DriveLife went to the launch of the Subaru Solterra back in July 2022, and after a long delay, pricing for has been announced today for the all-electric, All-Wheel Drive SUV, arriving in New Zealand in December.

There will be two Solterra variants available for the New Zealand market:

  • Solterra
  • Solterra Touring

The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Solterra features 18” alloy wheels, along with a 10-way power driver’s seat, front seat heaters and a power rear tailgate – for $79,990* Recommended Retail Price (RRP).

Buyers of the Solterra Touring also get 20” alloy wheels, wireless phone charging, memory driver and passenger seats, leather upholstery, Harman Kardon speakers, plus a heated steering wheel and rear seats – priced at $84,990* RRP. 

For those Solterra Touring drivers wanting to further stand out, there is a two-tone exterior colour option (in either Harbour Mist Grey with a black roof, or Platinum White Pearl with a black roof) for $85,990* RRP.

Powered by two electric motors producing 160kW, the Solterra variant will have a range of 465km, while the Solterra Touring’s range is 414km. Like a petrol car, the exact range depends on a variety of factors. 

Managing Director of Inchcape New Zealand and Subaru of New Zealand, Wallis Dumper says the wait for Solterra has been worth it.

“The best performances are never rushed, and Subaru Corporation has taken the time to develop an electric SUV worthy of wearing the Subaru badge. We are thrilled that the $79,990 Solterra model will be eligible for the Clean Car Discount Rebate. We cannot wait to see the first Solterras heading home with Kiwi owners in December.”

“Our All-Wheel Drive Solterra will allow us to take electric to places it’s never been able to reach before. Like all our Subaru SUV models, both Solterra variants feature the X-Mode AWD control system that enhances the sense of security on rough roads,” Mr. Dumper says.

Solterra also benefits from the new Grip Control function, which enables the vehicle to run at a constant speed while stabilising the SUV.

Mr Dumper says Subaru’s future focus is on durability, better tech and more space.

“Sitting roughly size-wise between a Forester and Outback, Solterra is spacious enough for family adventures, powerful enough to take on the most remotely beautiful corners of Subaru country and has enough range to get to where you’d rather be.”

The Subaru Solterra – named by combining the Latin words for ‘sun’ and ‘earth’- is built on the e-Subaru Global Platform, which is a new All-Wheel Drive, all-electric vehicle architecture. The Solterra EV brings the Subaru brand’s trusted reliability, state-of-the-art safety technology, and legendary All-Wheel Drive engineering to an environmentally responsible all-electric SUV. You can read our launch article on the Solterra here.

Mr Dumper advises: “With Solterra pre-orders already filling up fast, now is the time to make sure you have one secured because initial stock of both variants will be limited.”

Customers can contact their Authorised Subaru Centre to find out more or pre-order their Subaru Solterra now, or visit subaru.co.nz/solterra 

SOLTERRA SPECIFICATION RRP $79,990*

Key features:

  • All-Wheel Drive
  • 18” alloy wheels
  • 10-way power driver’s seat
  • Front seat heaters
  • Power rear tail gate
  • Dual zone A/C
  • 12.3” center display
  • Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto
  • Dual X-MODE
  • S pedal drive
  • Cloth interior
  • Six speakers

SOLTERRA TOURING SPECIFICATION RRP $84,990*

Adds the following features:

  • 20” alloy wheels
  • Wireless phone charging
  • Memory driver seat
  • Leather upholstery
  • Panorama sunroof
  • Harman Kardon speakers
  • Heated steering wheel and rear seats
  • Satellite navigation
  • Intelligent park assist

The Subaru Solterra is available in a range of new colours which include:

  • Harbour Mist Grey
  • Platinum White Pearl
  • Black
  • Precious Metal
  • Emotional Red
  • Dark Blue

For the Solterra Touring only, there are also options of two-tone Harbour Mist Grey (black roof) or two-tone Platinum White Pearl (black roof) for an RRP of $85,990*.

Subaru of New Zealand has partnered with Evnex, which specialises in home charging solutions. The New Zealand company is a great choice of charging partner, especially considering Subaru New Zealand’s purpose is to help Kiwis explore their own backyard.

*NZ new Subaru Solterra Recommended Retail Price (RRP) is $79,990. Solterra Touring RRP is $84,990. Two-tone Harbour Mist Grey (black roof) and two-tone Platinum White Pearl (black roof) options for Solterra Touring model only are RRP $85,990. All RRPs include GST and exclude accessories. RRP for the $79,990 Solterra model includes on road costs and is therefore eligible for the $7,015 Clean Car Discount Rebate. RRP for Solterra Touring model and tow-tone colour options do not include on road costs. Limited stock allocation in New Zealand. Any resale condition of sale set out or indicated are herein a recommended price only. Valid until 31st December 2023. Not all features are available on all specifications. Visit subaru.co.nz/solterra for more details.

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Fred Alvrez
How on earth to start this? I've been car/bike/truck crazy since I was a teen. Like John, I had the obligatory Countach poster on the wall. I guess I'm more officially into classic and muscle cars than anything else - I currently have a '65 Sunbeam Tiger that left the factory the same day as I left the hospital as a newborn with my mother. How could I not buy that car? In 2016 my wife and I drove across the USA in a brand-new Dodge Challenger, and then shipped it home. You can read more on www.usa2nz.co.nz. We did this again in 2019 in a 1990 Chev Corvette - you can read about that trip on DriveLife. I'm a driving instructor and an Observer for the Institute of Advanced Motorists - trying to do my bit to make our roads safer.

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