Just announced and going global, the new Subaru Solterra takes the Japanese brand into the world of the battery electric car (BEV). Subaru are the fastest growing automotive brand in the UK right now, thanks to their range of strong, no-nonsense SUV-like estate cars. The Solterra has been on the drawing board for some time and now has come to fruition.
About The Solterra
Subaru customers expect rugged and reliable performance from the brand so there is no reason to assume that this new BEV will not make the grade, regardless of the power source. It is certain to be a practical vehicle and it forms the cornerstone of the future of Subaru’s electrification programme. The cleverly named Solterra has been built to be an authentic sport utility vehicle (SUV) wrapped up in an environmentally friendly package. The vehicle sits on a new e-Subaru ‘Global Platform’ that offers, say the company, superior driving dynamics, high stability and low centre of gravity for better handling. This will form the basis of future electric models.
Much improved design seems to be a feature of EV front ends these days and the Solterra is no exception, heralding as it does future brand design. The layout of a hexagon grille features but, as air-cooling is not needed, it is a solid piece. The horizontal axis of the body starts from that point with the prominent front end merging into air intakes on the wide wheel arches. It’s a very modern design with a large glass roof from a brand that usually likes to play it safe.
The instrumental panel sits high in the drivers eyeline, visible above the steering wheel. A large 12.3” fully-connected digital screen dominates an otherwise minimal centre console with a rotary controller and the multi-function steering wheel supplements the controls. All very neat and tidy. A fully automatic parking assist feature is standard.
The Drive
This latest Subaru has a new system that drives the front and rear wheels with separate motors. Taking advantage of the outstanding expertise in all-wheel-drive (AWD) technology that this brand is famous for, this new technology precisely controls the four tyres utilising to the full the agile response of the electric motors and the flexible driving force distribution between front and rear. Just because there is no Boxer engine in this car does not make it less capable. Subaru are not giving away range details at the moment, but seem quietly confident. Let’s hope so.
Like other Subaru models, the Solterra features the ‘X-Mode’ AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads. By adding the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilizing the vehicle even on rough roads, the rough terrain capability is further enhanced.
As Safe As Ever
The latest manufacturing techniques have the effect of optimizing body strength, adding lightness while enhancing collision safety at the same time. In the event of a collision, the structure that transfers the load to multiple body skeletons efficiently absorbs the collision energy. It protects not only the vehicle occupants, but also crucially protects the high-voltage equipment in the BEV.
Prices and availability are yet to be released. Keep an eye on the MHH International website for further details in due course.
