Electric AWD Subaru Solterra SUV revealed globally

Subaru has revealed its new electric all-wheel drive (AWD) Solterra SUV to the world.

The Subaru Solterra (combining the Latin words for ‘sun’ and ‘earth’) is built on the e-Subaru global platform – a new AWD EV architecture done in conjunction with Toyota, with Subaru of New Zealand saying it will work with the parent company to bring the EV here.

The Solterra launch will start by the middle of 2022 in some international markets, including Japan, the US, Canada, Europe and China. 

Subaru Corporation has committed to apply electrification technologies to all Subaru vehicles sold worldwide by the first half of the 2030s.

“The Solterra signals a new era for the Subaru brand as we continue our journey towards a more sustainable future here in New Zealand,” Subaru of New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper says.

“The global reveal will no doubt stir great anticipation and excitement in our Kiwi Subaru drivers.

“It is important to us that we remain true to our 100% AWD strategy in New Zealand and we will introduce the Solterra knowing it can handle Subaru Country.

“We look forward to working with Subaru Corporation to bring an All-Wheel Drive electric vehicle to the New Zealand market, with the same DNA that is shared by the rest of our Subaru line-up.”

Dumper acknowledges that the Subaru of New Zealand team, (as proactive members of the New Zealand Motor Industry Association) is committed to helping transform the future of the automotive industry to achieve lower emissions.

“Key to this success will be how fast the entire automotive industry can be transformed. It can’t be done overnight, nor can we get ahead of the major markets.

“The reality is that Subaru Corporation is yet to confirm a timeline for the Solterra’s arrival in New Zealand,” says Dumper, adding that New Zealand pricing and specs will be known closer to the time.

“We are working very closely with Japan and Australia and future electric projects form part of ongoing dialogue between our three entities.”

Dumper says Kiwis can acknowledge and do their best to support the present Government’s climate change goals and the role of transport in achieving them.

This five-seat vehicle will be the cornerstone of Subaru’s future battery electric vehicles (BEVs), the company says.

The Japanese Solterra model has about 460km range from its 71.4kWh battery, front and rear motors producing 160W of power, 210mm ground clearance, a low instrument panel with monitor meters visible above the steering wheel, and a solar roof option.

To register to be kept informed, including future news about New Zealand specifications and timings, click here, and for more details about the global reveal visit the Solterra launch webpage.