With roof spoilers
The Subaru Solterra is essentially the same as the Toyota bZ4X, which previously starred in this category. However, there are major differences when it comes to equipment, powertrain and basic price, so the Solterra also deserves a podium here.
Subaru Solterra – €56,395
The most striking feature of the base version of the electric Toyota bZ4X is without a doubt the lack of the stubborn, characteristic roof spoilers above the rear window. To get rid of the most pressing question right away: with the Subaru Solterra, those spoilers are standard on every version. The price list of the Solterra is also a lot shorter than that of the Toyota. Where that brand offers four clearly different versions and two powertrains, Subaru sticks to one version and two option packages. The basic version is simply called ‘Solterra’ and, at €56,395, is almost 8,000 euros more expensive than the basic version of the bZ4X. A foregone conclusion, then? No, because the Subaru has a second electric motor, four-wheel drive and more power, namely 218 hp, as standard. Anyone who wants that at Toyota is stuck with the top version and pays €59,495. Thick audio, the seat ventilation that is not even available on the Subaru and 20-inch wheels are standard, but the Subaru does not have that. Important equipment differences, which can make one or the other car more attractive, depending on your wish list.
Headlight washers
Back to the nameless base Solterra. Due to its relatively modest 18-inch wheels, this is immediately the version that gets the furthest on a battery charge, namely 466 instead of 416 kilometers. Subaru only paints the car black at no extra cost, all other colors cost extra. LED lighting all around is standard, the more expensive adaptive variant is not. Striking: the Solterra has standard headlight washers. Roof rails are always mounted on the roof.
Nice and complete
You can get in without taking the key out of your pocket, because ‘keyless access’ is standard. In the interior we find the large, 12.3-inch touchscreen as standard. It is equipped with navigation, Android Auto and Apple Carplay and linked to an audio system with six speakers. The driver is spoiled with an electrically adjustable and also heated seat, albeit with fabric upholstery. There’s dual-zone climate control, paddle shifters to control regeneration and a comprehensive suite of driver aids, including adaptive cruise control, active lane-keeping assist and a blind spot monitor. In short, there is very little reason to complain on board the simplest Solterra. We don’t miss anything of the things that are really important, only the real treats are an option. Think of a memory position for the driver’s seat, Harman Kardon audio, 20-inch wheels, a higher-quality interior, a panoramic roof and steering wheel heating. For that stuff you have to switch to the Solterra with Sky Package, which costs €60,895.
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– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl