The rugged new Uncharted crossover from Subaru has plenty of off-road credentials and certainly looks the part. The robust model has a low centre of gravity for extra traction and ample power under the bonnet. Does it live up the brand's adventurous reputation? Andre Tillmann/Subaru/dpaThe new Subaru Uncharted is a well-fettled sub-compact EV that gives little cause for complaint, but let's face it, under the skin, this car is basically a Toyota C-HR with which it shares a platform.The new Subaru Uncharted sees the brand venturing silently into the unknown with an electric crossover complete with Subaru's signature adventurous attitude which dates back to the first Forester.On the plus side, it has an airy cabin and delivers punchy acceleration from the all-wheel-drive powertrain.AdvertisementAdvertisementHaving said that, four-wheel drive isn't standard and although it is nimble, the less powerful Uncharted version can be a drag to drive on the highway, which prevents it from moving to the top of its class.When the compact coupé crossover goes on sale this summer, it will be Subaru's second all-electric model after the Solterra and currently the only model available with front-wheel drive only.However, this change of direction cannot be attributed to Subaru alone. In fact, the Uncharted is essentially a spin-off from Subaru's major shareholder, Toyota, where it has been on sale since this spring as the C-HR+. While it starts at €41,990 there, Subaru's prices start at €36,990.More important, however, is the price difference compared to its big brother, the Solterra. By sacrificing a little battery capacity and the electric motor on the rear axle, Subaru is making the transition to the electric era about 10% cheaper for its customersAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Uncharted is a tad smaller than the Solterra, being 14 centimetres shorter in length and with a wheelbase 10 centimetres shorter. However, as the spec sheet still lists dimensions of 4.54 and 2.75 metres, you will still be able to sit comfortably inside, even in the back seat.And with a boot capacity of 403 to 1,323 litres, it's certainly practical for everyday use. All the more so because there's plenty of storage space - although you will have to skilfully arrange the two panels of the dual load floor to get the most out of it.On the other hand, if you want to stow things up front, you're out of luck with the Uncharted: unlike many of its rivals, the Japanese car doesn't offer any additional storage space under the bonnet.The Uncharted's biggest selling point is its handling. Subaru has made the most of Toyota's particularly rigid battery platform and has engineered the electric car to be unusually taut and agile for a vehicle in its class.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe suspension certainly offers plenty of comfort, even for a relaxed journey to pick up the kids. Added to that this SUV coupé is pretty aerodynamic which means the little ones can enjoy a peaceful ride with low wind noise.On the road the electric motors respond smoothly and are among the quieter ones too.Fortunately, drivers can have some fun with the car too. It accelerates comfortably, the steering is precise and razor-sharp and as with most electric cars the acceleration delivers maximum torque instantly, without needing to build up engine RPM or shift gears.To get this level of enjoyment, buyers will need to opt for the range-topping model. Bowling along in the front wheel-drive entry-level model with its 167 hp (123 kW) is fine up but only up to a top speed of 140 km/h. The 0-100km/h sprint is accomplished in a respectable 8.4 seconds. Another front-wheel-drive model offers 224 hp (165 kW) but it will not get past the 160 km/h mark.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe four-wheel-drive models are more muscular and with twin motors taking the strain (343 hp / 252 kW), the car will dash to 100 km/h in a sporty 5.2 seconds. Subaru has given the car a suite of special programmes to ensure smooth forward motion on dirt and mud surfaces.In the base model, the power comes from a 57.7 kWh battery, which delivers a range of 451 standard kilometres. The other two versions are fitted with a substantial 77 kWh battery and achieve a range of up to 592 kilometres. So far, so good. Things only get tricky when the battery starts to run low. That's because the Subaru is rather tardy when it comes to charging.While 22 kW is standard on AC charging, DC charging is limited to no more than 150 kW. Many competitors are well ahead in this respect. That said, Subaru promises a broad plateau on the charging curve. Put simply, this means the battery should be able to accept energy at high power across a wide range. The Japanese manufacturer claims a charge from 10 to 80% in 28 minutes.What's more, the battery can be pre-conditioned so that charging times don't slow down, even in winter. Even at minus 10 Celsius, it's said to take just two minutes longer.AdvertisementAdvertisementOverall, this car is well-equipped and competitively priced – making the Uncharted a solid contender in the electric compact class.Subaru has yet to make its reputation as an EV maker and Uncharted is no game changer.But when the pavement ends, the EV platform with a much lower centre of gravity for added stability, means the SUV can hold its own when the going gets rough.Subaru Uncharted 77 kWh/FWD - specificationThere are of course screens in the cockpit, but Subaru - aiming for the best of both worlds - also makes use of easy-to-push tactile buttons. Andre Tillmann/Subaru/dpaRelatively compact for an SUV coupé, the Subaru Uncharted is just over 4.50 metres long. Andre Tillmann/Subaru/dpa
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