After a
three-year hiatus, the Singapore Motor Show is back and brands like Subaru are putting their best foot forward.
Given that Singapore is the homebase of Subaru’s regional distributor, Motor Image, they’re using the annual show to fortify their electrification plans with the ASEAN debut of the Solterra—the Japanese brand’s first-ever dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) model.
With a name that combines the Latin word for “Sun” (Sol) and “Earth” (Terra), it is proof of Subaru’s commitment to deliver traditional SUV capabilities in an environmentally responsible package.
Co-developed from the ground up with shareholder Toyota, the Solterra differs from its Toyota twin, the bZ4X, thanks to its hexagonal grille and unique head- and taillight treatments.
Underneath though, it’s pretty much the bZ4X down to the use of the e-Subaru Global Platform (Toyota calls it e-Toyota New Global Architecture). Motor Image is expected to reveal more details about the regional specs of the Solterra at the show, but globally, it’s offered in both front- and all-wheel drive versions.
The front-wheel drive version has 204 horsepower (150 kW), while the all-wheel drive version has 217 horsepower (160 kW) with 108 horsepower (80 kw) going to each axle. Connected to a 71.4-kWh lithium-ion battery, it has a maximum cruising range of up to 530 kilometers based on WLTC standard.
In addition, the Forester-sized EV brings Subaru’s famed all-wheel drive system to the electric age further optimizing the grip to all four wheels. The advancement here is down to the electric motors being able to precisely distribute torque between the front and rear wheels. Moreover, the X-Mode AWD is upgraded with a new Grip Control function that further enhances both on- and off-road stability.
Aside from the Solterra, Motor Image will also be holding the regional debut of the 2023 Forester GT Edition (Forester Hybrid GT Edition for the Singaporean market). They will also have a cutaway display of the Forester Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) at the show.
The Singapore Motor Show opens to the public from January 12 to 15, 2023 at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition.
