2023 Subaru Solterra detailed: New Toyota bZ4X twin has Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 in its electric sights - but there's a twist for Australia

Subaru has confirmed its first all-electric model will go on sale by the middle of next year, with the mid-size SUV to be called Solterra.

However, while the Solterra will launch in China, Europe, North America and Japan, Australia is currently not a planned market.

Speaking to CarsGuide, a Subaru Australia spokesperson said: “The Subaru factory in Japan confirms that there is no timeline for the electric Solterra vehicle in Australia.

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“However, future electric vehicle projects form part of ongoing dialogue between Subaru Australia and the factory.”

Needless to say, the Solterra is still a possible starter for Australia in the future, but time will tell if it actually comes here, let alone when.

2023 Subaru Solterra

That said, the Solterra is Subaru’s version of the Toyota bZ4X, which was revealed last month. In fact, the two teaser images seen here suggest the close relationship between the two is similar to that of the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86.

Indeed, the exterior styling is almost identical, although the Solterra does appear to distance itself from the bZ4X with a unique front fascia, including bespoke headlights with C-shaped daytime running lights.

Under the metal, the Solterra and bZ4X share a dedicated platform that Subaru calls e-SGP, while Toyota refers to it as e-TNGA.

Either way, at least one dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive is set to be available, although there’s no official information on range, battery size, charging capability, performance, dimensions and general specification for either model yet.

As reported, the Solterra was widely expected to be named Evoltis following a flurry of trademark applications, but Subaru instead decided to combine the Latin words for ‘sun’ and ‘earth’, ‘sol’ and ‘terra’, for the new Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 rival.