Try Subaru Solterra 2023, an electric SUV for adventurers

El Subaru solterra 2023 is a coupe-style midsize SUV with a 100% electric propulsion system (BEV) that yields 218 CV and has been developed in collaboration with Toyota, a firm that sells a very similar car called bZ4X (they share most of their components). It is the first car Subaru with these characteristics and its purpose with it is to achieve the technological forefront, comply with emission regulations in the "mix" of its range of models and transmit a more ecological brand image through its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy. can tour 465km per charge complete.

Broadly speaking, the Solterra is a car that it behaves very well on asphalt, since it is agile, but that, due to a excellent all wheel drive system, has certain capabilities on rough and slippery surfaces without being able to be considered, under any circumstances, an all-rounder to use. Rather it is a A very versatile and well-balanced SUV with an obvious family orientation, as it is particularly spacious and generously equipped. Its qualities are normal and, taking into account its alternatives (increasingly numerous), it is not an expensive vehicle, although it is not cheap either: its price starts from 58.750 euros.

Plenty of space, good fit and technology everywhere, thanks in part to Toyota

The Solterra has some outside dimensions conventional for the market segment in which it competes. Are almost identical to those of the Toyota bZ4X, since the same platform is used for its construction. Both SUVs differ by some changes that affect the tuning of the suspension, for a front-wheel drive version only for the Toyota and for certain details of the bodywork or the passenger compartment. The Subaru measures 4,69 meters in length, 1,86 in width and 1,65 in height with a 2,85 meter wheelbase (quite splendid).

Due to that last dimension, The cabin is much larger than usual for this category. This is very noticeable in the second row of seats., where it is practically a leading car for both legroom and shoulder room (only one Hyundai IONIQ 5 is better in these terms). The interior height is not bad, but it is not remarkable either, especially if the panoramic glass roof, which subtracts a few inches that taller people will appreciate.

In return, the trunk, with a minimum capacity of 452 liters (including the false bottom), is at an intermediate point compared to its rivals for size, but it is practical. The backrests of the rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 ratio, so that it is possible to expand this volume if you need to transport larger objects, such as a bicycle (without having to remove the front wheel). The loading mouth is wide and is at an acceptable height considering that it is a tall car. The gate is electric and has an automatic drive.

Solterra materials are warm, pleasant to the touch and have a good perceived quality, although the real one (looking closely) is standard. We are not convinced by the textile covering on the dashboard or the abuse that has been made of the shiny plastic surfaces on the center console, since the former tends to collect a lot of dust and the latter, in addition to being delicate (susceptible to being damaged by light scratches), is too exposed to fingerprints (they are easily marked).

Still, the adjustments between pieces are correct and generate a sensation of solidity and hermeticity. This perception is rounded off by a good job on sound insulation and aerodynamics.. It is a very bright cabin and, although it has several spaces to store belongings, does not have a glove box (something strange). It does have, in return, ventilation outlets for the second row of seats, with doors that allow wide access and a very flat floor that simplifies life on board. It should be said that the gear selector is a strange control that requires adaptation.

With regards to provision of equipment, in the Solterra is practically the same as in the bZ4X, especially in technological terms. exist two finishes: the basic one, called Trek, and the advanced one, called Touring. As standard, this Subaru already has full LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, fabric upholstery, electric driver's seat and the two heated front seats, roof rack pre-installation, keyless entry and start, dual-zone air conditioning, two multimedia screens (the central touch screen with 12,3" and the digital instrumentation with 7") with wireless mobile compatibility, three driving modes for road (Eco, Normal and Power) and two for "off road" (X-Mode), and all possible driving assistants (EyeSight).

The top of the range adds on the access: 20-inch wheels, panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, faux leather upholstery, passenger seat with electrical adjustments and heating in the rear side seats, virtual interior mirror with camera, improved sound system and wireless charging for phones. Fortunately or unfortunately (there will be those who prefer it that way), customization options are meager. You can only choose between six colors: white, grey, black, light blue, dark blue and red.

Outstanding performance and autonomy to travel, somewhat above average

El propulsion system of the Subaru Solterra 2023 is made up of two electric motors (one on each axle, so there is traction on both) and a battery that feeds them Each of the drives develops up to 109 hp and can deliver their peak performance at the same time, so the combined power is 218 hp. This allows, although this SUV weighs just over 2 tons empty, to accelerate from 0 to 100 km / h in 6,9 seconds, which is very good. Top speed is limited to 160 km/h in favor of saving energy and guaranteeing a minimum of autonomy.

The Solterra has installed a battery with 71,4 kWh of gross capacity (we do not know the useful or net) with which you can travel, according to the WLTP approval procedure, an average of 465 km. is a number superior to that presented by most of its competitors with energy accumulators of similar characteristics. A Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV 80 X, with 265 CV and all-wheel drive, has a superior one (520 km), although it is a slightly more expensive car.

The brand ensures that The official consumption of the Solterra is 16 kWh/100 km, but during our test it has been impossible for us to lower it to 19 kWh/100 km conducting driving at different rates and on different routes, in such a way that we believe unlikely to exceed 400 km in real conditions. Still, it's a distance more than acceptable to be able to make long journeys comfortably and with few stops (less worries, therefore).

when needed recharge the battery, this operation can be done to a maximum of 150 kW in direct current or 7,4 kW in alternating. This translates into going from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes (theoretical) with the right charger. are also data in the average of this segment, but there are electric cars like the aforementioned Hyundai IONIQ 5 that admit battery input powers of up to 350 kW thanks to a nominal voltage of 800 V (more than double that of the Solterra). Subaru ensures less than 10% degradation during the first 10 years of life.

Driving impressions: great dynamism on the road with concessions "off road"

Despite having a robust design and good off-road dimensions (more ground clearance and better approach, exit and breakover angles than its direct alternatives), the Subaru Solterra It is a fairly agile car with very good behavior on the road, which is surprising knowing its weight. It is not a sports car, far from it. Not a particularly capable SUV off-road, either: it has an excellent full-time AWD system, but the inherent qualities of its concept vehicle limit it too much. It is simply a car that He defends himself remarkably in any situation. Also in the city, since, despite its size, it has good maneuverability and visibility.

The chassis set-up is, in our opinion, perfect for an SUV and for the desired effect: stability and comfort in any use and for any driving style. The suspension does not have any special architecture, but its fit is balanced and its quality is superb. The springs support the bodywork in an outstanding way, which hardly suffers swaying (common in cars like this one), while the shock absorbers work well regardless of the frequency of road irregularities: low, medium or high, it doesn't matter. They filter great. This leads to a high comfort level.

The address is not so noteworthy, as it seems artificial and not very communicative (no less than normal for an electric SUV). In addition, the digital instrument panel, being above and far from the steering wheel, forces to keep this element in an excessively low position that can take up significant legroom for taller people. Brands like Peugeot solve it with a smaller ring. In return, the Solterra's center of gravity and weight distribution contribute greatly to a sense of control, of firmness and understanding of the car's reactions, clearly predictable, noble and safe.

When faced with driving on rough surfaces or with little grip, this Subaru works great even with summer tires. It has particularly attracted our attention how well it pulls with the second type of operation X-Mode, capable of moving on dense mud or thick snow. The space between the body and the ground is 21 cm, enough to avoid most obstacles, but it is still a short distance to practice moderately intensive driving in this kind of environment.So you have to be careful.

Subaru Solterra 2023 prices: its numerous virtues justify the money it is worth

The Subaru Solterra is available from 58.750 euros in its access version and from 62.900 in the most complete (paying in cash). With commercial campaigns, financing and aid from the MOVES III Plan, the cheapest configuration can be obtained for 46.750 euros. While If you opt for a 36-month “multi-option” contract with 10.000 kilometers per year and an entry fee of 15.000 euros, you will have to pay 527 euros every 30 days (It is only an example that the brand gave us during the presentation of the product, but there are more options). In any case, The warranty is 5 years or 100.000 km for the car and 8 years or 160.000 for the battery.

Despite the fact that it is a car with a lot of equipment, a good construction quality and an optimally executed set-up, its power and autonomy (which are the main sales arguments in an electric vehicle today), They are normal and this makes it difficult to justify their acquisition cost. However, as the market stands today, it is a competitively priced SUV. (we are also surprised by this). It has only two rivals that offer similar range per charge and technological endowment for less money, but more power. We talk about MG Marvel R AWD Performance (288 CV) and the Tesla Model Y AWD Great Autonomy (367 CV).

Conclusion: versatile, safe, original... you decide if it is worth buying it

not a cheap car, but neither is the vast majority of cars with which it is measured. Despite this, it seems that it offers something differential: a lot of space in relation to its external dimensions, active and passive safety at the highest level (5 Euro NCAP stars), a very reliable battery and, in our opinion, the best permanent all-wheel drive system that exists for electric cars. Drawbacks? It has them, but they are infinitely less than its advantages, so it's up to you. The first deliveries will be in May 2023.