A lot of manufacturers like to think their sporty cars are ripped from the cyber plot of a "Fast and Furious" video game. But the Subaru BRZ is one of the few that jumps off the screen for real-world action.

This new rear-drive coupe is a partnership with Toyota and its Scion division, which has produced two cars with identical hardware. The Scion version is the FR-S and it's only separated from the BRZ by front and rear fascia differences and the list of standard equipment.

BRZ stands for Boxer engine, Rear-wheel drive and Z, the ultimate letter. FR-S means Front-engine, Rear-wheel drive, Sport.

The car was designed for the weekend racer, but it is just as fun for daily driving. With the back seat folded, there is room for four racing tires, tools and more. The engineers finessed the driveline hardware for heavy-duty action.

The 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine is Subaru's horizontally opposed engine with Toyota's new D-4S injection system. It uses direct and port injection for each cylinder, one injecting fuel directly into the combustion chamber, the other into a port injector above the intake valves.

The compact and flat engine sits low and rearward for balance. With a highly pressurized 12.5:1 compression ratio, the engine has 100-horsepower per liter.

Sold in Premium and Limited models, BRZ pricing starts at $26,265, including $770 freight charge from Gunma, Japan, where cars for both brands are built. The six-speed automatic transmission adds $1,100.

Curb weights are low, ranging from 2,758 pounds for the base Scion to 2,822 for the loaded BRZ with automatic transmission. And low weights lighten the workload for all elements, from the 11.6-inch disc brakes to the engine and transmission.

Fuel economy isn't a concern at 25 mpg city and 34 highway or 22/30 with the manual; premium fuel is recommended.

There is a simple rawness to the experience. The balance is forgiving and tossable. The integrity of the engineering is felt from the first shift.

Steering weight is ideal on the track or around town. And the suspension communicates tire position at all times to the driver.

The driver feels the grin in how this little car Hoovers through corners with flat control. It is a pleasure to feel the suspension work while hitting shift points at the sweet spot of RPMs. But first and second gears are short and third is a little tall, so there can be frequent gear changes to stay in the power. The higher the revs, the smoother the shifts.

The seat belt snaps low across the thighs and the sport seats are well bolstered to keep the driver in position. But not so heavily winged to be a hassle to easy everyday entry and exit.

Magazine tests show the FR-S a tick or two quicker than the BRZ, which has more standard equipment. I liked the Limited test car's keyless entry and push-button ignition and the heated sport seats with Alcantara inserts, but I would have liked increased lower back support.

The aluminum-trimmed pedals seemed appropriate, and I appreciated the audio upgrade with touchscreen navigation system with satellite radio Bluetooth phone and audio streaming.

Even with such "luxuries," the cabin is Spartan with much plastic. Over the shoulder views are about as complex as you'd expect from the racy lines; a rearview camera would be appreciated but isn't available. The coupe doors are fairly long and a better grip point in the armrest would give more leverage in tight quarters.

The BRZ/FR-S was built to compete and they engage the driver with a bolt-action steeliness. Another hundred horsepower would be ideal, but the car sends a direct message: Go for it.

2013 Subaru BRZ Limited

—Body style: compact, 2+2, rear-wheel-drive coupe with aluminum hood

—Engine: 200-horsepower, DOHC, direct-injection 2.0-liter flat 4-cylinder; 151 foot-pounds torque

—Transmission: 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters

—Fuel economy: 25/34 mpg city/hwy.; premium recommended

—Fuel tank: 13.2 gallons

—Trunk space: 6.9 cubic feet

—Front head/leg/shoulder room: 37/41.9/53.1 inches

—Rear head/leg/shoulder room: 35/29.9/45.3 inches

—Length/wheelbase: 166.7/101.2 inches

—Curb weight: 2,822 pounds

—Turning circle: 35.4 feet

—Standard equipment includes: keyless access and push-button ignition, sport seats with alcantara inserts and leather bolsters, 3-spoke leather-wrapped (tilt-telescopic) steering wheel, trunk-lid spoiler, folding rear seatback, aluminum-trimmed pedals, touchscreen navigation system with 6.1-inch LCD screen, CD audio system with HD and satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, 17-inch alloy wheels with 215/45 summer performance tires, heated front seats and side mirrors,

—Safety features include: Six air bags, stability and traction controls, ABS, brake assist, brake-force distribution

—Base price: $29,365, including $770 freight charge

—Options on test vehicle: none

—Where assembled: Gunma, Japan

—Warranty: 3-years/36,000-miles bumper to bumper with roadside assistance; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain

Sold in Premium and Limited models, BRZ pricing starts at $26,265.

Mark Maynard is online at [email protected]. Find photo galleries and more news at Facebook.com/MaynardsGarage. To find out more about Mark Maynard and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.