LOS ANGELES – Subaru Finally taking my first step into the world of Electric Car with the launch of Solterra. Amped intersection positioned as an EV that will do everything a gasoline-powered Subaru does, including bringing nature lovers out into the great outdoors. Therefore, it is built with gentle off-road performance in mind, something that not many other electric vehicles deal with.
Subaru isn’t shy about Solterra being developed with Toyota, their second enlistment since BRZ and eighty six sports coupes. In fact, Solterra and Toyota bZ4X to be almost indistinguishable. Subaru representatives say that the two have forged a natural partnership, in which Subaru contributes expertise in chassis and all-wheel drive, while Toyota provides hybrid and hybrid vehicles. the battery Experts.
Subaru is Subaru, however, Solterra is only available with dual all-wheel drive, while Toyota offers both front- and all-wheel drive configurations (at least in Japan, where both were revealed; we’ll know more about the US bZ4X later this month). With two mills, Solterra produces a total of 215 horsepower and 248 pound-feet of torque.
Of course, the main question when it comes to EVs is one of range. Subaru is still waiting for final numbers from testing, but estimates more than 220 miles in EPA’s driving cycle. That puts it between Hyundai Ioniq’s 208 and Nissan Leaf Plus ‘237. The battery pack can be charged by Level 2 AC and DC fast charge, but by charging time, Subaru will only say that it is capable of “significantly charging in less than an hour.”
Subaru is adamant that the Solterra is just as durable as the other AWD trail dogs in its lineup. Engineers took advantage of the EV’s lack of a motor to build an extremely short front overhang, with an equal overhang at the rear. They also give the Solterra 8.3 inches of ground clearance, which is 0.4 lower than Subaru’s standards but still larger than most compact SUVs. It is designed to accommodate kayaks, bicycles and other outdoor gear with the addition of optional roof racks.
Subaru still calls its enhanced traction system X-mode, even though there’s no throttle or transmission to manage, it’s vastly different from the X-modes on its gas-powered cars. It has both downhill and uphill assist, and Subaru says that in some ways the AWD system is easier to control because with the electric motor all torque is available on the low end.
Indeed, Subaru showed us some pretty impressive videos of the Solterra in low-traction situations. Some of them include a compensatory contact test where only tires at a kitty angle to each other touch the ground. Solterra was able to overcome these obstacles from a stop without any problems while Jaguar i-Pace tries to gain traction like an overturned turtle. Other test clips show Solterra climbing a steep set of wet concrete stairs with little trouble and naturally, drifting through gravel like a WRC racer.
In the cabin, Solterra provides a good environment. Materials don’t look too good, but they’re not as luxurious as the Mazda MX-30 either. The seats are spacious, enough room for one person with six feet to sit behind another without hitting their knees. A panoramic roof is available to give you a cool feeling.
One extremely odd feature of the interior is that the display is pushed very far forward of the windshield. For me and a few other journalists, that meant the top of the steering wheel would cut off part of the screen no matter how we tilted or turned it. Others said they had no problems. We have seen that the Toyota bZ4X will provided with a yoke in Japan, this would alleviate this problem even if it creating more and more problems. Please Subaru, no yoke.
The center stack is essentially a giant 12.3-inch touchscreen. Below it are the climate controls, not buttons but touch-sensitive areas on a strip of glossy black plastic. Oh and the neat grid-like array behind the command knob? It’s a case for a wireless phone charging dock. The windows are there so you can see your phone through it. Mystery solved!
Like other connected EVs, the Solterra can be adjusted to your liking before you even open the door. Climate control, door locks, navigation instructions and remote start function can all be controlled via the phone app. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.
Solterra also boasts a range of state-of-the-art safety equipment. Because it doesn’t have an engine, an e-collision vehicle is different from a gasoline-powered car, and Subaru says the bodywork is designed to accommodate that. Tech assistance comes in the form of a list that should be pretty familiar by now: auto-collision brake and throttle management, lane departure warning and assist as well as blind spot warning, high beam auto dimming, rear brake assist and rear cross-traffic alert.
Solterra also boasts some new safety tips. One, called Safe Exit Alerts, notifies you if there are obstacles or pedestrians around before you open the door. Solterra also offers a 360-degree surround-view camera. There is also a variety of air bag, including the front, side blinds, two aimed at the pelvis and torso, and one to protect the rider’s knees.
While Toyota will sell essentially the same car, we’ve seen a unique side of Subaru. colour in these pictures is a color called Pearl Harbor Fog Gray and is exclusive to Subaru. If it reminds you of some solid colors seen on Crosstrek Over the years, that’s no coincidence.
Subaru has yet to announce pricing, and that will likely be closer to when the Solterra goes on sale in 2022. If you’re looking to switch to an electric vehicle designed to transport you to trails and campsites , it will be a view.
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