Using a combination of the Latin versions of the words ‘sun’ and ‘Earth’, the 2022 Subaru Solterra has been revealed as the brand’s first fully-electric vehicle. Jointly developed with the Toyota and its new bZ4X SUV – though with a subtle styling change like the BRZ coupe is to the Toyota GR 86 – the Solterra is yet to be confirmed for Australia. It offers up to 530km of range from its 71.4kWh battery pack and up to 160kW of power.
Blair Read, General Manager Subaru Australia, said: “The Solterra heralds a new era for the Subaru brand and its global reveal stirs great anticipation and excitement as we see the next expression of Subaru Corporation’s commitment to electrification.
“Whilst Subaru Corporation are yet to confirm a timeline for the Solterra in Australia, we are working very closely and future electric projects form part of ongoing dialogue between Subaru Australia and the factory.”
Under the skin, the 2022 Subaru Solterra rides on a new platform joint developed with Toyota solely for electric vehicles. Subaru calls it ‘e-Subaru Global Platform’ and the batteries are located – like most EVs – in the floor for a better centre of gravity.
The Solterra uses the same drivetrains as its Toyota cousin, with a 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack feeding either a 150kW front-wheel drive model or a 160kW all-wheel drive model that features Subaru’s ‘X-Mode’ drive mode system. The former can travel up to 530km on a charge (WLTP) and the latter 460km. DC fast charging of up to 150kW is possible and the Solterra can be charged in as little as 30 minutes to 80 per cent charge.
Measuring 4,690mm long, 1,860mm wide, 1,650mm high and riding on a 2,850mm long wheelbase, the Solterra is 65mm longer, 45mm wider, 80mm less tall and uses a 180mm-shorter wheelbase than the current Subaru Forester. Subaru hasn’t listed bootspace, but the identical Toyota bZ4X features a 452-litre boot, which is 46L smaller than the Forester.
Stylistically, the 2022 Subaru Solterra is largely identical to the Toyota bZ4X, aside from the lighting and bumper designs, which make it look more familiar than the Toyota but still very futuristic and modern.
The interior of the 2022 Subaru Solterra is futuristic and seemingly high quality with an almost-spaceship layout that’s identical to its Toyota twin. A 12.3-inch central touchscreen will feature on all Solterra models and it features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The 2022 Subaru Solterra will launch in several global markets including Japan, Europe, North America and China from mid-2022. Australian launching timing is yet to be confirmed.
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Keyword: 2022 Subaru Solterra is Fuji’s First Electric Vehicle