This is long lead time with a vengeance, but the universal opinion is that the Solterra – taken from the Latin Sol (sun) and Terra (earth), an interesting name, but then “Subaru Sunearth” doesn’t really do it for anyone – will be worth the weight.
This vehicle represents Subaru’s electrification evolution, first heralded by the e-Boxer Hybrid XV and Forester models launched two years ago.
Solterra is an all-electric SUV which utilises Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive, active safety technologies and reliable engineering.
“In saying this,” says Subaru New Zealand’s Wallis Dumper, “Solterra is not a ‘me too’ SUV. It is a very tangible example of Subaru Corporation’s future commitment to apply electrification across all models sold around the globe by around 2030.”
The model Subaru New Zealand had on display was a European specified model, but it gave a good idea as to what we can expect from the right-hand drive version when a second evaluation model appears in the metal later this year.
Solterra uses two electric motors, each generating 80kW for a total 160kW output pushing a 2020kg vehicle weight riding on either 18 or 20-inch wheels with ventilated disc brakes fore and aft.
The somewhere-between-a-Forester-and-Outback-sized body has all-new, electric vehicle underpinnings dubbed the e-Subaru global platform designed to accommodate a 71.4kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack.
The battery is part of the inherent chassis structure, giving Solterra significant body strength and a low centre of gravity despite a 210mm ground clearance.
This, according to Subaru New Zealand, should give the Solterra a range just over 400km.
Solterra also takes onboard the X-Mode AWD control system first seen on the Forester.
The five function X-Mode system increases the potential of the electrically controlled limited slip differential – the critical component of the Vehicle Dynamics Control system. An all-new Grip Control function enables the Solterra to run at a constant speed, while stabilising the vehicle.
More details will be available in the lead up to the Solterra launch in New Zealand or can be found on the www.subaru.co.nz website.
