Subaru has to still to decide on whether its cool BRZ coupe — developed in collaboration with Toyota — will come to Australia. The Japanese brand is currently focussed on the release of the spacious XV crossover here in December and anticipates welcoming a new audience when it arrives.
Final word on the BRZ two-plus-two seater coupe’s arrival -- or not -- won’t be made until after the release of the XV sub-compact SUV, meaning mid-December at the earliest.
Speaking to motoring.com.au during the launch of the new Impreza and XV crossover in Japan this week, Subaru Australia’s managing director Nick Senior admitted his company had several issues to address before making a decision.
“As we are [in Australia] an all-wheel drive company, there’s a philosophical decision we need to make,” said Senior. “The decision is helped because it is a rear-wheel drive and it’s been designed to be a fun to drive car, so it does slot in to our philosophy and DNA.
“If it was a front-wheel drive car, the decision would be very easy: it wouldn’t be coming. That it’s rear-wheel drive and fun to drive justifies vigorous debate.”
Other issues for Subaru Australia regarding the BRZ include the fact its segment (two door coupe) is not particularly active here and so the BRZ would represent only small volume for the brand.
“If we didn’t bring it, we won’t miss out on much volume,” he confirmed. It could even “become a distraction” for the brand.
Subaru Australia would also be up against Toyota’s stronger dealer network, as the car will appear here in production form of the shared FT-86. Further, local Subaru fans have not indicated a demand for the BRZ to come to Australian showrooms... For those keen for a Subaru-badged coupe, you’ve got til mid December to raise your hands.
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