Subaru has at last priced its eagerly anticipated rear-wheel-drive 2013 BRZ sports car, and it's a bit better equipped (and lower-priced) than early reports had anticipated. All the models of the 2013 BRZ lineup land under the $30,000 mark.

The 2013 Subaru BRZ will only be offered in Premium and Limited trims, with a manual or automatic transmission available in either guise. In its most affordable Premium trim, the 2013 Subaru BRZ starts at just $26,245 with a six-speed manual, or $27,345 with the six-speed automatic. Meanwhile, 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited models start at $28,245 with the manual, or $29,345 if you want an automatic transmission (with downshift blipping control and steering-wheel paddles). These prices include Subaru's $750 destination charge.

Premium models include Bluetooth connectivity; a navigation system with voice control; a sound system with HD Radio, satellite radio, and USB/iPod interfaces; and HID headlamps, while upgraded Alcantara-and-leather seating, heated seats and mirrors, dual-zone climate control, Keyless Access & Start, fog lamps, and a rear decklid spoiler are all added features included in the BRZ Limited.

That's more feature content than the closely related Scion FR-S, at only a modestly higher price. The 2013 FR-S starts at $24,930, as well as $26,030 for the automatic.

The BRZ (like the FR-S) includes a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter direct-injected horizontally opposed ('flat') four-cylinder engine, with rear-wheel drive and a Torsen limited-slip differential. Performance, according to early drives, is in the top tier of affordable sports cars. With 2+2 seating, the 2013 Subaru BRZ is strictly a coupe, although its trunk is quite spacious.

Life is much better this year for those who want an affordable sports car. With the introduction of the 2013 BRZ, plus a refreshed 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe lineup, as well as a retouched 2013 Ford Mustang, and the strong personality and performance of the Chevrolet Camaro V-6, you can get a lot of performance without hitting $30k.