As an automotive professional, it’s not uncommon to test different cars in various regions. The opportunity to take a trip to Southern Europe and drive on the scenic Sicilian roads was too good to pass up, despite the wintry weather. This trip provided a unique perspective on the handling and capabilities of two small Japanese cars – the Subaru BRZ tS and the WRX TR, on European mountain roads. Although Italy is known for luxury sports cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis, the small, agile designs of the BRZ tS and WRX TR made them surprisingly well-suited for the challenging driving conditions.
The BRZ tS distinguishes itself with advanced Hitachi shocks and larger brakes, while the WRX TR focuses on suspension, brakes, and weight distribution. The implementation of these upgrades in each car reflected their superior performance as they were put to the test in the tricky conditions, including challenging hairpin turns, rough pavement, and unpredictable Sicilian driving patterns.
Throughout the trip, the compact size of the cars, especially the BRZ tS, proved to be advantageous in navigating tight village streets and evading local drivers with unconventional driving practices. The low sills and excellent visibility of the BRZ were also beneficial on mountain roads, providing confidence and control. Both cars’ driving dynamics, along with responsive steering and balanced handling, delivered a thrilling and enjoyable driving experience on roads that were wet and slippery.
The rain and subsequent low speeds prevented the testing of the full capabilities of the BRZ tS and the WRX TR. However, both cars demonstrated impressive throttle response and smooth power delivery, proving their agility and performance in challenging conditions. The small, winding roads also limited the ability to fully assess the impact of their larger brake systems, but the strong braking performance and stability provided confidence even in the suboptimal conditions.
Despite the weather conditions, the scenic drive in Sicily provided an opportunity to visit historical sites related to the iconic Targa Florio race. The eerie, historic locations showcased the timeless allure and performance-focused spirit of European sports cars, making the experience of driving the BRZ tS and WRX TR even more significant.
Overall, the trip to Sicily offered valuable insights into the capabilities and engineering of these small, sporty cars. The flexible and adaptable nature of the Subaru BRZ tS and WRX TR allowed them to perform admirably in challenging driving conditions, proving their capabilities beyond the expectations of an everyday driver. This unique perspective on Italian roads further emphasized the advantages of compact, agile car designs in the realm of automotive performance.
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