Tag Archives: cars

electric, Motoring, Subaru, SUV/4X4

A capable and stylish 4×4 electric SUV

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Subaru Solterra

By Bill McCarthy

The name Solterra is derived from the Latin words for “Sun” and “Earth,” symbolising, says Subaru, its dedication to providing traditional SUV capabilities within an environmentally friendly framework.

As a result of this, the Solterra, in collaboration with Toyota, has become the brand’s first EV

This partnership combines Subaru’s legendary AWD expertise with Toyota’s proven EV technology, resulting in a capable, tech-packed electric SUV.

Design and practicality

It has an eye catching presence with its high ground clearance (210mm), muscular wheel arches, and a rugged profile that hints at its off-road potential. Aerodynamic touches, such as the twin ducktail spoilers, help balance practicality  with style. 

There are two specifications, Limited and the Touring model driven here.

Both offer a premium feel and are packed with a raft of tech and goodies, with this model adding 20-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and leather upholstery, while both trims come well-equipped with heated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a 360-degree parking camera for ease of manoeuvring in what is a big motor.

Inside, the SUV offers a spacious, well-appointed cabin, a five-seater with generous legroom and a nearly flat floor, creating an airy and spacious feel.

It is a big vehicle and offers decent stowage and luggage. Space, with 452 litres of luggage space in the boot area and includes a 60/40 folding seatback and a two-position load floor, enhancing both luggage and passenger flexibility. 

The wide tailgate opening, coupled with a low lift-over height, makes loading and unloading easy. Additionally, standard fixed cross-bar mounting points offer more cargo-carrying options for adventurous owners.

Performance

Powered by dual 60kW motors and a 71.4kWh battery, the Solterra delivers a claimed 289 miles of range (WLTP)—enough for decent getaways, but in the real world I struggled to get near that figure, in admittedly unscientific conditions, with wind and rain and higher speed motorway driving helping to eat up the power.

 However, rapid charging is a highlight, with 10-80 per cent charge in under 35 minutes at 150 kW. A preconditioning system optimises battery temperature for faster charging, even in cold weather.

On the road, acceleration is rapid in EV style, hitting 0–60mph in around seven seconds. Handling is decent enough

But this is a seriously capable four-wheel drive vehicle, still something of a rarity with EVs. Its off-road capability is delivered via Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD system, combined with its X-MODE, which enhances traction in challenging conditions.

Setting are available for Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud –  allowing it to tackle tricky conditions pretty comfortably.

Technology and safety

The inside is dominated a 12.3-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a seven-inch digital driver’s display with real time info. 

The touchscreen also controls infotainment with the Harmon/Kardon eight-speaker system and navigation.

The hi-tech stuff is mated with more traditional, even old fashioned secondary controls, but these deliver a feeling of robustness in the cabin.

The firm’s EyeSight system enhances safety with functions such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. 

Additional safety technologies, including blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, provide confidence in various driving situations, not to mention a full complement of airbags.

Pricing and updates

Starting at £52,495 for the Limited, it the price puts it among the more expensive options in the electric SUV segment.  Mitigating this is superb Subaru off-road capability alongside premium features. 

For those willing to wait, a refreshed 2026 model is set to arrive in early 2026, promising tweaked styling, faster charging, and an enhanced range of up to 25 per cent.

Verdict

The Solterra is an electric SUV that’s as capable on the rough stuff as main roads. While its price may give some buyers pause, its combination of ruggedness, tech, and practicality makes it a slightly left-field eco-friendly alternative to traditional petrol-powered 4x4s.

Factfile

Subaru Solterra Touring EV

  • Price: £55,495
  • Mechanical: 218PS, 160kW twin-motors, 71.4 kWh battery, driving all wheels via automatic transmission
  • Max Speed: 100mph
  • 0-62mph: 6.9 secs
  • Range: 289 miles
  • Insurance Group: 39
  • C02 emissions: 0
  • Bik rating: 2%
  • Warranty: 3yrs/60,000 miles
Crossover, Mazda, Motoring, SUV

Efficiency Meets Elegance with 2025 Mazda

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Mazda CX-30

By Bill McCarthy

When you have a winner on your hands, change can be a gamble. As the old adage goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” This certainly applies to Mazda’s CX range – a lineup celebrated for striking design and practicality, making these crossover SUVs true head-turners.

.The CX-30 continues to impress as a stylish, fun-to-drive compact SUV that also delivers strong fuel efficiency, and Mazda’s hallmark reliability.

What’s new?

The previous 2.0-litre e-Skyactiv-G (122PS) has been replaced by a 2.5-litre e-Skyactiv-G unit, now producing 140PS and 238Nm of torque – an 18PS and 25Nm increase. 

This new engine benefits from cylinder deactivation and Mazda’s M-Hybrid mild-hybrid system, improving efficiency while, says Mazda, delivering smoother acceleration and reduced vibrations. 

The manufacturer says its “right-sizing” philosophy ensures optimal combustion, balancing performance and emissions. For those seeking even more power, a 186PS Skyactiv-X variant is also available.

While the updated engine is the key feature, the 2025 model retains its sleek Kodo design language, blending, says Mazda,  elegance and sportiness. It does look good, with sharp lines and a sleek, sporty profile.

 Aerodynamic touches, like the tapered rear and integrated spoiler, further enhance efficiency. Inside, the cabin remains largely unchanged, but still offers some premium touches.

Exterior features

A stylish SUV, this  Exclusive-Line trim includes 18-inch silver alloy wheels, a gloss black front grille, and adaptive LED headlights with signature LED daytime running lights.

In addition, there is privacy glass for rear windows, a powered tailgate, and both front/rear parking sensors with a reversing camera

Inside, the cabin is a comfortable place to be with heated front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, Qi wireless charging, and leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift.

Central is a 10.25″ screen which controls infotainment via a premium 12-speaker Bose surround sound system,  Mazda Connect connectivity for smartphone, Amazon Alex integration and a navigation system with seven years of free European map updates. 

Performance:

Acceleration is brisk, if not startling, and hits the  60 mph benchmark in a around 9.5 seconds. An entertaining drive it is, but not at the expense of fuel economy with i-stop idle-stop technology and Mazda’s M Hybrid mild hybrid system delivering improved efficiency and WLTP economy of and impressive 47.1mpg

The CX-30 has always stood out for its engaging drive, and the 2025 model is no exception. The steering remains precise, the chassis well-balanced, and the suspension finely tuned for comfort and agility. It is a fun car to drive, feeling solid and stable on fast corners, but feeling equally at home on the motorway, where decent torque allows for comfortable overtaking.

Space and practicality

This type of vehicle needs to be practical and comfortable and it offers supportive seats with good adjustability and decent head legroom. Boot space is decent, if not class-leading, with 422 litres expanding to a maximum of  1,398 litres with the rear seats folded. In addition, there are bins, cupholders and a deep storage area under the centre console.

Safety 

The vehicle is safe, offering a full complement of airbags and equipped with Mazda Radar Cruise Control, lane-keep assist with departure warning, and blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert. 

Other features include Smart Brake Support (autonomous emergency braking), driver attention alert, and intelligent speed assist.

Factfile

  • Mazda CX-30 140ps Exclusive-Line
  • Price: £29,435
  • Engine: 2488cc, 140 PS 4-cyl mild hybrid petrol engine driving front wheels via six-speed manual gearbox
  • Top speed: 121 mph
  • 0-62 mph: 9.7 sec
  • Economy: 47.1 mpg
  • CO2 emissions: 136g/km
  • Insurance group: 17E
  • Warranty: 3 year/60,000 miles