The rear-wheel drive Subaru BRZ has been building a reputation as a driver's car of choice, while the Japanese manufacturer's Levorg tourer has caught the attention of those who need space and practicality while still craving sportiness.
So it was with considerable anticipation that members of the media, including the Telegraph & Argus, descended on the Cotswolds for the official UK launch of the revised versions of the two vehicles.
LINE-UP: The BRZs are given a final polish outside Cowley Manor Hotel prior to being roadtested by journalists
First, we jumped into the BRZ - a sports car with a 2.0-litre Boxer engine housed within a light, tight chassis.
On the varied roads around Stow-on-the-Wold, the BRZ really came into its own, offering a pure driving experience.
Subaru says those who enjoyed the previous BRZ will like the new version even more, although the changes are more subtle than far-reaching.
The engine has been revised for 2017 in order to improve its responsiveness and bring down emissions.
HIGH-REVVING: BRZ's 2,000cc direct and port injection engine
I found it to be slightly underwhelming in the lower rev range but, once you reach the higher revs, it becomes a more dynamic unit and can generate 200PS at 7,000rpm and 205Nm of torque at 6,400rpm.
The rather beautiful engine note also becomes quite addictive, with a hearty press of the accelerator guaranteed to bring a smile to the face.
The six-speed manual gearbox is slick and user-friendly and helps take the BRZ from a standing start to 62mph in 7.6 seconds and on to a potential top speed of 140mph.
HANDLING: The BRZ in action on the roads of the Cotswolds
The steering and handling are sweet, with confidence-inspiring cornering coming from the sensation of feeling 'in touch' with the road.
Subaru's desire to build a back-to-basics sports car is helped by the Boxer engine, which is designed to be mounted low and pushed back in the chassis to create a very low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution.
Meanwhile, new dampers have improved ride comfort and reduced roll.
In terms of looks, the most eye-catching change is arguably the meaty new rear spoiler, which enhances the car's aggressive appearance.
DYNAMIC: The spoiler give the rear end an aggressive look
There’s also a reprofiled front bumper and grille to give it a wider visual stance at the front.
New full-LED headlights, upgraded rear lamps and new 10-spoke alloy wheels round off the revisions to ensure the BRZ remains an eye-catching machine.
The car's interior is somewhat minimalist, but that's no bad thing because it provides fewer distractions and allows the driver to focus on the job in hand - enjoying the BRZ's sporty characteristics.
After a lunch break, it was time to hop into the Levorg - Subaru's British Touring Car contending grand tourer.
READY: The Levorgs lined up outside Cowley Manor hotel
Having been impressed by the previous version of this four-wheel drive estate during a roadtest last summer, it was reassuring to see that Subaru has remained true to many of the features that made the vehicle impressive in the first place.
The 1.6-litre engine is a nicely-powered unit, offering brisk acceleration when needed.
It's mated with a Lineartronic transmission and, while the jury may still be out on this piece of technology - especially among the purists - it certainly provides ease-of-use and gets the job done.
This Continuously Variable Transmission system is the first to be provided for all-wheel drive use with the aim of reducing fuel consumption via a stepless gear ratio.
The theory is that you get one gear which varies itself as you push the accelerator harder.
SOLID: The Levorg's interior is spacious and well-crafted
The moment you set foot inside the Levorg, you gets the feeling of a vehicle which is spacious, well-built, solid and well-equipped.
Its sure-footed four-wheel drive abilities allow it to eat up the tightest corners at speeds that would seem less comfortable in other vehicles.
The car has a potential top speed of 130mph, with the ability to go from 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds. It's fair to say that the trubocharged unit never felt short of urgency on the roads of the Cotswolds.
CORNERING: The Levorg feels well-balanced through turns
The powertrain, suspension and chassis seem to be largely unchanged, while the exterior and cabin don't appear to have changed much either. Some work has been carried out to improve refinement, with a more sealed cabin and extra engine insulation reducing the amount of noise, which was one gripe with the previous version.
Perhaps the most significant change to the new Levorg comes in the area of safety, with the addition of Subaru's high-tech ‘Eyesight’ driver assistance system.
ESTATE: The Levorg's shape means plenty of boot space
With the improvements to the BRZ, and the very light refresh of the Levorg, Subaru has undoubtedly increased the appeal of its line-up.
Both are only available to UK buyers with one trim option, with the BRZ coming in SE Lux trim level and the Levorg coming in GT guise.
The BRZ, priced at £26,050, remains one of the most entertaining driver's cars you can buy for under £30,000, while the Levorg, priced at £29,680, provides a appealing alternative choice for those who want a sporty estate.
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