THERE is a good reason that in the year of its launch, Subaru's BRZ (and mechanically identical Toyota 86) were voted car of the year by almost every motoring publication worth its salt.

Its sensational handling, unrestrained looks and irresistible pricetag put the fizzy sportscar on many driving enthusiast's must-have list, but perhaps its most common criticism pinpointed the power.

Subaru said that it had deliberately limited output to 147kW and 205Nm to maintain poise and finesse, and that any more would spoil the balance it had worked so hard to get right, but still many motorists call for more.