2017 Subaru BRZ SE Lux

• Step-sister of Toyota's GT86 and infinitely more focused
• 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder boxer engine (197bhp/151lb ft.), 6-speed manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive, LSD
• Post-facelift car with new bumper design, new headlights and rear spoiler
• Refreshed interior with Alcantara throughout, leather dashboard, Bluetooth and keyless
• 2017-specification with spring rate and anti-roll bar changes resulting in really crisp turn-in
• Immaculate in WR Blue Pearl, one enthusiast owner and only 615 miles from new

The Subaru BRZ is the other half of the joint venture that resulted in Toyota launching the GT86 and is undoubtedly the more focused of the duo, with slightly sharper steering, a keener front end and better high-speed damping than the more luxurious GT86. However, it would appear that for the majority of buyers, superior dynamics will always come second to a better-equipped cabin, a longer warranty and increased refinement, so it came as little surprise that the plusher Toyota outsold its more focused sibling by roughly five to one. Not one to lie down however, Subaru fought back in 2017 with a mid-life facelift addressing those concerns.

On the inside, a compact 4.2in screen was added to the old-school instrument panel, a new, smaller-diameter steering wheel similar to that applied to the GT86 was fitted and the interior featured Alcantara throughout. For the first time, all BRZs received a 6.1in touchscreen with a Bluetooth-compatible system that acted as the single interface for everything from Sat-Nav (optional) to smartphones.

On the outside, the changes were less obvious: new headlights now featured different day-time running lights, the front bumper sported redesigned side vents and the boot lid benefitted from a tacked-on rear wing.

The 2.0-litre four-cylinder boxer engine was retained, still producing 197bhp and 151lb ft, however, the strength of the engine block was increased, the rocker arms were lightened and friction was reduced on the camshaft. The car's handling was tweaked and for 2017 the front springs were stiffened and the rears softened off, while the opposite was done to the anti-roll bars. This resulted in the front end becoming even pointier, but the steering was remapped restoring stability and consequently confidence at speed.

Offered here is a virtually brand new, post-facelift, 2017 Subaru BRZ SE Lux in gleaming WR Blue Pearl owned from new by our collector vendor who envisaged himself as the long term custodian of both the special WRC Blue Pearl Subarus in our catalogue. His plans have changed, however, and he now wishes to pursue the purchase of a once-in-a-lifetime Supercar. Only driven on dry days, this sparkling BRZ has never seen rain during the 615 miles covered in his hands. In addition to its pre-delivery inspection in April 2017, a main dealer service was conducted at 585 miles (10,000-mile service and oil change) in January 2019. The manufacturer's five-year warranty is naturally still valid and the car comes complete with all handbooks/manuals and its original Subaru sales brochure.

Despite being absolutely unmarked and with a tiny mileage, this very special BRZ has been guided substantially lower than anything in the market place and represents a real opportunity for a collector or, as we hope, an enthusiast owner.