ESSAY. Subaru Solterra, this electric SUV model of another Japanese model

Subaru has just released its first electric car, and unfortunately… It’s Toyota’s first electric model. If modeling is a growing phenomenon in today’s automotive world, does Solterra offer any benefits?

The automotive industry is constantly closing itself at the moment, and without a doubt at a level not seen since the 1980s. If the 2000s saw an explosion in the exchange of platforms between manufacturers and large-scale automotive integration, 20 years later, we are completely back to the strategy of. Joint production of 100% or 90% similar models, and this fact is especially important for Japanese manufacturers.

The reason? Once again the cost savings, huge. There is nothing more economical than producing cars together that are almost identical except for a few details, on the same assembly lines, bodywork included. The rest will only be a matter of customization and will depend on a few details, and this strategy has already been the source of great success for cars, such as the Smart/Twingo, the Toyota-Peugeot-Citroën alliance 107/C1/Aygo city cars, and those created by Peugeot, Citroën and Mitsubishi to produce their first electric model, C -Zero – Ion -IMiev.

Clear environmental standards

Another main reason for this movement is also once again the need to develop electricity technology and low production. Some manufacturers have a very urgent need to reduce the CO2 emissions of their ranges, and do not have the time or the means to build new machines, even from standard chassis and technologies. They need to move forward better and faster, in the face of ever-increasing standards, and cloning is the most practical and fastest solution at this level.

In fact, in recent years we have seen a real explosion: thanks to the partnership with Renault, Mitsubishi has renewed its Colt and ASX models by “restoring” the Clio and Captur produced in the factories of the French manufacturer. The new Mazda 2 is a Mazda-badged Toyota Yaris. Suzuki also used Toyota’s services to launch the Swace (from the Corolla station wagon) and Across (a clone of the Rav4, the world’s best-selling SUV). The rationale for the improvement of the low price range, and especially on low production models.

Subaru’s rapid evolution

The Subaru Solterra is also an example, that of Toyota’s first 100% electric passenger car, the BZ4X. And of course, it’s becoming a challenge for Subaru, Toyota’s original and historic partner, specializing in SUVs and 4×4 crossovers, known to be fuel-hungry and CO2 efficient. In the model developed, which is also completely electric, Subaru guarantees a reduction in the average level of its emissions. It remains to convince the end customer to buy a clone instead of the original one.

As a result, Subaru has not chosen the simplest solution in the sense that the Toyota BZ4X is not, strictly speaking, a huge commercial success. After launching in 2022, sales in 2023 were just under 30,000 copies in the European and American markets combined. An obvious failure at this time, although Toyota claims: the BZ4X represents the best price / freedom ratio on the electric market. The error is definitely an unusual sight, and the customer is still very strong who prefers to get a good deal from Tesla and the Chinese or Korean manufacturers, in the middle of the price war.

The main thing: a more successful clone than the original

However, on the outside, this Solterra presents a quality appearance that is undoubtedly higher than that of its main counterpart. Featuring a “Subaru” Harbor Fog gray-blue color, a distinctively patterned grille, and some 18-inch 5-tone two-tone aesthetic details, which can decorate the basic design is not necessarily too obvious in terms of Toyota BZ4X. Between the SUV coupe, crossover, compact sedan on big wheels… We hesitate a little, like the best-selling CH-R, but the finished result at Subaru gives an image of quality that evokes the Mustang Mach-E from Ford or the Jaguar I-Pace, small small (4.69m x 1.86m).

The interior, however, differs slightly from that of its twin brother, very modest, dressed in black but quality plastic, emphasis on practical features, digital equipment and a large central computer … Along with the steering wheel specially designed which, although different from that of the BZ4X, is small and easy to handle, integrating perfectly into the world of Subaru and the image, sportier. For the front and back seats, in fabric, it is comfortable but nothing more, and the seat is a little hard. Note the good legroom in the back, which makes it a pleasant and spacious family car. A nice surprise.

Real 4×4 power

And the driving experience also has its share of pleasant surprises. It was understood from the beginning by Subaru that its Solterra would be a clone of the more advanced version of the BZ4X, the one with two 160kW (218 horsepower) electric motors. For what? Quite simply because the brand wants to stay true to its credo, the all-wheel drive! And the driving pleasure suffers. With a strong acceleration (0 to 100km / h in 6.5 seconds) and a torque of 336Nm, we come to forget the mass that reaches 2 tons.

And the “Subarization” of the machine does not end there, as it has benefited from special suspension and steering settings, making it more powerful and fun than the Toyota BZ4X. We won’t be testing it on a public stage, but the Subaru DNA adds to the flavor of this Solterra significantly. In addition, its total power of 218 horsepower is good, but also controlled, it does not give the impression of a machine with an unnecessary engine, unlike some competitors with two engines. Good balance.

From the point of view of electric performance, Subaru claims a range of 465 kilometers in WLTP standards, which will be close to 400 in real conditions or even slightly less than the average observed during the test. Which makes the Solterra a frugal machine, with 20kWh per 100 km in urban use in Eco mode. Recovery times from 20 to 80% are also quite good, with 6h30 at 7 kW for alternating current, and an excellent 51 minutes for direct current with a maximum power of 50 kW.

Downside: some details and high price

Positive reviews, despite a few faults, especially the internal materials that are not amazing, the quality of the sound system is not the best and, of course, the rear view is disappointing. And despite the small side of the Subaru that looks good and is not legendary, the addition of almost 60,000 euros seems steep.

More expensive than its equivalent partner in Toyota, it will suffer above all from competition from the Hyundai Ioniq and Kia Niro, well finished but also cheap, especially since with the same power and freedom they are eligible for the ecological bonus in French. market. For mid/high-end enthusiasts, even if it means paying the price, they will definitely be more interested in the base models BMW X1, Mercedes GLA, Audi Q4 E-Tron or even Tesla Model Y.

If the sales of the Toyota BZ4X have been disappointing, those of the Subaru Solterra may be a mystery, especially in our market where the first comers have already established themselves. Even Toyota and its partner Subaru are having a hard time convincing. The quality/price/brand trade-off favors the Subaru Solterra, which is clearly successful, but it will be hard to find success in an already saturated market. And cloning won’t do anything about it. Apart from a few customers who are fans of the brand, the Solterra will prove to be a very successful and successful operation for Subaru, which therefore significantly lowers the average output of its range.