Subaru BRZ (2012) insurance groups announced

Subaru has announced the BRZ sports car will fall into insurance group 30, with higher-end SE Lux models in group 31.

Tricky question, since the BRZ, as a £25k, rear-drive 2+2 coupe, doesn't have much in the way of brand new, direct rivals (save for its Toyota GT86 sister of course).

Subaru is proud to point out that both BRZ models undercut the Audi TT 2.0 TFSI, which sits at group 34, and the Volkswagen Scirocco R (also group 34).

However, the 261bhp Scirocco R is substantially more expensive and powerful than the BRZ, with prices starting at £30,745.

Focusing instead on the BRZ's more direct rival - the 2.0TFSI Scirocco GT - the Subaru's advantage is trimmed: the VW sits in group 32.

Again, the MX-5 is a rather different car to the BRZ, in being an open-top two-seater rather than out-and-out sport coupe, but even the top-spec 160bhp 2.0-litre is group 27, three lower than the entry-level BRZ. 

It's all rather confusing, but essentially only reinforces the notion that the 'Toyobaru' family are rather out there on their own in the marketplace.

However, it's worth remembering that the BRZ's aftersales care package may well offset any higher-than-expected insurance costs.

Subaru UK will be offering the complimentary 'Everything Taken Care Of' option on all BRZs, which includes minor dent and scratch repairs, alloy wheel repairs, a monthly wash, annual valet, lost keys replacement, service collection and delivery, annual wheel alignment check, first MOT cover, and winter wheel and tyre storage, as well as providing an accident management service and a contribution to insurance cover excess.

It's a deal Subaru quotes as being worth in excess of £7000, and in addition to the three-year/60,000 mile warranty, is a compelling draw in the battle for customer piece of mind.

The previous 20 group system was ditched in 2010, after insurers complained that the greater number of niche and premium vehicles on the road was not reflected by the narrow range of insurance groups.

The 50 groups of insurance now mean that there can be greater differentiation between makes and models, with only very high end luxury and performance cars commanding the top group 50 spot.

By Ollie Kew