review, Specs & More
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium Coupe. This sporty little number has been turning heads for years, and for good reason. It's stylish, fun to drive, and surprisingly practical. Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or just looking for a reliable and exciting daily driver, the BRZ deserves a spot on your radar. So, let's buckle up and explore everything this awesome coupe has to offer!
Overview of the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium
The 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium is more than just a pretty face. It's a carefully engineered machine designed to deliver a pure driving experience. At its heart lies a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) engine, a signature Subaru feature. This engine configuration gives the BRZ a low center of gravity, which translates to exceptional handling and responsiveness. The Premium trim adds some nice creature comforts over the base model, making it a sweet spot for many buyers. Think of it as the perfect blend of performance and everyday usability. We're talking about features that enhance your driving pleasure without breaking the bank. So, if you're considering a BRZ, the Premium trim is definitely worth a look. It's a step up in terms of features and refinement, making your daily commute or weekend canyon run that much more enjoyable. The BRZ is a testament to Subaru's commitment to building cars that are fun, reliable, and engaging. It's a car that you'll look forward to driving every single day.
Key Features and Specifications
Let's get down to the nitty-gritty and explore the key features and specifications of the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium. Under the hood, you'll find a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine that produces around 200 horsepower and 151 lb-ft of torque. While that might not sound like a lot on paper, remember that the BRZ is a lightweight car. This power-to-weight ratio makes it surprisingly quick and agile. You can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The manual is the purist's choice, offering a more engaging and connected driving experience. But the automatic is no slouch either, providing smooth and quick shifts. The BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive car, which is essential for its sporty handling characteristics. It also comes standard with a limited-slip differential, which helps to distribute power evenly to the rear wheels, improving traction and cornering performance. Inside, the Premium trim adds features like Alcantara upholstery, heated front seats, and a premium audio system. These features make the BRZ a more comfortable and enjoyable place to be, whether you're commuting to work or carving up your favorite backroads. Overall, the BRZ is a well-equipped sports car that offers a great balance of performance, features, and value.
Performance and Handling
When it comes to performance and handling, the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium truly shines. Its low center of gravity, thanks to the boxer engine, gives it exceptional balance and stability. This translates to confident cornering and a planted feel on the road. The steering is precise and communicative, allowing you to feel connected to the car and the road. The BRZ is not about brute power; it's about finesse and driver involvement. It encourages you to explore its limits and rewards smooth, precise inputs. The suspension is firm but not harsh, providing a good balance between handling and ride comfort. It soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road without sacrificing its sporty feel. The BRZ is a car that you can drive hard without feeling like you're going to lose control. It's predictable and forgiving, making it a great car for both novice and experienced drivers. The brakes are also well-matched to the car's performance, providing strong and consistent stopping power. Whether you're on the track or on the street, the BRZ delivers a thrilling and engaging driving experience. It's a car that will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel.
Interior and Comfort
Stepping inside the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium, you'll find a driver-focused interior that's both functional and stylish. The seats are supportive and comfortable, providing good bolstering for spirited driving. The Alcantara upholstery adds a touch of luxury and helps to keep you in place during hard cornering. The dashboard is simple and uncluttered, with all the essential controls within easy reach. The gauges are clear and easy to read, providing you with all the information you need at a glance. The Premium trim adds features like heated front seats, which are a welcome addition on cold mornings. The audio system is also upgraded, providing better sound quality and more features. While the BRZ is not the most spacious car on the market, it's surprisingly practical for a sports car. The trunk is large enough to hold a couple of suitcases, and the rear seats can be folded down to create even more cargo space. However, the rear seats are best suited for children or small adults, as legroom is limited. Overall, the interior of the BRZ is a comfortable and functional place to be, especially for the driver. It's designed to enhance the driving experience and make you feel connected to the car.
Fuel Economy and Reliability
Let's talk about fuel economy and reliability – two crucial factors for any car buyer. The 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium offers a decent fuel economy for a sports car. With the manual transmission, you can expect to get around 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The automatic transmission improves those numbers slightly, with around 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway. Of course, your actual fuel economy will vary depending on your driving style and conditions. As for reliability, the BRZ has a good track record. Subaru is known for building reliable cars, and the BRZ is no exception. However, like any car, it's important to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure that it stays in good condition. This includes things like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake inspections. With proper care, the BRZ should provide you with years of trouble-free driving. It's a car that's built to last, and it's a testament to Subaru's commitment to quality and durability. So, if you're looking for a sports car that's both fun to drive and reliable, the BRZ is definitely worth considering.
Potential Problems and Maintenance
Even the most reliable cars can have their share of potential problems, and the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium is no exception. Some common issues that owners have reported include problems with the fuel injectors, the valve springs, and the air conditioning system. However, these issues are not widespread, and many BRZ owners never experience them. Regular maintenance is key to preventing problems and keeping your BRZ running smoothly. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule, which includes things like oil changes, filter replacements, and fluid top-offs. It's also a good idea to have your car inspected regularly by a qualified mechanic to catch any potential problems early. If you do experience any problems with your BRZ, it's important to address them promptly to prevent them from becoming more serious. Ignoring a small problem can often lead to a larger and more expensive repair down the road. With proper care and maintenance, the BRZ should provide you with years of reliable service. It's a car that's built to last, and it's a testament to Subaru's commitment to quality and durability.
Is the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium Right for You?
So, is the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium the right car for you? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you're looking for a sporty, fun-to-drive car that's also relatively practical and reliable, then the BRZ is definitely worth considering. It's a car that's designed to put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel. However, if you need a lot of space for passengers or cargo, or if you're looking for a car with a lot of power, then the BRZ might not be the best choice. It's a small car, and it's not the fastest car on the market. But what it lacks in space and power, it makes up for in handling, balance, and driver involvement. The BRZ is a car that's all about the driving experience. It's a car that you can connect with on a visceral level. If that's what you're looking for in a car, then the BRZ is definitely worth a look. It's a car that will make you feel alive, and it's a car that you'll never get tired of driving.
In conclusion, the 2014 Subaru BRZ Premium Coupe is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a fun, engaging, and stylish sports car. It offers a unique blend of performance, handling, and practicality that's hard to find in other cars in its class. If you value the driving experience above all else, the BRZ is definitely worth a test drive. You might just fall in love!
