Subaru New Zealand has just launched its highly anticipated, first-ever, all-electric SUV, the all-new Solterra.

Sitting roughly size-wise between a Forester and Outback, the Solterra comes in two variants.

Subaru of New Zealand’s Managing Director Wallis Dumper says: “This all-electric Subaru has been eagerly awaited in New Zealand. 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.”

“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 adds that we have never seen so much change in the industry than 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. But this has been an exciting new challenge and with the Solterra, we continue that step in the new direction.”

Staying true to Subaru’s DNA, the Solterra has Subaru’s most important feature of all - All-Wheel Drive. All-terrain prowess is further enhanced by dual function X-Mode, an impressive 210mm1 of ground clearance, intelligent safety features, and an innate spirit destined for exploration. 

Coming in two variants – the Solterra $79,990 and Solterra Touring $84,990 – Subaru’s all electric offering includes a 12.3” 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 strategically positioned at the front and rear, alongside a cutting-edge 71.4kW lithium-ion battery, Solterra delivers a maximum power output of 160kW and 337Nm of torque and has a NEDC test range of 485km.  

Charging the Subaru Solterra is simple, with 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 per cent takes approximately seven to eight hours.  

Combining state-of-the-art technology, aerodynamic futuristic design, and Subaru’s renowned reliability and handling dynamics, the Solterra delivers on Subaru’s proud history of engineering vehicles that deliver confidence, safety and peace of mind for their drivers.  

The Solterra SUV not only marks the debut of a Subaru battery electric vehicle (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 in the future.

Dumper concludes: “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."