While conducting our first drive (on NZ soil) of the all-new Trailseeker EV, Subaru revealed two evaluation units of their latest EV model, the Uncharted. And the NZ team is wasting no time getting the wheels turning.
Having arrived just a few days ago, these units are currently being put through their paces, with the goal of gauging exactly how this newcomer fits into our unique, and often fiercely competitive, local market.
What is Subaru Uncharted?
For those wondering where this fits in the current Subaru stable, the Uncharted is (hopefully) set to slot in a decent step below the Trailseeker. It’s a strategic move, aiming to capture a segment that demands both value and relevance.
While the name might sound a bit adventurous, it’s the global moniker, and at this point, Subaru is keeping things consistent with global specs, meaning we’re likely looking at two distinct options: a standard model and a two-tone variant.
The Evaluation Phase
Subaru isn’t rushing this. They are taking a measured approach, starting with dealer feedback before opening the floor to the public. From tomorrow, the conversation shifts to potential customers to see what kind of interest and registration numbers they can drum up.
It’s a “wait and see” game for now. The team is keeping a close eye on the broader market, including the potential impact of the upcoming election, and working closely with their counterparts in Japan to ensure the positioning is spot on.
The Bigger Picture – Solterra and the Three-Model Challenge
Of course, the elephant in the room is the Solterra. Subaru sees the Solterra as the third piece of the puzzle, sitting neatly between the Uncharted and the Trailseeker.
However, supporting a three-model lineup in such a competitive landscape is no small feat. Even using Australia as a blueprint, there are multiple technical hurdles to clear, including the likes of NVES vs. CCS. Oh and that small thing called price – they all need to be ironed out with the team in Japan before we (the collective we) get a firm green light.
What’s Next?
For now, no one has really driven it yet (ok we drove it around the car park). The focus is purely on understanding the car and its viability. If the stars align, we could be looking at a launch in the not-too-distant future.
Subaru is playing their cards close to their chest, but they’ve promised to share more news as soon as they have it. We’ll be watching this space closely, because if there’s one thing we know, it’s that a new Subaru is always worth the wait.
