Electric sports utility already here in left-hook guise for media event, but NZ-compatible evaluation car for public use following soon.

IN reiterating intent to have the breakthrough electric Solterra on sale next year, with April as the target month, Subaru here has also given a taste of what’s the come – shipping in a car for appraisal.

The left-hand-drive example, shown to media today, is a fleeting visitor. Subaru of New Zealand has to send it back to Japan later this year.

However, by then the local arm will have a right-hand-drive evaluation car here that can be driven, including by customers.

Managing director Wallis Dumper (above) has confirming that the local sales effort, meanwhile, will centre on the all-wheel-drive edition with a claimed range of 460 kilometres. Price has yet to be determined.

“Preparation is well under way for Solterra. We will have a right-hand drive evaluation model here later this year, which we will be showcasing to potential customers who wish to explore ‘Subaru Country’ while treading a little lighter.

“We are thrilled to be adding an electric vehicle to our Subaru line up and are happy to be sticking to our core values by delivering an all-wheel-drive EV.

“There is nothing more reassuring than the confidence and safety that AWD provides when driving the last few kilometres to the bach on a gravel road, or simply crossing a slippery, rain-soaked intersection when the traffic lights change.”

Dumper also outlined Subaru Corporation’s future commitments to apply electrification to all Subaru vehicles (EVs and Hybrids) sold worldwide by around 2030.

By 2050 the brand is targeting to reduce average C02 emissions by at least 90 percent, compared to where it stood in 2010.

Dumper says the parent firm’s ambition “is to continually develop and deliver products that meet societal needs and contribute to the environment through advanced technologies, thereby contributing to the protection of the global environment.”

He noted, too, that release of the maker’s annual report in May showed intent to reorganise its production structure to better accommodate market demand for electric/hybrid vehicles. The strategy includes opening new production lines.

“The target date for an in-house mixed production line is 2025 and an EV only in-house production line in a new factory is scheduled for around 2027. This is a first for Subaru and will involve a financial commitment of $250 billion Yen ($NZ3.2 billion) over the next five years.”

Subaru NZ is citing today’s Solterra reveal as “a significant milestone for Subaru’s future journey.”

“Solterra has generated huge interest here and although we can’t confirm pricing at this stage, we are pleased to announce that this SUV EV will have a cruising range per charge of approximately 460km.

“This will enable Kiwi drivers plenty of travel time between charges, as they head away on their all-electric-powered Kiwi adventures.”

Toyota New Zealand has also nominated intent to have its version of the car, the bZ4X, on sale in 2023, but has yet to be specific about when.

Solterra made headlines just a week ago when it became subject to recall in markets where it is sold due to an unusual issue; risk the wheels could come loose due to an issue with the wheels bolts. The recall notice said sharp turns and sudden braking could cause a hub bolt to loosen, raising the risk of a wheel coming off the vehicle. Subaru and Toyota said they are unaware of any accidents caused by the defect.