Launch of Subaru Solterra electric SUV in France

Subaru’s first electric model, the Solterra SUV, is officially on sale in France. For the occasion, the manufacturer offers LLD for 424 euros per month until December 15, 2023.

Up to 465 kilometers of freedom

Available only in France with permanent all-wheel drive, the Solterra has two identical electric motors that each produce 80 kW (109 hp) of power with a maximum torque of 168.5 Nm That’s 160 kW (218 hp) and 337 Nm in total. The set is powered by a battery with a total energy capacity of 72.8 kWh for 71.4 kWh usable.

This translates into a range of 465 kilometers based on the WLTP combined cycle for the entry-level Comfort version, compared to 414 kilometers for the Luxury. This pack is designed to maintain at least 90% of its maximum capacity during the first ten years of the vehicle’s use, with 96 lithium-ion cells. Its location under the floor as an integral part of the structure reduces the center of gravity.

For recharging, the machine has a 7 kW device, which is a bit tight for the majority of 22 kW AC outlets available in France. Through its CCS connector placed under the left front wing hatch, it accepts a direct flow of up to 150 kW.

Paddles act on regenerative braking

To provide excellent road behavior when the driver lightly presses the accelerator pedal, the Solterra benefits from continuously controlled power delivery and torque vectoring, and an enhanced X-Mode traction control system supported by the new Traction Control feature. These allow you to drive at a constant speed while stabilizing the car, especially on hard roads.

Mechanical braking is provided by four ventilation discs. At any time, the power level of regeneration can be adjusted using a set of two paddles behind the steering wheel. The suspension is a type of MacPherson front and double wishbones at the back. Electric assistance, steering is characterized by a turning radius of 11.2 m.

Quite naturally, this model that borrows heavily from the Toyota bZ4X – including its body line – will be more or less exciting depending on the selected driving mode (Power, Normal, Eco). At 1.65 m long, the electric SUV has a generous ground clearance of 21 cm. With a wheelbase of 2.85 m, its length is 4.69 m, with a width of 1.86 m excluding mirrors.

Offers Comfort and Luxury

This version plays on the curb weight of the Subaru Solterra: 2,010 tons in Comfort but 2,035 in Luxury. Along with the trunk volume. It is 421/452 liters in terms of floor space and entry level, compared to 410/441 l for its best equipped version. On the outside, the size of the tires gives information about the model. It’s 235/60 on 18-inch rims with Comfort, and 235/50 on 20-inch rims with top of the range.

A few pieces of equipment distinguish it. Luxury also has a panoramic glass roof, a ten-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with a subwoofer and an eight-way amplifier, heated steering wheel and rear seats, memory for the driver’s seat, electric adjustments for its passengers, and a charger for smartphone by induction.

The standard equipment of the rich is common in large numbers. So, for example, a multimedia system with a 12.3-inch touch screen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote control of automatic parking, and modern driving aids including cruise control, recognition of signs, lane keeping, etc

5 Euro NCAP stars

Subaru is delighted that its first electric car has achieved five stars in the Euro NCAP crash tests. The organization emphasizes: “ The Subaru Solterra is the twin of the Toyota bZ4X and is similar in terms of safety equipment. So the test results from Toyota were used for Subaru, and the same rating is used ».

If the two SUVs have inherited a very high level of driving equipment from the Toyota Mirai, then the Subaru Solterra should give the driver an experience that will make them completely forget about the systems of some Chinese electric cars. It’s simple, during my test of this hydrogen fuel cell sedan, at first I thought that the way reservation was broken, it was very efficient and expected. The smoothness is like in normal operation that we did not feel the adjustment of the trajectory at all. The same goes for the rear traffic detector that saw the truck hidden by the house coming early.

Just to prove this, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of this model that has been added to the modern French market. In detail, Euro NCAP sets a safety level of 88% for seated adults, 87% for transported children, 79% for vulnerable road users and 91% for assistance. This is very accurate. We should even say very well due to the standard expected by the organization and frequent promotions.

From 59,990 euros

The Subaru Solterra price list starts at 59,990 euros with the Comfort finish. For only 4,000 euros more, or 63,990 euros, the doors of Anasa are open to you.

The manufacturer is offering LLD in France until December 15, 2023 on the Comfort version. With a monthly rent of 424 euros, the formula lasts for more than 37 months and the first rent of 10,000 euros, reduced to 5,000 euros as an ecological bonus that the price does not justify in general.

For operation details, Subaru’s website unfortunately refers to the dealer and, gradually, to general page of Service-Public.fr. A weight that threatens to discourage more than one person.