Solterra arrives after long lead up

It has been the longest long lead launch yet for a new Subaru vehicle for many reasons, but the debut of the Solterra BEV also represents the beginning of increased diversification in the brand model line-up that will include additional Hybrid and BEV models in the future.

After many delays following the announcement of the car for the local market in July 2022, the Solterra is now in New Zealand dealerships some ten months after it was initially expected.

Unlike other brands with paddocks full of battery-electric vehicles after the Clean Car Discount rebate ended, Subaru delivered 11 Solterra vehicles before December 31, with 39 arriving later, and there will be 70 vehicles on the ground by the end of January.

Subaru New Zealand is expecting to receive three more electrified models in 2026 and another four in 2028.

Pricing of the Solterra has remained unchanged since it was announced in September 2023.

Coming in two variants – the Solterra $79,990 and Solterra Touring $84,990 – both offer a 12.3” touchscreen with satellite navigation, Subaru Safety Sense technology, Driver Monitoring Camera, wireless phone charging and a panoramic 360-degree view monitor, along with a host of other technologies and comforts.

Equipped with dual electric motors strategically positioned at the front and rear, alongside a 71.4kW lithium-ion battery, Solterra delivers a maximum power output of 160kW and 337Nm of torque and has an NEDC test range of 485km.  The Solterra offers both AC and DC charging capability. Charging from 20-to-80 per cent via a 150kW DC charger takes approximately 30 minutes, whereas via a single phase 7kW AC charger, 20-to-80% takes approximately seven to eight hours.