Subaru has added a new flagship tS variant to its BRZ as part of a model year 2018 refresh that also sees range-wide upgrades and a price rise of $1000 for the rear-drive sportscar.

While the new tS is aimed at buyers wanting more performance out of the BRZ, its upgrades focus solely on sharpening handling characteristics with no upgrades to engine outputs – which remain steady at 152kW/212Nm from the 2.0-litre four cylinder.

Picking up Sachs suspension components, Brembo brakes with red-painted callipers, STI-tuned coil springs, chassis and suspension brace bars and black-coloured 18-inch STI alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 215/40 rubber, the tS costs $39,894 before on-roads for the six-speed manual version and $41,894 for the automatic.

Exterior trim that identifies the tS includes a new front bumper and grille, black rear spoiler, mirror housings and shark’s fin antenna, and STI side trim, as well as tS and STI badging front and rear.

Inside the new BRZ gains tS logos to the Alcantara sports seats, trim highlights in red, red seatbelts, and unique STI-branded push-button start and steering wheel.

Prices across the BRZ range are also up $1000, with the cheapest Subarusports car now $33,990 and automatic versions sitting $2000 upstream.

Premium versions are now priced at $35,490 for the manual and $37,490 for the automatic.

However, with the price rise comes an updated 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with satellite navigation and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity as standard.

All BRZs come in seven colours with no-cost optional metallic paint. The tS will be available for a limited time only in a launch colour of ‘Cool grey’.

2018 Subaru BRZ list pricing

Subaru BRZ – manual – $33,990
Subaru BRZ – automatic – $35,990
Subaru BRZ Premium – manual – $35,490
Subaru BRZ Premium – automatic – $37,490
Subaru BRZ tS – manual – $39,894
Subaru BRZ tS – automatic – $41,894

Has Subaru done enough with its BRZ tS to get you interested in the rear-drive sportscar? Tell us what you think in the comments below.