He will have a tough time competing with the Uncharted
The Subaru Solterra may be Subaru’s first EV, but it hasn’t been breaking records in the Netherlands yet. Subaru is now trying with a heavily updated version that offers more refinement and especially much more power. Will that be the deciding factor?
Is the Subaru Solterra actually just a Toyota bZ4X?
Pretty much, but it has one major disadvantage compared to that already not particularly popular Toyota: it’s only available with all-wheel drive. For those living in Sweden or Switzerland, this is mainly an advantage, but for the Dutch it means a typically unnecessary feature that drives up the price. You might be convinced of the added safety and stability, but ultimately the wallet decides.
And does this ‘disability’ also apply to the facelifted Solterra?
Yes, because the updated Solterra also always has two electric motors. Where these two power sources previously produced 218 hp combined, the new Solterra suddenly delivers a whopping 343 hp. Standard! With this, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 5 seconds and can compete with the faster cars in this segment.
Previously there was a large bar halfway across the (fixed) panoramic roof, now it’s gone.
From 0 to 100 in 5 seconds, STi times are back!
In terms of sprint time, yes, but Subaru wisely refrains from associations with its famous rally heritage. The well-behaved and safety-focused Solterra simply has nothing to do with that, but the speed is definitely there. With a press of the right pedal, the car takes off with great enthusiasm, a big difference from the adequate but limited acceleration of the ‘old’ model.
Are there any other technical changes?
Certainly. For example, the battery has a slightly larger capacity at 73.1 kWh gross, but it’s mainly the reduced energy consumption that increases the range to well over 500 kilometers. We can’t say anything about that consumption yet, because we’re driving the only new Solterra in Europe so far on a short test circuit away from public roads.
Do you notice many of the improvements while driving?
Compared to the old Solterra, which still exists, the new one is even more stable and precise, but that difference is extremely subtle. What is noticeable is that it’s somewhat quieter and more refined, also one of the goals of the facelift. The overall picture in terms of driving is still rock solid. The Solterra is comfortable but precise and feels extremely solid and predictable. It is somewhat heavy, but that’s not an exception in the EV world. However, the chassis handles the weight well and smooths out uneven surfaces in a civilized manner. The all-wheel drive obviously gives it a lot of grip and contributes to that stability, although in the Netherlands you rarely encounter conditions where you really notice that.
Can the Subaru Solterra tow my caravan?
With the facelift, the towing capacity doubled to 1,500 kg. So if your caravan weighs less than that, certainly.
In America, the wheel arch trims are often painted in body color, while ours are black.
What else has changed with the Solterra?
The exterior changes are quite significant. The entire front end is new and the striking wheel arches are now glossy black instead of matte black. The interior is essentially completely new, although the basic layout with the high-mounted instrument panel was allowed to remain. Fortunately, a lot of piano black has been eliminated, there are now fine rotary knobs for the climate control, and the fabric dashboard covering makes way for synthetic leather finish. The whole still looks and feels very solid and is completely up-to-date in terms of design and functionality, with the latter partly due to a second wireless phone charger. The steering wheel is heavily flattened at the top and bottom, making it one of the main differences with the bZ4X, which has a ‘normal’ round steering wheel.
How spacious is the Subaru Solterra?
The rear seat is spacious and the luggage space with about 450 liters is reasonable. Those who don’t find that enough can wait for the new E-Outback. That is essentially a Solterra station wagon with a significantly larger cargo space. The total number of ‘length variants’ on this platform thus comes to 3, because below the Solterra, Subaru places an Uncharted that is actually somewhat shorter and tighter. Remarkably, that smallest variant is also the version available with the largest battery, namely up to 77 kWh. That appears to be a generation thing, so don’t be surprised if the Solterra and E-Outback also get that slightly larger battery later. The Uncharted is the only one that will also be available with front-wheel drive, which undoubtedly makes it cheaper, which obviously doesn’t increase the Solterra’s chances of success.
How much does the updated Solterra cost?
Prices for the three new electric Subarus are not yet available. The outgoing Solterra went on deep discount at the last minute and is now available for €44,000, but the new one will undoubtedly be somewhat (or much) more expensive again.