[bedabi]

Despite the unimpressive numbers on paper, MT's own subjective review writes:

And the BRZ is undeniably superb. For the money, its grin-getting straight-line quickness, 22/30 mpg city/highway fuel economy (25/34 with the six-speed automatic), seemingly extrasensory chassis response, seven-airbag passive safety suite, and straightforward, aesthetically pleasing cabin -- offering nearly as much front headroom as the 4.4-inch-taller Honda Civic Si and enough cargo room with the rear seats folded to swallow a toolbox, a helmet, and a full set of wheels/tires -- make Subaru's most creative creation a force to be reckoned with. Sure, it's not the quickest car in its class and it has a few faults (cramped backseat, ho-hum 17-inch wheels, and the Scion will be cheaper). But for pure, unadulterated driving delight, the BRZ packs a knockout punch.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...ed_first_test/