2017 Subaru BRZ | new car sales price

Savings announced across the range for Subaru's drift-happy BRZ, but only the manual scores key power boost.

It's more kit, less cash for BRZ buyers, with Subaru today announcing significant price cuts right across its rear-drive sports car range.

The news follows an August announcement that outlined the other changes to the refreshed range, with the 2017 BRZ also scoring an interior upgrade, new suspension tune and a minor exterior update.

The refreshed range still starts with the entry-level BRZ paired with a six-speed manual transmission, which now carries a list price of $32,990, down $1,735 on the current car. Opting for a six-speed automatic transmission will now set you back $34,990, again down $1,735 on the MY16 model. 

Buyers can still opt for the BRZ Premium, which adds leather-and-Alcantara seats that are heated in the front, which boosts the price to $34,490 for the manual, down from $35,677, and $36,490 for the automatic, down from $38,182 for the MY16 version.

Given the upgraded specification, and this new keen pricing, we could see whole lot of new interest in the BRZ range.

“Despite exchange rate pressures, our strong relationship with the factory has produced a great result for BRZ fans and that’s reflected in the volume of showroom interest since we teased the specification upgrades in August,” said Subaru Australia Managing Director, Colin Christie.

But while automatic drivers will be forced to make do with the BRZ's existing 147kW and 205Nm, those who choose a third pedal will see those numbers climb to 152kW at 7,000rpm and 212Nm from 6,400rpm - outputs that mirror those offered in the BRZ's twin-under-the-skin, the 2017 Toyota 86, which was unveiled at the New York Motor Show in March.

The gains are attributed to engine, intake and exhaust 'tweaks', and while they might not sound too significant, they are paired with a lower final gear ratio that Subaru promises will deliver more performance off the line. Subaru says there's no technical reason for the manual-only power boost, instead telling CarsGuide.com.au that the roughly 40-per-cent of BRZ buyers who opt for the automatic transmission are content with the existing outputs. 

Both manual and automatic versions score minor exterior changes for 2017, including a new, 10-spoke design for the BRZ's 17-inch alloy wheels, a new, wider-look bumper, new C-shaped LED head lights and LED tail lights. 

But the headline acts occur under the skin, with a new suspension tune that's been calibrated for "stability and comfort", and a new Track driving mode equipped with what Subaru calls "an additional insurance policy", with a remapped ESC allowing the car to slide, but stepping in if things start to get messy. The 2017 model is also equipped with Hill Start Assist.

Inside, the BRZ gets a new steering wheel, a new instrument panel design with a 4.2-inch driver-info display and automatic climate control. The new model also scores an updated multimedia set-up, with the BRZ now offering Subaru's six-speaker system, paired with a 6.2-inch touchscreen.

"Given the upgraded specification, and this new keen pricing, we could see whole lot of new interest in the BRZ range," says Subaru PR boss, David Rowley.

The 2017 Subaru BRZ is available to order online now, ahead of the vehicle's showroom debut later this month.

Would you pick the updated 86 or BRZ in 2017? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.