Subaru has officially launched its electric Solterra, jointly developed with Toyota, coming in as the cheapest all-wheel drive electric vehicle available in Australia.
While built on the same platform as Toyota’s recently-launched bZ4x model, the Solterra scores quintessential Subaru dynamics, off-road capability and premium quality.
The two brands may be playing catch-up, as electric SUVs like the Tesla Model Y continue to gain sales momentum, but the platform is priced competitively and offers compelling value for fleet buyers.
With a lower sticker price comes more realistic performance, with the dual-motor powertrain offering up a modest 160kW/337Nm, still impressive but far from the insane figures we have come to expect.
Take for example the aforementioned Model Y, which produces a supercar-rivalling 393kW/660Nm and will rocket to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds. The Solterra is more of an everyday EV, which will no doubt preserve tyres and reduce the chance of speeding fines.
It’s down on range compared with other electric SUV models, too, but not by much. Subaru claims a driving range of 485km, powered by a 74.4kWh water-cooled battery.
Both AC and DC charging is supported, with the latter taking the battery from zero per cent to 80 per cent charge in around 30 minutes.
The full suite of Subaru safety technology comes standard in Solterra models, consisting of the brand’s intelligent Safety Sense package. It also received a full five-star ANCAP safety rating while we were on the official launch.
All Solterra models receive a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, and capped price servicing for 60 months/75,000km.
Two variants are offered, which include the base Solterra AWD ($69,990) and Solterra AWD Touring ($76,990), with special fleet pricing available – but Subaru didn’t give us the exact numbers.
According to Subaru Australia national fleet and corporate sales manager, Michael Campelj, fleet sales make up 20 per cent of the sales Down Under with the Forester and Crosstrek coming out on top.
“Subaru is in a fortunate position to have a wide variety of clients from all segments of fleet,” Mr Campelj said.
“Notably, we have seen a significant uptick in demand for the Forester Hybrid, attributed to heightened production levels and short wait times.
“Moreover, the new generation Subaru Impreza has generated considerable initial interest, and Solterra has drawn particular attention due to the traditional appeal of EVs among novated clients.”
What’s it like to drive?
After driving the Solterra for all of 15 minutes, it was apparent the performance matches its price. That’s not a bad thing, though.
Where EVs typically offer neck-breaking straightline performance, more speed than any of us really need, the Solterra offers brisk acceleration that is inline with what you would expect from an internal combustion hot hatch.
Once acquainted with the Solterra, it begins to feel remarkably similar to a Crosstrek or Forester. This is an evolution of Subaru’s existing model range, not a replacement.
Off-road, however, and on tracks most wouldn’t dare take a vehicle like this, the Solterra really shines.
An intelligent X-Mode with off-road ‘grip control’ function enhances the capability of the vehicle, which worked well as it partitioned power to each wheel with incredible accuracy. A moment of wheel slip is corrected so quickly it is almost imperceptible.
For real-world customers this simply means the Solterra will handle dirt roads and less-than-ideal country roads with composure, while also keeping occupants safe in low-grip scenarios.
If your fleet vehicles are used in a wide range of conditions, some of that being soft-roading, this is a vehicle that will do it with ease. It won’t replace a dual-cab ute for outright versatility, but it’s more capable than we expected it to be.
Ultimately, the Solterra offers the same appeal Subarus always have, capable of more than you will use them for, with an adventurous undertone and go-anywhere ability.
Our verdict
For the money, with the base model coming in at $69,990, the Solterra is a hard electric option to beat.
The only direct competitor for value, we think, is its twin-under-the-skin Toyota bz4x. But like the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ, a similar joint venture for the two brands, buyers will gravitate towards one or the other based on brand preference.
However, it does nudge ahead of the dual-motor Toyota model on price, ever so slightly, saving you $4,910 if all-wheel drive safety is what you are after.
