Test drive: Subaru Solterra in test drive

Japanese brand Subaru has seen an increase of 22.2 percent in this country so far this year (total market: plus 14.5 percent).

The regular XV, Outback and Forester are selling particularly well, but now the electric Solterra is also being launched.

Engine

Since 1966, Subaru has basically stood for boxer engines. But even such a special manufacturer can not ignore electromobility. But since the six-star Japanese brand also stands for excellence in the all-wheel drive industry (after all, the first mass-produced all-wheel drive vehicle rolled off the production line at Subaru in 1972), Subaru has placed a 109. hp motor electric on the front and rear axles. The brand’s first electric car received support from the Japanese industrial giant Toyota – basically the Solterra is the Toyota bZ4X, which is also available without all-wheel drive. In any case, with Subaru permanent wheel drive (with 337 Newton meters of high torque), you can make rapid progress, from 0 to 100 km / h in 6.9 seconds on the road, the speed limit is 160 km / h. h so you don’t destroy the array too quickly.

Body/equipment

The visual differences for Toyota are minimal, but they are certainly noticeable. Overall, we like the angular shape as well as the panel, which Subaru calls sporty and dynamic. A very high cockpit is a matter of taste and getting used to it. The navigation system seems a little dated compared to other electric cars. The choice of materials and functions, on the other hand, is convincing. The space in the 4.69 meter long car is very good for passengers and cargo (410 litres).

Solterra is already well-equipped with old functions, for example with lane assistants, fatigue and emergency braking, 360-degree camera and reversing camera, sound system, navigation, automatic two-zone climate control , heated front seats, heated outside mirrors, LED. headlights and light alloy rims.

Driving behavior

Cutting a good figure off the road is part of the core of the Subaru brand, after all it is considered a forest and hunter car. Permanent all-wheel drive, 21 centimeters of ground clearance and the experience of the Japanese, which is reflected in the flawless performance of electronic equipment, allow Solterra to cope with muddy forest paths without complaints. Otherwise, the chassis is surprisingly good for an electric car, which is obviously interesting. Steering is direct, the car is generally very maneuverable and easy to corner.

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economy

According to the list (ie without financing), you can start with Solterra from 58,490 euros. Our test car came to 62,885 euros with a few extras. Official hours of 18 kilowatts per 100 km are hard to reach, depending on driving style and weather, you should allow two to five kWh more. The range, which the manufacturer says is about 416 km, has been reduced accordingly. 300 to 350 kilometers is true. In the fast payment center you can return up to 80 percent in half an hour. Very good: Subaru offers an impressive eight-year warranty.

Conclusion

Electromobility and all-wheel drive don’t have to be exclusive. While Subaru got a lot of help from Toyota here, the Solterra fits the brand well. The quality, space and handling are the same. The wrong way is not an obstacle. However, permanent all-wheel drive also brings high utility. This affects range, which is still the most debated aspect of electrical mobility. This can be reworked.