Question about new BRZ 2017/18 soft knee pad?

[Rai-zero]

I tested a 2015 BRZ yesterday and was quite pleased for the most part except for my right knee which was in contact with the center knee pad area which is hard plastic. Wanted to ask if the new revised car has improved this with softer material?

I was looking that it’s possible to replace with some aftermarket solution but I’m not sure if I want to buy a new car and start replacing parts like this. I also need to add an armrest.

Later I tested a MX5 which was very fun but just too small for me, I don’t have an inch in any direction. Funny enough my legs were more comfortable with no hard points and I fit in the car, but my head was 1 inch form the roof and it would be impossible to have worn a jacket.

I had owned a S2000 for 6 years but my right thigh developed a numb spot due to resting on the center tunnel, this didn’t happen all at once but over the years so that I began to put a foam pad to keep my thigh from contacting the center tunnel, I maybe could have get different seats but in the end just sold the car.

I don’t want to repeat the same with BRZ if the right knee area is going to be a big issue.

Has anyone found this to be any improvements in the newer car?

[Coachrhino11]

Originally Posted by Rai-zero

I tested a 2015 BRZ yesterday and was quite pleased for the most part except for my right knee which was in contact with the center knee pad area which is hard plastic. Wanted to ask if the new revised car has improved this with softer material?

I was looking that it’s possible to replace with some aftermarket solution but I’m not sure if I want to buy a new car and start replacing parts like this. I also need to add an armrest.

Later I tested a MX5 which was very fun but just too small for me, I don’t have an inch in any direction. Funny enough my legs were more comfortable with no hard points and I fit in the car, but my head was 1 inch form the roof and it would be impossible to have worn a jacket.

I had owned a S2000 for 6 years but my right thigh developed a numb spot due to resting on the center tunnel, this didn’t happen all at once but over the years so that I began to put a foam pad to keep my thigh from contacting the center tunnel, I maybe could have get different seats but in the end just sold the car.

I don’t want to repeat the same with BRZ if the right knee area is going to be a big issue.

Has anyone found this to be any improvements in the newer car?

How tall are you? I’m 6’2 and drove and fit in new RF somehow but yeah, need more room! I found place here that will help me select and install bucket seat in Miata to give more room, I wouldn’t do that in new RF but in NC I’m definitely open to that. I’ll be testing BRZ soon.

[Rai-zero]

I’m 6-2 also medium build 203 lbs.

The BRZ had a lot more room inside for driver.

My only issue with the fit was lack of armrest (should be standard) and hard plastic where my right knee falls (actually below the knee the top of the tibia).

As for driving this was a 2015 and I’m not sure if the new car has better tires, but the 2015 was severely under tired meaning it was almost like what you’d feel like in a normal car if you were driving in the rain. I don’t mean once it’s moving but from a start they tires don’t have any grip.

[reebis]

I'm 6'6" @ 240lbs and fit fine in my 2017 BRZ. I have a long torso, so I typically have to recline the seat pretty far back in any car (not uncomfortably though) and still fit with a helmet with about an inch of clearance to the roof. I actually feel like i have more room in the front in this car than my previous 2001 2.5RS.

The 2017s have knee pads stock on the center console and doors. Not sure if the pre-2017 cars have it or not.

[yurikaze]

The 2018 I have has soft upholstered padding where your knees touch the door and center stack.

[Rai-zero]

Originally Posted by yurikaze

The 2018 I have has soft upholstered padding where your knees touch the door and center stack.

Thanks,

I’m going to text drive one on Saturday in that case.

It sounds like the mid cycle refresh had a lot of good additions.

[trippinbillies40]

Correct, the '17+ cars have the knee padding on both sides, which is a big improvement. You also have the option of the performance package, which gives a much nicer ride quality.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by trippinbillies40

Correct, the '17+ cars have the knee padding on both sides, which is a big improvement. You also have the option of the performance package, which gives a much nicer ride quality.

Is the first year that the BRZs have the padding? My 14 FRS has it and I thought the BRZ got it sooner. Seems like a basic item for them to take so long to include in the "upscale" cars.

[Grady]

Originally Posted by trippinbillies40

Correct, the '17+ cars have the knee padding on both sides, which is a big improvement. You also have the option of the performance package, which gives a much nicer ride quality.

I would not buy a 17+ without the PP! $1K add on. That package is a no brainer!

[trippinbillies40]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Is the first year that the BRZs have the padding? My 14 FRS has it and I thought the BRZ got it sooner. Seems like a basic item for them to take so long to include in the "upscale" cars.

Honestly not sure. I'd have to look into it. I was an FRS guy till I started working for Subaru

[HKz]

i think the brz may have started including them from 2016 on whereas the FRS started getting them earlier. but quite frankly they are very easy to swap out and i doubt they would be that expensive...find a part out thread?

[bkharmony]

Originally Posted by Grady

I would not buy a 17+ without the PP! $1K add on. That package is a no brainer!

Toyota owner here wishing he had bought a Subaru. I went to check out the BRZ with PP, and couldn't find options for it on the Subaru site or any dealer site - only Sit option. Is the PP a dealer-installed option? What gives?

[Rai-zero]

Originally Posted by bkharmony

Toyota owner here wishing he had bought a Subaru. I went to check out the BRZ with PP, and couldn't find options for it on the Subaru site or any dealer site - only Sit option. Is the PP a dealer-installed option? What gives?

Is on Subaru website as option $1195 which includes larger Brembo brakes same as on STI (I believe) larger 7.5” wide wheels and firmer dampers.

Has to be factory option, there’s no way a dealer will be replacing brakes and wheels and dampers for $1200.

[Rakshaa]

@Rai-zero - all FR-S/86 models came with the kneepads and door pads 2014 and onwards. As for the BRZ, definitely 2017+ in all of NA but I thought the earlier models had it as well. Maybe Canada only?