Subaru’s first battery electric vehicle, the Solterra electric crossover, has formally arrived in Southeast Asia. The automaker held its regional debut at the 2023 Singapore Motor Show.
The Subaru Solterra's launch in Singapore marks its ASEAN debut
Riding on the eTNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform, the Solterra shares its underpinnings with the Toyota bZ4X which has been confirmed for release in the Philippines.
However, Subaru took pains to make the Solterra visually distinct from its twin, with a fascia featuring the hexagonal grille outline flanked by headlamps featuring C-shaped daytime running lights. Round foglamps inhabit the front bumper. The Solterra also has a revised lighting signature at the rear, spanning the width of the vehicle.
Inside, the Solterra uses the same cabin layout as the bZ4X, with a two-tiered dashboard, dual screens for the instrument panel and touchscreen head unit, as well as seating for up to five occupants. Interestingly, while the bZ4X comes with the option of a steering yoke, the Solterra strictly offers a conventional steering wheel.
A left-hand drive unit was reportedly displayed at the exhibition, fueling speculation that a Philippine launch could be in the wings
Two powertrain options are available for the Solterra in overseas markets, with a choice of a single-motor/front-wheel-drive or a dual-motor/all-wheel-drive combo. The Singapore release of the Solterra will be equipped with the latter, known as X-mode AWD, yielding a total output of 214 horsepower and 337 Nm of torque. Subaru claims a maximum cruising range of 530 kilometers on a single charge.
Quite tellingly, the model previewed at the Singapore Motor Show was a left-hand drive version, which is a bit odd considering that Singapore is a right-hand drive country. This has given rise to speculations that the Solterra might eventually make its way here, considering that Toyota Motor Philippines has already committed to selling the bZ4X in our market.
As of this writing, official Subaru distributor Motor Image Pilipinas has not given any hints of the Solterra arriving in the Philippines. It could be that Subaru is just waiting for Toyota’s move before following its lead.
Get wind of more regional automotive releases at Philkotse.com.
Know more about Subaru
Subaru Philippines is offering seven new models in the local market. The Subaru price list ranges from Php 1,908,000 to Php 3,780,000. All seven models are passenger vehicles. Included in the Subaru lineup are Subaru XV, Subaru Evoltis, Subaru Forester, BRZ coupe, WRX wagon, Outback, and WRX sedan.
In addition to the monthly Subaru car price list, Philkotse.com offers the best promotions from all dealers in the Philippines. These include prepaid and paid programs, as well as the lowest monthly contribution that car buyers can benefit from.
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