Subaru's Second Attempt at an Electric Car: The Updated Solterra

The automotive landscape is rapidly shifting towards electrification, and Subaru, a brand long associated with robust, all-wheel-drive vehicles, is making its second attempt to capture the electric market with the updated Solterra. For Swedish consumers, who often value practicality and reliability, Subaru has a strong reputation. However, the initial launch of the Solterra, a joint venture with Toyota, was marred by significant technical issues and performance shortcomings, leading to a necessary recall and a substantial overhaul.

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It has that obvious, finely filtered, unhindered polished quality that is typical of Toyota.

Dagens Nyheter, a leading Swedish newspaper, approaches this second coming of the Solterra with a critical yet hopeful eye. The article details the improvements made, from aesthetic tweaks like a softer front design and the option of body-colored wheel arch cladding, to interior upgrades such as the larger infotainment screen and wireless charging. These changes aim to address some of the initial criticisms and modernize the vehicle's appeal.

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But, of course, this is not a Toyota. Yet in a way, it is.

However, the piece doesn't shy away from the Solterra's shared DNA with the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ, nor does it ignore the lingering questions about its competitiveness in a segment increasingly crowded with compelling electric options. The unique, somewhat "square" steering wheel and the dated-looking buttons are noted as quirky design choices that might not resonate with all drivers. Ultimately, the question remains whether these updates are enough to convince traditional Subaru buyers to make the switch from gasoline to electric, and whether the Solterra can truly carve out its niche against formidable rivals.

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The year was 2022 and the launch of both bZ4X and Solterra completely failed since it turned out that a number of cars lost wheels due to faulty wheel screws, and when it then became clear that the cars had far worse range and charging properties in the cold than expected, it was a dead stop in the launch.