The Subaru BRZ's global popularity is unquestioned. Since making its debut a little over a year ago, the BRZ has become quite the seller for Subaru->ke86. It still doesn't have the cache of the Impreza->ke1319, but it's safe to say that it's getting there.

It certainly helps the case of the BRZ that markets like Australia, which has long been a hotbed for muscle cars, has embraced a sports car like the BRZ to the point that it's offering up a special edition aimed only at the market from "down under."

Granted, the whole "BRZ S" designation only alludes to a number of packages that are being offered as add-ons to the BRZ, but the mere inclination of Subaru's Australian arm to showcase and offer these programs is a testament to the rising popularity of the BRZ in the Aussie market.

Click past the jump to read more about the Subaru BRZ S

2013 Subaru BRZ S Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Subaru BRZ S Edition
  • Engine/Motor: horizontally-opposed boxer engine
  • Horsepower: 200
  • Torque: 151
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission with short stroke shift lever
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

You'll probably have a hard time distinguishing the unique characteristics of the BRZ S; but once you take a closer look, you'll realize that the model does come with a variety of premium aero enhancements. A front under spoiler and a side under spoiler are two of the more prominent ones, giving the BRZ an even more aggressive appearance that belies its performance capabilities.

There's also a new lip spoiler finished in Crystal Black Mica on the trunk lid, a diffuser under the rear bumper and a set of 17-inch STI alloy wheels.

Subaru BRZ S Package:

-Front under spoiler

-Side under spoiler

-Rear side under spoiler

-Boot lip spoiler (crystal black mica)

-17-inch black STI alloy wheel

-Gear shift lever assembly (manual-only)

-Rear under diffuser

In addition to the aforementioned package, the BRZ S also gets the treat of receiving a sports pack, which offers a host new parts and accessories for the Japanese sports car, including: GT sports stripes that run from the hood to the boot; a carbon-fiber-type instrument panel; and an AVN satellite navigation system, among others.

BRZ Sports Pack:

-Distinctive GT sports stripes - run from boot to bonnet

-Fuel filler cap garnish

-Carbon-fiber-type instrument panel insert

-Rear step panel

-AVN satellite navigation system

-Reverse camera

-Front parking assistance

-Rear parking assistance

-STI Battery clamp/holder

-STI oil cap

-STI valve cap set

Interior

Interior upgrades to the special edition BRZ were kept at a minimum. About the only items worth noting are the push-button ignition and the revised gear shifter with a "Duracon" knob on manual models.

Performance

No performance modifications were given to the Subaru BRZ S so expect to see the same 2.0-liter boxer engine that produces 200 horsepower and 151 pound-feet of torque. With that much output, the BRZ is capable of hitting 0-60 mph in an estimated six seconds with a top speed of around 140 mph.

Pricing

The BRZ S package is being sold for AUD$7,995 on models that come with a manual transmission and AUD$7,195 for models that come fitted with a six-speed automatic transmission. Add that to the AUD$37,150 single build price of the BRZ down under and you're looking at a total expense of about AUD$45,145 on manual models and AUD$44,345 on automatic models.

Competition

BMW 1 Series M Australia Limited Edition

Seeing as this is generally a purely cosmetic upgrade for the Subaru BRZ, it goes without saying that the BRZ S with the equally limited edition BMW M models that were launched in Australia earlier this year.

One, in particular, was the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, which was also treated to its own set of equally limited aesthetic and aerodynamic enhancements.

For what it's worth, though, the close proximity of prices - the 1 Series M Australia Limited Edition is only about AUD$3,000 more expensive than this tricked out BRZ S, which is saying a lot considering that the former packs almost twice as much horsepower - 340 ponies - compared to the latter's 200-horsepower output.

Conclusion

For the price you have to pay to get it, the Subaru BRZ S might turn off a lot of people. It doesn't come with any real noticeable performance upgrades that justify the exorbitant price tag it's asking. We love the overall package and think that it serves the BRZ well. But not if we have to pay over AUD$45,000 for it.

At that price, the 1 Series M Australia Limited Edition sounds more appealing in our eyes.