The 2016 Subaru BRZ Premium represents the pinnacle of the first-generation model, combining the engaging driving dynamics of the standard BRZ with a suite of sophisticated appointments designed to elevate the daily driving experience. While the base model captured hearts with its low price of entry and pure handling, the Premium trim addressed the desire for comfort, technology, and style, creating a sports coupe that was equally adept at carving mountain roads and navigating city streets.
The Allure of the Flat-Four Experience
At the core of the 2016 BRZ Premium is the horizontally-opposed 2.0-liter Subaru BOXER engine, a powerplant celebrated for its low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution. This unique layout is the source of the car's exceptional handling characteristics, allowing for precise cornering and a feeling of unity between the driver and the road. The Premium trim does not alter this fundamental truth; rather, it provides the perfect canvas on which the car's dynamic strengths can be enjoyed with greater refinement, transforming the drive from a mere thrill into a nuanced and rewarding experience.
Refined Comfort and Ergonomic Excellence
Where the base model asks for compromise, the 2016 BRZ Premium delivers on comfort, a critical upgrade for longer journeys. The seats, bolstered with additional padding and premium synthetic leather, offer significantly more support for the hips and back during spirited drives. Furthermore, the Premium package introduced power-adjustable front seats, a feature that allows drivers to find their ideal position with effortless precision, ensuring optimal visibility and control without the fatigue associated with manual adjustments.
Technology and Connectivity Upgrades
In an era increasingly defined by digital interaction, the 2016 BRZ Premium successfully integrated modern technology without overwhelming the driver. The inclusion of a standard rearview camera was a welcome safety enhancement, providing crucial visibility during reversing maneuvers. The upgraded infotainment system featured Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing seamless integration of smartphones. This meant that navigation, music, and calls were easily accessible through the familiar interface of a connected device, bridging the gap between the car's analog soul and digital expectations.
Aesthetic and Practical Enhancements
Visually, the 2016 BRZ Premium is distinguished by its unique styling cues that set it apart from the base model. The signature LED daytime running lights, housed in stylish projector-beam housings, provide a distinctive and upscale appearance, while the 18-inch alloy wheels lend a more athletic and sophisticated stance. Inside, the Premium trim introduced a stylish cloth and synthetic leather upholstery combination, available in sophisticated color schemes that added a touch of elegance to the driver-focused cockpit.
