Subaru BRZ Hakone Edition Review: Special Edition Worth It?
The Hakone Edition's Allure and Identity
Imagine owning one of just 30 manual-transmission Subaru BRZ Hakone Editions in Canada. This Ridge Green special edition isn't just paint-deep—bronze wheels, rainbow-colored brake calipers, and "Hakone"-engraved shift knobs signal its exclusivity. After analyzing Throttle House's extensive test drive, we confirm this remains a benchmark for affordable rear-wheel-drive purity. While the steering feels less communicative than the first-gen model, the 2,800-pound curb weight and 224-horsepower boxer engine create an engaging driving experience that modern cars rarely replicate. For enthusiasts seeking a practical yet thrilling platform, the Hakone presents a compelling case despite its quirks.
Performance Tweaks and Driving Dynamics
Subaru claims specific refinements for the Hakone Edition, including retuned dampers, throttle response adjustments for smoother downshift blips, and torque curve improvements. Our assessment reveals mixed results: the revised throttle mapping does enable easier heel-toe maneuvers, yet the steering has lost tangible feedback compared to earlier BRZ/GT86 models—a noticeable step backward for driving purists. Crucially, the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires provide ample grip for daily driving but prevent sustained third-gear power slides. This creates a safe environment for learners while limiting extreme hooliganism.
Key driving observations:
- Weight advantage shines: The 2,800-pound chassis responds instantly to steering inputs, making backroad flickability exceptional
- Sound remains a weakness: The factory exhaust lacks character; unequal-length headers (not fitted) would better highlight the boxer engine's warble
- Rain performance: Progressive breakaway characteristics make wet conditions manageable and educational for new drivers
Design Evolution and Practicality
The Hakone Edition epitomizes Subaru's design refinement journey. Compared to the busy styling of early BRZ models, this iteration features cleaner lines, a cohesive duckbill spoiler, and premium tan interior accents. This aesthetic maturity edges closer to Porsche-like sophistication at a fraction of the cost. Practicality remains a core strength—foldable rear seats accommodate track tires or large items (yes, people fit 60-inch TVs), outdoing rivals like the Mazda MX-5. Material quality draws debate: while surfaces appear upgraded, some testers noted the absence of knee pads and prefer high-quality plastics over stitched faux-leather.
Ownership Experience and Verdict
The BRZ Hakone Edition succeeds as a "gateway drug" to pure sports car driving. Its manual-transmission, naturally aspirated engine, and rear-wheel-drive layout offer foundational skills every enthusiast should master. Special edition exclusivity (1 per 7,000 square miles in Canada) adds collectibility, though the $2k-$3k premium over base models demands consideration. Crucially, this isn’t a raw track monster—it’s a refined daily driver that excels at teaching vehicle dynamics.
Actionable advice for buyers:
- Test steering feel back-to-back with a first-gen model if feedback is critical
- Budget for unequal-length headers to unlock the boxer engine's true acoustic potential
- Verify tire wear during purchase—PS4S replacements are costly
- Join BRZ forums like the dedicated subreddit for real-world mod insights
- Prioritize maintenance—boxer engines demand precise oiling for longevity
Final Thoughts
The Subaru BRZ Hakone Edition justifies its premium through exclusivity and incremental improvements, despite steering feel regression. It remains the most accessible teacher of rear-wheel-drive fundamentals in a market dominated by crossovers. For driving enthusiasts prioritizing engagement over outright speed, this special edition delivers substance behind its Ridge Green paint. When have you last experienced a car that made you a better driver through its imperfections? Share your manual-RWD initiation stories below.
