MANY may think Subaru still only offer models with horizontally-opposed ‘boxer’ petrol engines.

Not so. The company’s first all-electric model, the Solterra, has been on sale since 2022.

It was developed in collaboration with fellow Japanese manufacturer Toyota.

Subaru have stuck with all-wheel drive while Toyota’s version, the bZ4X, can also be had with drive to the front wheels.

The Solterra comes in Limited guise costing £52,495 while the Touring version, which I tried out, is £55,495.

It is enjoyable to drive and quick off the mark. Subaru claim 0-62mph in 6.9 seconds.

The all-electric Solterra will go places that would defeat conventional cars. In addition to a higher ground clearance, its off-road aids include hill descent control and snow, dirt and deep snow, and mud modes.

There is a decent amount of room for the driver and passengers. Boot capacity is 452 litres.

My choice of Solterra would be the Limited. Its name does not reflect the generous specification which includes navigation, heated front and rear seats, and a powered tailgate.

It has a range rating of up to 289 miles while that of the Touring is up to 257 miles.

I drove the Solterra Touring when the temperature was rarely above zero. It had a noticeable impact on the Touring’s range but the Limited would have gone on longer before needing to be charged again.