Subaru Solterra: Boxer takes a batterying

What is it?

With Latin roots – sol (sun), terra (earth) – Subaru’s first all-out electric vehicle has drifted Down Under like a mild weather front, bringing none of the ICE(Y) blasts of the fossil-fuelled internal combustion engine; just the electric motor hum, passenger cabin serenity and zero emissions.

Built on an entirely new e-Subaru Global platform, the maker set out to combine the electric powertrain with a low centre of gravity and the company hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to deliver a uniquely satisfying mid-size electric SUV.

Battery charging comes via AC or DC – zero to 80 per cent with 150kW DC charger in about 30 minutes, while a single phase 7kW AC unit from 0 to 100 per cent takes about 9.5 hours and via a 11kW three-phase set-up takes 6.5 hours.

In line with Subaru’s commitment to diverse terrains, as well as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the new SUV incorporates Dual Mode X-Mode with new grip control, plus generous 212mm ground clearance.

What’s it cost?

The new Subaru EV comes in two variants – the Solterra AWD, priced from $69,990 and Solterra AWD Touring from $76,990, both plus on-road costs.

The pair offer a WLTP-rated range of 416km thanks to a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery and an 80kW/168.5Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor on each axle for a maximum 160kW of power and 337Nm of torque.

The entry-level Solterra AWD was on test here.

From Harbour Mist Grey Pearl to Elemental Red, the look of the Solterra depends very much on the overall colour of the exterior.

That’s because out-there bulbous wheel arches in dark grey offer a stark contrast to lighter hues.

Not only aesthetically influenced, protective cladding offers a guard against damage from debris and other ‘unscheduled incidents’ in rugged off-road situations.

Up front is a unique fascia featuring a bold hexagonal centrepiece flanked by Subaru’s signature headlights.

The sleek SUV profile links with a 3-D structure incorporating the cabin, rear lights and trapezoidal power operated lift back and bumper, emphasising a low centre of gravity.

A ducktail spoiler and low-set diffusers create maximum aerodynamic efficiency.

Solterra AWD runs on 18-inch alloy wheels with resin wheel cap shod with a tyre in which the rolling resistance contributes to superior range with premium ride comfort.

All Solterras come with a 12.3-inch central infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, Bluetooth voice control and audio streaming, AM/FM/DAB+ radio, digital rear-view mirror, smart key, push-button start, all-auto power windows, 12V/120W outlet plus both USB-A and USB-C ports (two each front and rear).

A separate 7.0-inch digital cluster sits on top of the dash directly in front of the driver at a level that almost makes it as visible as a windscreen head-up display.

Nothing is hidden behind a square-shaped padded steering wheel.

The digital rear-view mirror bypasses second-row heads and headrests and is one of the best on the market.

The image is wide, sharp and easy to focus on, unlike some on the market that distort a magnified image of the vehicle behind, bringing a new meaning to back-seat driver.

The base model gets a six-speaker sound system, while the Touring takes on 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound with subwoofer and amplifier, plus a wireless smartphone charger.

Following Subaru’s strict adherence to the principles of automobile safety, the Solterra has scored a five-star ANCAP rating thanks to the Safety Sense preventive system providing pre-collision system, emergency steering and braking assist, lane departure warning and lane tracing assist, radar cruise control, road sign assist and speed limiter.

Also called upon is Vision Assist with adaptive high beam, blind spot monitor, front and rear parking sensors and parking brake support, rear cross traffic alert, safe exit assist, 360-degree view monitor, while top-shelf AWD Touring adds advanced parking assistance via displays and alerts.

Solterra drivers are under constant monitoring for signs of fatigue or lack of concentration.

A bundle of airbags – dual front, dual front side, dual curtain, and front seat centre – bring up the rear.

Both models come standard with a five-year service plan and roadside assist and a 2kW (8A) AC charging cable with 10A wall plug.

What’s it go like?

The base variant comes with black cloth seat trim, eight-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat, a heated leather steering wheel, heated front and outboard rear seats, ambient LED lighting, carpet mats and both 12V/120W and USB-A and USB-C ports.

There is no glovebox under the grey woven fabric dash-top, but room for owner’s manual and the like can be found under the ‘flying’ piano black centre console with sliding armrest, which is home to the drive-by-wire circular gearshift and various switches and buttons.

The large landscape-style touchscreen incorporates push-buttons for audio volume and the like – and separate buttons for the dual-zone climate-control system’s temperature, fan and air-flow settings.

Solterra features a high-capacity battery for increased output supporting enhanced drive power performance.

The 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery feeds an 80kW/168.5Nm permanent magnet synchronous motor on each axle for a maximum 160kW of power and 337Nm of torque.

Off the mark, instant thrust abounds from the twin-motor powertrain that can dish up to 50 per cent of torque to either axle, providing plenty of cornering traction and stability.

Expect the EV to consume energy at the rate of 14.1kWh per 100km.

I was in at the advent of X-Mode some years ago and can vouch for its efficacy.

An all-new version on the Solterra works to co-ordinate the engine, transmission, Symmetrical AWD and brakes to drive safely over almost any terrain.

At the touch of a button on the centre console, one of two modes – Snow/Dirt or Deep Snow/Mud – can be activated.

Likewise, the Drive Mode, which can call up three performance-related acceleration characteristics – Normal, Power and Eco – all of which offer a range of power bands and energy efficiency.

A range of regenerative braking levels can be experienced through steering wheel paddle operation, enabling the driver to tailor this form of one-pedal action or vehicle coasting to his or her preferences.

Steering is light on feedback but maybe that has something to do with the 18-inch tyre and its improved rolling resistance.

Cruising range and ride comfort are the beneficiaries here.

What we like?

• Five-star safety
• Digital rear-view mirror
• Push-buttons for audio volume and the like
• All-new version of X-Mode

What we don’t like?

• No glovebox
• Bulbous wheel arches
• Steering light on feedback

The bottom line?

The Solterra is an appealing mix of the latest in electric vehicle technology and legendary Subaru ICE engineering, such as Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode, developed over decades of stringent application and testing.

 

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