Subaru has returned its twin to the Toyota GR 86 as a 10-car initial consignment, but that doesn’t mean it cannot get more.

SURPRISE return of the Subaru BRZ sports car will limit to a handful - but that’s just a taster.

If interest in those is high, more might well follow.

That’s the promise today from Subaru New Zealand, which says the reason why it is initially only bringing in 10 examples of this twin to the Toyota GR86 is “due to both the size of the market and our desire to keep the BRZ as a special vehicle for our performance vehicle enthusiasts.”

However, in responding to questioning about this today, it added that: “Future availability will be dependant on customer demand of this initial limited-edition model.”

It also assures the cars that will arrive in April are model year 2025 examples it has specifically ordered and will be hot off the production line, being built in late quarter one.

The announcement today hypes the $59,990 issue as having special status, highlighting that the car delivers in highest tS specification with a six-speed manual transmission and in WR Blue.

Each will have a numbered, presentation key box, similar to the waves of WRX special editions it previously offered.

The Auckland-based operation has also said that, irrespective of how many BRZs it brings in, there will be parts support.

“Subaru of NZ will always ensure sufficient parts supply to ensure the best ownership experience for our customers.”

As things stand, the new generation BRZ will be almost as exclusive in NZ-new format as the original model, which was only briefly sold here, with just 12 consigned after launch in 2012.

One reason back then was that Subaru NZ felt it couldn’t compete with Toyota NZ in marketing the car, and was also unable to match the market leader’s aggressive pricing.

This time the Subaru is exactly the same price as the GR 86, which also avails in automatic for no premium.

TNZ’s GR86 in-country count is already almost five times that of the BRZ, but as with the original GT 86 that is because it uses the car for a one-make national racing series. The GR86 race series began a fortnight ago, with 25 cars on the grid at Taupo circuit.

In a media communique today, Subaru of New Zealand general manager Tim Barns-Lawton said: “The BRZ has historically been hailed as a driver's car thanks to its superb engineering.”

“We welcome BRZ back to New Zealand and are excited to be bringing in the top-of-the-range tS model for Kiwi drivers wanting to experience the best performing and handling BRZ of all time!”

The BRZ tS features STI-tuned front and rear suspension dampers, and high-performance Brembo brakes withgold-painted four-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers, and larger pads and rotors to enhance stopping power and pedal feel.

External features include front and rear tS badging and a red BRZ logo in the front headlights, while crystal black silica door mirrors and a shark fin antenna.

The tS takes 18-inch dark gray metallic alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot 4 tires.

The interior features a red and black ultrasuede and leather-accented interior with STI-embossed front seats.

The cabin also features an STI red push-start button and an instrument cluster that bears the STI logo and red highlights.

The BRZ tS has the EyeSight Driver Assist technology suite including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane sway warning, lead vehicle start alert, pre-collision braking, pre-collision brake assist, and brake light recognition.