Lease An Electric Subaru Through a Green Car Scheme
The Subaru Solterra is Subaru's first electric vehicle, marking an exciting debut. Subaru claims it allows drivers to tackle any terrain in any weather. Established in 1945 after World War II, Subaru transitioned from aircraft to cars, starting with the P1 and advancing to models like the Subaru 1500 and Subaru 360. Subaru earned a reputation for safety with early collision tests in the 1960s.
Subaru entered the hybrid market with the Forester e-BOXER and XV e-Boxer. The Solterra is Subaru's only electric car currently available. Much like other manufacturers, Subaru is aiming for 40% of global sales to come from electric or hybrid vehicles by 2030, and they plan to electrify all models by the mid-2030s. This is a big goal, which means current Subaru drivers can make the switch from petrol or diesel to hybrid or electric without having to compromise.
We recently conducted a report that explored the question: can Britain afford sustainability? It is clear that people want to cut their carbon emissions and do their part to help the planet, but the current economic landscape is preventing them from doing so. The Electric Car Scheme aims to increase EV adoption. Companies can offer benefits like EV salary sacrifice which allows for employees to save on their tax contributions, working similarly to the Cycle to Work Scheme. Employees leasing an EV this way save on income tax and national insurance contributions, making the overall lease cost significantly cheaper month-on-month.
If you're thinking about the Subaru Solterra, dive into our comprehensive review covering its driving experience, interior features, and performance expectations.
Performance of the Subaru Solterra
Subaru worked with Toyota to produce the Solterra. Every Solterra is a four by four which suits the brand as it is very popular with rural drivers, but this does mean it comes at a higher price point compared to other EVs. The Solterra comes with a long list of standard equipment, whether you go for the entry-level specification or the more expensive Touring. You can see below that there is little difference between the two in terms of powertrain, battery size and 0-62mph time but the range is better in the Limited trim level compared to the Touring.
| Trim | Powertrain | Battery Size | 0-62mph | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited | 150kW | 71.4kWh | 6.9 seconds | 289 miles |
| Touring | 150kW | 71.4kWh | 6.9 seconds | 257 miles |
What’s included as standard equipment in the Solterra Limited?
18” alloy wheels with Aero Wheel Covers,
Privacy glass,
Root rails,
Leather-wrapped steering wheel,
Heated steering wheel,
Heated front and rear seats,
Electric driver’s seat,
Digital rear view camera,
Reversing camera,
Lumbar support on driver’s seat,
Recline function on rear seats,
Keyless entry and push button to start,
7” digital instrument cluster,
Height and reach adjustable steering wheel,
Subaru infotainment and audio systems: 6 speakers,
12.3” multifunction colour touchscreen display.
What additional features are included in the Touring?
20” alloy wheels,
Fixed panoramic roof with electric sunblind,
Synthetic leather seats,
Electric driver’s seat with memory function,
Electric passenger seat,
Follow me-home lighting,
Wireless phone charging,
Memory function: door mirrors,
Subaru infotainment and Harmon/Kardon audio system: 8 speakers and subwoofer.
What’s the Solterra like to drive?
Subaru no longer focuses on sporting models, so Solterra's performance is not exceptionally sporty. However, it performs adequately in most situations and delivers power smoothly, thanks to the standard permanent all-wheel drive across the range.
The Solterra does not offer a front-wheel drive model. It comes with 215bhp and has a quoted 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds. While this performance is comparable to a petrol-powered hot hatchback, it is average for an electric vehicle.
The Solterra is competitive with models like the Skoda Enyaq 80x and accelerates faster than the Peugeot e-3008, but it does not match the speed of a Tesla Model Y. Despite the specifications, the Solterra accelerates quickly enough for typical driving needs and provides sufficient power for overtaking. Its ability to maintain traction in slippery conditions is also beneficial.
The brake pedal offers a reassuring feel, though it is not always necessary to use it due to the adjustable regenerative braking controlled by paddles on the steering column. The strongest setting for regenerative braking is accessed through an 'S-Pedal' button on the dashboard. This setting almost achieves one-pedal driving but does not bring the vehicle to a complete stop. Additionally, it lacks an adaptive regeneration system found in some competitors.
Subaru has reportedly made some suspension adjustments to the Solterra compared to its Toyota counterpart, although these differences are subtle and likely noticeable only with direct comparison. Both vehicles offer a composed and smooth ride on most surfaces. Even with the larger 20-inch wheels on the Touring models, the ride remains comfortable, and the Limited models with 18-inch wheels should feel even more supple. The suspension effectively handles potholes and speed bumps in urban areas while maintaining stability and control at higher speeds. The Solterra and bZ4X serve as the foundation for the luxury Lexus RZ450e, giving them a budget luxury SUV feel.
While the Solterra's size and weight may limit its agility, it remains easy to drive in most situations. The steering is precise and confidence-inspiring, and although the suspension is soft, there is minimal body lean. The standard all-wheel drive across the range provides significant grip. Additionally, the Solterra features an 'X-mode' terrain response system for snow, mud, and rough surfaces, and it can wade through water up to 50cm deep. While it may not match a Land Rover Defender in off-road capabilities, it can handle challenging conditions like a wet field car park.
Interior space and space inside the Subaru Solterra
The Subaru Solterra offers a lot of storage space, beginning with large door bins, a spacious area under the central armrest, and a lidded compartment in the centre console for storing and charging your phone. However, it lacks a traditional glovebox. Like its Toyota counterpart, the Solterra has got rid of the glovebox, placing the owner's manual in a large, partially hidden area under the centre console. This space is useful, though the rationale for improving passenger legroom by removing the glovebox is questionable, given the already ample legroom.
In the rear, there are also large door bins, pockets on the backs of the front seats, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders and a phone holder - which means there is a lot of space inside the Solterra. The boot has a capacity of 452 litres, which is less than many alternatives offering over 500 litres. Despite this, the load area is square and can accommodate a large pushchair or multiple suitcases and there is a minimal load lip for easier access. However, models like the Skoda Enyaq or Tesla Model Y offer more practicality.
The Subaru Solterra provides substantial rear legroom, comparable to that of the Skoda Enyaq and Hyundai IONIQ 5. Even those over six feet tall have plenty of space to stretch out. Although headroom can be a bit limited for taller individuals, the standard reclining rear seats help alleviate this issue.
A more significant concern is the rear floor, which is higher than expected due to the batteries mounted underneath. This design results in raised legs and less contact between the thighs and the seat base, which can be uncomfortable for taller adults. Despite this, the flat floor benefits middle-seat passengers by providing ample space.
The interior of the Subaru Solterra is almost identical to that of the Toyota bZ4X, with the main difference being the badge on the steering wheel. This similarity brings both the advantages and disadvantages observed in Toyota. The cabin is primarily functional and durable rather than overly stylish. Despite some appealing elements like the fabric dash trim, it predominantly features dark plastics. Certain components, such as the interior door handles, feel somewhat cheap and flimsy, but overall, the interior appears robust enough to handle everyday family use.
The dashboard layout is user-friendly, though the driving position may be divisive. The Solterra and bZ4X adopt a design similar to Peugeot, with a smaller, lower-mounted steering wheel intended to provide a clear view of the dial display over the wheel rather than through it. This design aims to enhance the car's agile feel, but some drivers might find that the steering wheel obscures the dials in their preferred position. It is advisable to test this setup to ensure it suits your preferences before making a purchase or lease decision.
Salary sacrifice the Subaru Solterra from The Electric Car Scheme
Switching to an electric car is one of the most significant ways to make a positive change to net zero. Our mission, at The Electric Car Scheme, is to make it cheaper and easier than any other option through salary sacrifice. We have now also launched our used car salary sacrifice offering, which makes electric cars cheaper than ever before. This allows employees to save 30-60% on any used electric car by reducing their salary. We are extremely excited by this launch and believe you should be too!
Below, you can see how much a new Subaru Solterra would cost to salary sacrifice monthly! You can use our quote tool to see how much you could personally save by inputting your salary and desired lease terms.
Through salary sacrifice, you could get the Solteraa for £671 per month. You save £423 on income tax and £21 on national insurance, taking the total lease cost down from £1,057.
Each person wants to make choices to achieve a net zero future. People are limited by information, access, price and complexity - this is slowing down progress globally. The pace of achieving net zero is a huge problem because each tonne of carbon emissions contributes to climate change for centuries.
Every company in the UK can help their employees on their journey to net zero by offering The Electric Car Scheme as an employee benefit. For every business to offer electric car salary sacrifice, it has to be a 'no-brainer'. That’s why The Electric Car Scheme is at no cost to the employer to set up and run. As an employer, you are protected if the car needs to be returned early. And importantly, you run the scheme with no hassle, simple set-up, straightforward reporting, and 5* customer service.
Last updated: 31/07/2024
