The Subaru BRZ sports car has been delivered to its first customer. Ed Horner, from Wanstead, north-east London, was handed the keys to his all-new Subaru BRZ – ordered in the brand’s iconic World Rally Blue Mica – by his local dealer, Woodford Motor Company in Woodford Green, Essex, on Tuesday.

Horner said: “I was drawn to the BRZ by its light weight, traditional sports car shape and Subaru’s focus on creating an enjoyable rear-wheel drive car. The first time I saw it, I knew I had to have one.

“I’ve owned a number of Subaru models in the past, including an Impreza Turbo, and I’ve never had anything go wrong with any of them. The Woodford Motor Company was really helpful, as ever, so I really didn’t have to think for long about buying one.”

Stephen Barnard, dealer principal at Woodford Motor Co, commented: “Interest in the BRZ ahead of its on-sale date has been phenomenal, both from Subaru and non-Subaru owners. Mr Horner bought a Legacy Tourer from us in 2010, and we’re over the moon that he has chosen to add to his Subaru collection with the brand’s latest model.

“The rear-wheel drive BRZ is the perfect complement to the rest of Subaru’s All-Wheel Drive model range, and as such we’re getting to meet a new type of customer, one who appreciates pure handling and rear-wheel drive responsiveness above all else,” added Mr Barnard.

The Subaru BRZ is powered by Subaru’s 2.0-litre Boxer petrol engine, which produces 200ps and prices start from £24,995.