Subaru Solterra electric SUV confirmed for New Zealand

Subaru NZ has announced the introduction of the Subaru Solterra to the New Zealand market today, making it the first battery electric vehicle in the brand’s lineup.

Coming in 2023, the long-awaited Solterra offers all-wheel-drive (AWD) capability, active safety technology, and adventure capability in an all-electric package.

The SUV makes use of the e-Subaru Global Platform architecture to bring Subaru’s AWD technology into the electric era.

Like other Subaru SUVs, Solterra features the X-Mode AWD control system combined with Subaru’s new Grip Control function to help stabilise the vehicle on rough terrain.

A range of 460km can be achieved with the use of two front and rear 80kW motors giving the vehicle a maximum output of 160kW.

A 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery is placed under the Solterra’s floor to maintain a low centre of gravity and ensure high body strength and rigidity is achieved.

The exterior design incorporates sharp, hexagonal lines throughout while the interior represents Subaru’s “visibility, simplicity and ease-of-use” design philosophy.

Safety is paramount in the new SUV with newly devised skeleton shape body parts that optimise material strength while reducing the vehicle’s weight and ensuring superior collision safety at the same time.

In the event of a collision, energy is absorbed through the multiple body skeletons protecting vehicle occupants and the high-voltage battery.

At today’s event, Subaru of New Zealand’s Managing Director Wallis Dumper also outlined Subaru Corporation’s future commitments to apply electrification to all Subaru vehicles (EVs and Hybrids) sold worldwide by around 2030.

By 2050 the Subaru brand is targeting the reduction of their average C02 emissions by at least 90% (compared with 2010).

The new Solterra will be available to Kiwi customers in the first half of 2023, with April as the target date for launch.