The 2016 Subaru BRZ Premium represents the pinnacle of the first-generation model, combining the engaging driving dynamics that define the BRZ name with a suite of comfort and safety features that elevate it beyond a simple sports car. This specific trim level was designed for the driver who seeks a refined experience, offering enhanced materials and technology without sacrificing the precise steering and balanced chassis that enthusiasts crave. Under the hood, the horizontally-opposed 2.0-liter boxer engine delivers a symphony of mechanical precision, making every journey feel connected and alive.
Design and Exterior Refinements
The visual distinction of the 2016 BRZ Premium is immediately apparent, setting it apart from the base and premium trims. The exterior design language is aggressive yet elegant, featuring a redesigned front bumper with a larger air dam and prominent fog lights that improve both aesthetics and functionality. The inclusion of LED headlights not only provides superior illumination but also gives the front fascia a sharp, modern appearance that stands out in any setting. These design elements work in concert to create a vehicle that looks as fast as it performs.
Premium Interior Comfort
Step inside the 2016 Subaru BRZ Premium, and the focus shifts from the road to the cabin experience. This trim level moves beyond the basic functionality of its lower counterparts, embracing a philosophy of comfort and quality. Soft-touch materials replace the standard plastics, providing a tactile surface that feels sophisticated and durable. The seats are bolstered for better lateral support during spirited driving, yet remain comfortable enough for extended highway cruising, a testament to the thoughtful engineering behind the interior design.
Technology and Connectivity
In an era where connectivity is paramount, the 2016 BRZ Premium ensures the driver remains integrated without being distracted. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is an enlarged touch-screen display, which provides intuitive access to navigation, audio, and vehicle settings. This Premium trim also introduced Apple CarPlay compatibility, a significant upgrade that allows seamless integration with a smartphone, bringing essential apps and music directly to the dashboard. The inclusion of a premium audio system further enhances the cabin atmosphere, delivering clear, rich sound that complements the driving experience.
Safety Suite
Safety is a cornerstone of the Subaru legacy, and the 2016 BRZ Premium exemplifies this commitment with the EyeSight driver assistance technology. This system utilizes a pair of cameras to monitor the road ahead, providing adaptive cruise control that maintains a safe following distance and pre-collision braking that can mitigate or avoid frontal collisions. Additionally, the Premium trim often included enhanced features like blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert, offering a comprehensive suite of tools designed to protect the driver and passengers in various traffic scenarios.
The mechanical grip provided by the standard all-wheel-drive system ensures that these safety features are effective in a wide range of weather conditions. Whether navigating a rainy city street or a winding mountain road, the confidence-inspiring traction and stability allow the driver to fully utilize the performance capabilities of the chassis. This integration of safety and dynamics is a hallmark of the Subaru philosophy, ensuring that enjoyment is never compromised by insecurity.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
Ultimately, the 2016 Subaru BRZ Premium is a driver’s car, and its performance credentials are exceptional. The flat-four engine, while not the most powerful in its class, is perfectly balanced and lightweight, sitting low in the chassis to lower the center of gravity. This configuration results in handling that is incredibly predictable and communicative, allowing the driver to feel every nuance of the road. The steering is precise and weighted, providing direct feedback that makes navigating tight corners an exhilarating experience. The six-speed manual transmission is the ideal conduit for this power, rewarding drivers with a tactile engagement that is increasingly rare in the modern automotive landscape.
