Subaru’s electric Solterra begins stripping
After the Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ, it is in the electric sector that the two manufacturers are embarking on the Toyota bZ4X and utility vehicles. Subaru Solterra. The latter is revealed a little more.
Like Toyota, Subaru lags behind in electrification. The two manufacturers have decided, once again, to enter into a partnership to absorb the development costs. This is not the first time that these two Japanese manufacturers have joined forces; just think of the Toyota GR 86 and the Subaru BRZ. The approach with these first electric subcompact SUVs will be the same.
Contents
A design
As was the case with the GR 86 and BRZ, the aesthetic distinctions between the two models will be rather limited. With the images we discover of Solterra of Subaru, we immediately recognize the Toyota bZ4X concept unveiled a few months ago. There is clearly only one team of stylists on this product, even though it is found in two different brands.
Same, not the same
When we look at all the photographs unveiled by Subaru, we can get a very good idea of the general appearance of the Solterra. The front headlights are integrated into an imposing black plastic applique which also supports the grille and the fenders; as for the lighting, it will be entirely LED. At Toyota, based on the concept images, the grille will be closed.
A little bit of Polestar
In profile, you don’t expect to see big differences between the models other than the rims that will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. One thing is certain, the silhouette is very streamlined. At the rear, once again, when we look at the images of Toyota and Subaru, there will be a distinction in terms of the arrangement of the lights. On that count, we see a bit of Polestar style in the form at Subaru.
High modernity
Not only will the Solterra be entitled to several technological innovations, but the interior presentation is also very modern. We see a steering wheel integrating several controls in front of a fully digital instrumentation placed far at the base of the windshield whose dimensions are more than generous. In the center, we see a large screen at the top of a glossy black wall light which groups together several other controls. Very refined, the dashboard adopts a cylindrical shape covered with what appears to be a fabric.
Who does what ?
On the technical level, we discover a new platform dedicated to the electric called e-Subaru Global Platform. At Toyota, it is called e-TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture). For the cog, Subaru’s expertise could serve well, but considering the fact that constant mesh cog technology is simply being replaced by an electric motor, it’s hard to see another approach. On this count, one can believe that Subaru will follow Toyota’s confirmation that the production bZ4X will have, as standard, all-wheel drive thanks to the contribution of two electric motors. Other questions emerge: what will be the size of the battery and what will be the autonomy.
It’s for when ?
Subaru will unveil the Solterra during the year just as Toyota will eventually present the production version of the bZ4X. Both are scheduled to be marketed in 2022 as a 2023 model. We can therefore believe that they will not be offered until the second half of 2022. For the moment, not a word as to the price.
