Subaru’s first battery electric vehicle (EV), the Solterra SUV, will be available in Australia in two variants – the AWD and AWD Touring.
Energy for the all-wheel drive SUV comes via a 71.4kWh battery, with the Solterra offering a maximum power output of 160kW/337Nm from its dual electric motors. Range (on NEDC testing) is 485km. Charging from 0 to 80 per cent with a 150kW DC charger will, said Subaru, take 30 minutes. A 7kW AC charger will recharge the Solterra from 0 to 100 per cent in 9.5 hours, while an 11kW three-phase charge will take approximately 6.5 hours.
Working with the AWD system is a Dual Mode X-Mode with New Grip Control Function – a driver-activated feature that the company said provides more grip and control on challenging surfaces or in difficult conditions.
On the inside, the AWD variant gets cloth trim, while the Touring gets synthetic leather. The Touring also gets a panoramic glass roof, and an 8-way power seat for the front passenger. Both variants have 8-way power seat with lumbar support for the driver. There are regeneration mode paddles, a digital rear view mirror, and dual zone climate control.
Tech and safety systems include a 12.3-inch touchscreen coupled with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 7-inch digital instrument display, USB ports, and SRS airbags – dual front, dual front side, dual curtain and front seat centre. The Touring model gets some extras, including wireless phone charging, and a 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system.
The Subaru Safety Sense system includes dynamic radar cruise control, emergency stop system, emergency steering assist, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, low-speed acceleration suppression, pre-collision system, road sign assist, and speed limiter. Other features include distraction warning, drowsiness warning, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot monitor, adaptive high-beam, and more.
Pricing for the Solterra see the AWD variant available
at $77,990, with the AWD Touring priced at $83,690.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (February 2024)
14 February 2024