The all-electric Subaru Solterra (European specification) has achieved the maximum five-star overall rating in the 2022 European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). The Solterra registered scores in all four-assessment areas (Adult Occupant, Child Occupant, Vulnerable Road Users, Safety Assist) that stand above the minimum threshold required.
The all-newc Subaru Solterra attained the highest score ever achieved by a Subaru vehicle in Safety Assist in the Small Off-Road class, according to the latest applicable test. It also registered the highest marks in occupant status monitoring (incl. driver monitoring and seatbelt reminder). In addition, it has also received a very high score for AEB Car-to-Car (pre-collision system), while performing well in Emergency Lane Keep Assist, Lane Keep Assist and Human Machine Interface sections.
Overall, the Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system performed well in compatibility testing. The all-new Solterra is equipped with a seatbelt reminder system, which is fitted as standard to both the front and rear seats, as well as a system to detect driver fatigue (i.e. Driver Monitoring System). The lane support system (i.e. Lane Tracing Assist) gently corrects the vehicle’s path if it is drifting out of lane, and also intervenes in some more critical situations. A speed assistance system detects the local speed limit thanks to the Traffic Sign Reader and the driver can choose to set the limiter (via the Speed Limiter) or let the system do so automatically.
For the Adult Occupant assessment area, the all-new Solterra has attained the maximum score in rescue and extrication. In addition, it did extremely well in lateral impact and rear impact.
The tests showed that while the passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset test, the dummy readings indicated good protection of the knees and femurs of both the driver and passenger. Control of excursion (the extent to which a body is thrown to the other side of the vehicle when it is hit from the far side) was found to be good. The Solterra has a countermeasure to mitigate against occupant-to-occupant injuries in such impacts. The system performed well in Euro NCAP’s test, with good protection of occupants’ heads. Tests on the front seats and head restraints demonstrated good protection against whiplash injuries in the event of a rear-end collision. A geometric analysis of the rear seats also indicated good whiplash protection. An advanced eCall system is fitted which alerts the emergency services in the event of a crash and a system which automatically applies the brakes to prevent secondary collisions.
For the Child Occupant assessment area, the all-new Solterra has attained the maximum score in Crash Test Performance (both frontal and lateral impact) based on 6 and 10 year old children, as well as CRS installation.
Good or adequate protection was provided for all critical body regions during the frontal offset and side barrier tests, and maximum points were scored in this part of the assessment. The front passenger airbag can be disabled to allow a rearward-facing child restraint to be used in that seating position. All of the child restraint types for which the Solterra is designed could be properly installed and accommodated.
For the Vulnerable Road Users assessment area, the all-new Solterra attained a very high score for AEB Cyclist. Protection of the head of the struck pedestrian was predominantly good or adequate, while the bumper offered good protection to the legs of pedestrians thanks to the strategically placed crumble zones. The AEB system showed that it can respond to vulnerable road users as well as to other vehicles. The system performed well in tests of its response to pedestrians and cyclists, with collisions avoided in most test scenarios.
