2022 Subaru Solterra electric SUV revealed, not for Australia

Subaru has revealed its first dedicated electric car in Japan, the new 2022 Subaru Solterra – but it's not bound for Australian showrooms.

If the Solterra looks familiar, that's because we've already seen it with Toyota badging, in the form of its twin, the new Toyota BZ4X. The two vehicles are a result of a joint venture between the car makers, spawning not only the Solterra and BZ4X, but the dedicated e-TNGA (or e-SGP, in Subaru speak) underpinning them.

But whereas the Toyota BZ4X is due in Australian showrooms in approximately 12 months' time, there are no plans to bring the Solterra EV to Australia – at least for the time being.

"Whilst Subaru Corporation are yet to confirm a timeline for the Solterra in Australia, we are working very closely and future electric projects form part of ongoing dialogue between Subaru Australia and the factory," said Blair Read, General Manager of Subaru Australia.

Much like the Toyota GR 86 and Subaru BRZ sports car twins, differences between the BZ4X and Solterra are only skin deep, with the Subaru's styling differing through a unique front end with a closed-off hexagonal 'grille' and unique LED headlight signatures.

The LED tail-lights now carry Subaru's signature 'C' shape, while other revisions include unique 18-inch and 20-inch alloy wheel designs, and 'SOLTERRA EV' badging.

Inside, changes between the Subaru and Toyota are few and far between, with the Solterra sharing the BZ4X's floating 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), high-mounted 7.0-inch instrument cluster display and wireless smartphone charger.

Interestingly, there's no mention of the Toyota's optional steering 'yoke', suggesting a circular wheel is the only control method on offer.

Under the skin, the Solterra rides on Toyota and Subaru's new architecture dedicated to battery-electric vehicles, badged by the latter brand as the e-Subaru Global Platform (or e-TNGA, in Toyota speak), with batteries integrated into a structure in the floor for a low centre of gravity and improved crash performance.

The Solterra is available with the same choice of powertrains as its Toyota twin – both fitted with 71.4kWh lithium-ion battery packs – led by a front-wheel-drive model powered by a 150kW electric motor, and capable of covering 530km on a single charge (according to lenient Japanese WLTC measurements).

The all-wheel-drive model – which integrates Subaru's X-Mode drive mode system and a new 'Grip Control' function – pairs two 80kW electric motors to develop 160kW combined, and cover 460km on a charge according to WLTC testing.

DC fast charging is on offer at up to 150kW – allowing for an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes for its Toyota twin – along with 6.6kW AC home charging as standard.

Vehicle weights range from 1930kg to 2020kg depending on the motor count. Front-drive models are available solely with 18-inch wheels, while 20-inch units are optional with all-wheel drive.

The Solterra's dimensions are identical to the Toyota, measuring in at 4690mm long, 1860mm wide and 1650mm high, riding on a 2850mm wheelbase – making it 90mm longer overall, 5mm wider and 35mm lower than a Toyota RAV4.

A figure for boot space isn't given, though the BZ4X claims 452 litres – and Subaru says the Solterra's boot can house four golf bags or three suitcases with the rear seats up, with enough space for a mountain bike with the bench folded.

Buyers have a choice between fixed, panoramic glass and solar roof designs, the lattermost which, in the Toyota, is estimated to be capable of contributing 1800km worth of range each year.

Details of safety systems are thin on the ground, though Subaru's launch video discusses the brand's first fully-automatic parking system, allowing the car to be driven into parking spaces without driver input.

The 2022 Subaru Solterra electric SUV will launch in Japan, the US, Canada, Europe, China and other global markets from mid-2022.

There are no current plans to bring the vehicle to Australia – though a local launch hasn't been explicitly ruled out.