SPORTS cars for the common man have always proved popular when it comes to offering driving thrills that won't break the bank.

From old MGs to Mazda's MX-5 there's something ever so alluring about a car that's great fun to drive but isn't just the preserve of footballers or stockbrokers.

Subaru's BRZ  definitely falls into that category and is a good looking and driver focused sports car that delivers a lot for a reasonable outlay.

It looks classy, its sharp, sleek and purposeful profile having more than enough about it to draw admiring glances.

It's a 2+2 as opposed to a two-seater, meaning it has a measure of practicality that appeals too - though anyone expecting it  to be able to double up as an everyday family car will be disappointed.

Think Porsche 911, in that the rear seats are okay for children but getting four adults in would be quite some feat.

That said, it was more spacious than I imagined and those rear seats are certainly more use than the proverbial chocolate fireguard plus it has a decent-sized boot too (243 litres).

The interior might not match that striking exterior but given Subaru tends to disappoint in this regard generally it isn't bad.

It has a spartan and rugged look and feel but the instrumentation is well laid out and easy to use and those essential dials, the speedometer and the rev counter, are perfectly positioned from a driver's point of view.

The interior environment is also good overall, with a cosy and cocooned feel, with well designed and supportive front seats that add much to the overall sports car experience.

To drive the BRZ really is a ‘proper' sports car too. It might have a firm and basic feel to it but conversely that ensures you feel connected with the car, its running gear in particular and even the road underneath you.

A good sports car should always have those sorts of connections and the it certainly doesn't disappoint in this regard.

The BRZ is essentially the same car as the Toyota GT86, though it was effectively developed by Subaru and that is evident in the whole feel of the car.

It's powered by a 2.0-litre flat-four engine that can also be found in the Impreza. It's a smooth and potent unit that performs well, though needs to be worked hard to get the most out of it and at times you do kind of wish there was just a little more oomph there to give it something extra.

That said it's been mooted there might be a more potent STi version on the way which could well offer an extra 30bhp. The introduction of a turbo has not been mentioned but that really would bring something to the party.

The BRZ is rear-wheel drive, which is a real bonus when it comes to handling, and this combined with excellent weight distribution and sharp and responsive steering ensure the BRZ really is an engaging and fun car to drive.

Sitting close to the ground enhances the feeling of speed and though a little more torque at one's disposal would be welcome a strong case can be made for it having enough to put a smile on most drivers' faces.

The VSC Sport control operates a multi-mode traction and stability control system. The first phase offers an added edge and although it has a distinctly slippier feel the electronic safety assistance systems are still on but come into play a little later.

Anyone feeling more comfortable with the car can up the ante a little further and maximise driver control by disabling the VSC system entirely.