Subaru Solterra BEV available

Subaru New Zealand can finally get Kiwis into the Subaru Solterra battery electric vehicle (BEV) SUV.

The Solterra AWD is priced from $79,990 (RRP) and Solterra Touring from $84,990 (RRP).

“Like any vehicle in the last few years, there have been challenges to its long-anticipated arrival on our shores, with production delays when the world stopped for a while, followed by shipping delays, along with the intricacies that come with a joint venture,” says Subaru of New Zealand managing director Wallis Dumper.

“The Solterra embodies a significant step change for Subaru, as we continue our journey towards a more sustainable future for New Zealand and drive into a new era of the automotive industry – electrification.”

Dumper says much has changed in the industry in the last five years.

“Hybrid and battery electric vehicles have taken the automotive world by storm and shaken up what was a relatively consistent market, bringing a variety of government legislation, rebates, and taxes in their wake.”

Size-wise between a Forester and Outback, the Solterra is spacious enough for family-orientated adventures and powerful enough to take on remote areas.

Two variants feature Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive mounted to the new e-Subaru Global Platform, with dual function X-Mode, 210mm of ground clearance, Subaru Safety Sense and Vision Assist as standard. 

It includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, Subaru Safety Sense technology, wireless phone charging and a panoramic 360-degree view monitor, along with a host of other handy technologies and creature comforts.

Equipped with dual electric motors positioned at the front and rear delivering a combined 160kW power and 337Nm torque, and a 71.4kW lithium-ion battery, it has a 485km test range (NEDC). 

The Subaru Solterra has both AC and DC charging capability, charging from 20% to 80% via a 150kW DC charger in about 30 minutes, whereas via a single phase 7kW AC charger, 20% to 80% takes about seven to eight hours. 

The Solterra SUV not only marks the debut of a Subaru BEV in New Zealand but also represents the beginning of increased diversification in the Subaru model line-up that will include additional hybrid and BEV models.

“Given the incredibly high demand for these vehicles globally, the supply in New Zealand is strictly limited, so those who want to drive into the battery electric future with Subaru will need to secure theirs swiftly,” says Dumper.

Test drives can be arranged by an Authorised Subaru Centre.

A three year/100,000km warranty applies, while an additional warranty of eight years/160,000km (whichever comes first) applies to the high-voltage drive battery.

Click here for more information.