There has been a tremendous amount of interest in Subaru’s new BRZ – sister car to Toyota’s GT 86 – but whilst Toyota announced the price and specification of it’s 2+2 coupe several months ago, we’re still waiting for the like-for-like comparison that will enable customers to decide whether they opt for a Subyota or Toybaru.

The Japanese brand has now revealed that top-specification models come with 17-inch alloy wheels, a torque-sensing LSD, front, side, curtain and knee airbags, MP3 connectivity, dual-zone climate control and LED daytime running lights. The driver-focussed BRZ will also come with Subaru’s VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and can be fitted with either a six-speed short-shift manual or paddle-operated automatic transmission.

Subaru also confirmed this morning that a second, lower-spec model will also be made available later in the year, plus a third ‘stripped out’ version, which promises to be the perfect solution for those who wish to tune and fettle the BRZ to their own tastes, as well as track-day enthusiasts.

Powered by the same 197 bhp 2.0-litre Boxer engine as the GT 86, Subaru’s new sports coupe promises a power-to-weight ratio of 162 bhp per tonne.

The BRZ is available in six eye-catching colours all of which suit the car perfectly, including Subaru’s trademark WR Blue Mica, Sterling Silver, Satin White, Crystal Black Silica, Dark Grey Metallic and San Remo Red.

With deliveries expected from summer 2012, the BRZ will eventually have to stand comparison with its Japanese stablemate. But with Toyota’s part ownership of the company, I suspect they’ve already ensured that it won’t undercut the £24,995 GT 86.

Subaru BRZ UK specification:  
17-inch alloy wheels USB and iPod connectivity
Torque-sensing LSD (Limited Slip Differential) HID headlamps
VDC (Vehicle Dynamic Control) and ABS Front fog lamps
Front, side, curtain and knee airbags LED daytime running lights
Cruise control system Body-coloured, electric-folding, head door mirrors
Dual-zone automatic air-conditioning system Leather seats
Radio CD player with six-speaker system Heated front seats
Key-less entry with Push Button Start system Leather steering wheel and gear knob