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Slightly Sporty Two Doors – Subaru BRZ v Abarth 124 Spider Comparison Review

Birthing twins is no easy feat. Surprise or shock, perhaps both, might follow a doctor’s announcement to a couple that suddenly twice the expected number of fresh entrants to the world will soon be crying, spewing and definitely not sleeping. Thi


Birthing twins is no easy feat. Surprise or shock, perhaps both, might follow a doctor’s announcement to a couple that suddenly twice the expected number of fresh entrants to the world will soon be crying, spewing and definitely not sleeping.

This cynical take on the finale of the procreation process might also reflect that of a selfish two-door sports car owner, focused on looks and driving but little else. Only a half-decade ago the number of affordable sub-$40,000 models that fit that bill numbered nought. Today there are two sets of near-twins to embrace in our arms.

The Subaru BRZ is an identical twin to the Toyota 86, both of which launched locally in 2012 but have been given a mid-life facelift for the new year. The rear-wheel drive two-door coupes could be purchased for $29,990 plus on-road costs, or just above.

Then came the Mazda MX-5 in 2015 that dropped entry to two-door roadster ownership to $31,990 (plus orc), down $10,470 over the previous model. And last year its non-identical twin from Italy via Japan, the Abarth 124 Spider, followed.

What we have here is sibling rivalry at its finest. The 86 and MX-5 are known as the firstborns and – as it turns out – the most popular pair, but we’ve gathered the facelifted BRZ and new 124 Spider to see if the twins can actually oust the originals.

TESTED

Abarth 124 Spider ($41,990 plus on-road costs)

  • 125kW/250Nm 1.4-litre turbo petrol 4cyl | 6sp manual
  • Fuel use claimed: 6.5l/100km | tested: 8.6l/100km

Subaru BRZ ($32,990 plus on-road costs)

  • 152kW/212Nm 2.0-litre petrol 4cyl | 6sp manual
  • Fuel use claimed: 8.4l/100km | tested: 8.2l/100km

OVERVIEW 

Of the above quartet, the $30,790 (plus orc) 86 GT remains the cheapest option.

The single-specification $32,990 (plus orc) BRZ adds over the Toyota, however, larger 17-inch alloy wheels (versus 16s), foglights, keyless auto-entry, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, a newer touchscreen audio with colour trip computer screen, and steering wheel-mounted audio controls, plus more premium cabin trim bits. Leather/Alcantara front seats with heating is the only $1500 optional extra.

All of the above comes standard in the 86 GTS, but it costs $36,490 (plus orc) and only further adds a very tacky satellite navigation unit unavailable at all in the Subaru. Both utilise a tweaked 2.0-litre non-turbo four-cylinder engine and suspension tune.

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