Driving report Subaru Uncharted: Off into unexplored terrain

Electromobility is also picking up speed at Subaru. To this end, the Japanese all-wheel drive specialist once again enlisted the help of shareholder Toyota. However, while their electric SUVs were relabeled as Subarus in classic badge engineering style with a few external touch-ups, they also thankfully swapped their technical names. The bZ4X became the Solterra and the C-HR+ is now the Uncharted. The compact electric SUV with the coupé-like silhouette rolls into German dealerships on June 13. And the name will make all gamers sit up and take notice.

Because "Uncharted" is also the name of one of the world's most popular action-adventure video game series of recent years, in which archaeological mysteries are uncovered in photorealistic animation, and will even be filmed in 2022 with "Spiderman" Tom Holland and Mark Wahlberg in the leading roles. Subaru has no official knowledge of this. The name is purely coincidental and is intended solely to symbolize the spirit of adventure and unexplored roads.

But whether by chance or not, the name is fitting in two respects, as the compact electric SUV is also a departure into uncharted territory for Subaru. On the one hand, because it is also offered with front-wheel drive, completely contrary to the brand tradition of the Japanese all-wheel drive specialist, and on the other hand, it is intended to attract customers who might never have bought a Forester or Outback, but could warm to a compact, robust-looking electric vehicle.

The Uncharted measures 4.54 meters in length and is therefore exactly in the area that is currently in high demand in the compact SUV segment. It is compact enough for everyday use, but large enough not to appear small. Although the Toyota C-HR+'s technical twin is omnipresent, Subaru is making a visible effort to differentiate itself. For example, at the front with the six-piece headlights and a kind of implied grille with logo. At the rear, the six-part styling element is repeated in the rear lights. Subaru has also dispensed with a continuous light strip.

The difference to the Japanese model counterpart is also immediately apparent in the cockpit, in the form of a steering wheel that is flattened at the top and bottom. It allows an unobstructed view of the digital instrument cluster, which is positioned high up. However, the visual highlight is the 14-inch touchscreen, which serves as the control center for navigation and multimedia. Its display is clear and uncluttered. There is also a series of classic buttons and rotary controls. This makes operation simple and intuitive. Otherwise, the interior is solidly finished and of a sufficiently high quality. The front seat is relaxed, the rear is a little cramped due to the rather low bench seat, but remains suitable for everyday use. The trunk has a capacity of 403 liters and can be extended to 1323 liters with the rear seat backs folded down. There is no frunk, but there are practical storage compartments and useful details such as the inductive charging surfaces for smartphones.

Subaru offers the Uncharted with front-wheel drive and two power levels as well as an all-wheel drive version, whereby even the base model with 123 kW (167 PS) and a 57.7 kWh battery is a solid performer. Ideally, the SUV should be able to travel up to 450 kilometers. However, a second look at the data sheet raises eyebrows. While the Stromer can still keep up quite well in German traffic with its 8.4 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h, its limited top speed of 140 km/h is likely to turn it into a rolling obstacle on the highway.

The more powerful front-wheel drive variant with 165 kW or 224 hp and a larger 77 kWh battery, which promises a WLTP range of up to 592 kilometers, ranks above this. Although it reaches the 100 km/h mark around one second faster, it is also electronically braked at 160 km/h. And the top model with all-wheel drive is no different, as the second electric motor with 88 kW (120 hp) on the rear axle, which boosts the system output to 252 kW (343 hp), is of no use. At least it manages the standard sprint from a standstill to country road speed faster than Subaru's cult WRX STI with combustion engine: 5.0 seconds are now on the data sheet. The standard range of the all-wheel drive model is 495 kilometers.

On the road, the Uncharted demonstrates cultivated handling that is predictable and composed at all times. The car rolls smoothly and the damping smooths out even poor roads with ease. Cross joints and asphalt edges are registered rather than really felt. This creates a pleasantly relaxed driving experience, especially on longer journeys. The steering fits well into the overall picture. Smooth at low speeds and noticeably firmer and more direct at higher speeds, it provides a solid level of feedback.

Of course, the Uncharted cannot completely conceal its weight. A good two tons are noticeable when cornering ambitiously. The vehicle then pushes slightly over the front wheels, but remains controllable and predictable at all times. It never gets critical - but neither does it get really emotional. If you are looking for that extra dose of agility, you are more likely to find it in the all-wheel drive model, which is more neutral thanks to active power distribution. The noise comfort is also a real highlight. Wind and rolling noise are excellently insulated, and the interior remains pleasantly quiet even at highway speeds, underlining the relaxed character of the vehicle.

Recuperation can be adjusted in four stages via paddles on the steering wheel. The set-up is deliberately kept moderate. This nevertheless works efficiently in city traffic, especially as the energy recuperation works constantly in the background, which is clearly reflected in the low fuel consumption. According to the WLTP standard and depending on the drive system, this should be between 13.7 kWh (front-wheel drive) and 15.7 kWh (all-wheel drive) per 100 kilometers, although we were unable to confirm this on our first trips. The on-board computer in our test car with front-wheel drive and large battery showed 16.2 kWh after around 100 kilometers - still a respectable figure for a vehicle of this size and performance.

When it comes to charging, Subaru deliberately stays at the 400-volt level, but at least offers 22 kW as standard for AC charging points, a clear advantage over many of its competitors, which are still sucking on 11 kW. Even the Toyota technology twin C-HR+ only offers this for an extra charge. Up to 150 kW is possible at the DC fast charger, and thanks to preconditioning, the jump from 10 to 80 percent should be possible in just under 30 minutes. This is not top class, but it is certainly suitable for everyday use. The combination of usable range, decent charging power and high AC speed makes the Uncharted a car that is easy on the nerves in everyday mobile life.

However, the all-wheel drive version of the Uncharted shows that Subaru continues to attach importance to off-road expertise. With dual X-Mode, Grip Control and Hill Descent Control, it offers capabilities that are otherwise rarely found in this class. In addition, there is 21 centimetres of ground clearance and a decent slope angle, so that the compact does not immediately capitulate even off the tarmac. On loose surfaces, in mud or on snow-covered roads, it remains controllable and surprisingly confident. The systems intervene unobtrusively but effectively, making off-road a credible additional qualification.

In terms of price, the Uncharted with front-wheel drive and small battery starts from 36,990 euros in the basic Trend version, which is 2000 euros cheaper than the Toyota twin with comparable equipment. For the medium version with a large 77 kW/h battery, however, the price jumps to 43,490 euros. At least it comes with goodies such as an electric tailgate, heated steering wheel and seats front and rear, Harman Kardon audio system, wireless smartphone integration, 360-degree panoramic camera, a 220-volt socket with 1500 watts and black roof rails with roof rack mounting points. The top-of-the-range all-wheel drive version with an identical battery and 252 kW (343 hp) of power, equipped with the X-Mode all-wheel drive assistance system as well as other features such as hill descent assistance, an off-road camera with "see-through" view of the ground and 20-inch alloy wheels, costs at least 47,990 euros, but is still significantly cheaper than the top-of-the-range C-HR+ version.

All in all, despite the technical similarity to its Toyota counterpart, Subaru has succeeded in creating an independent vehicle with the Uncharted, which scores points with its good price-performance ratio, urban everyday practicality and brand-defining off-road capability. Whether it succeeds in penetrating new market segments will depend not least on how quickly the compact SUV makes a name for itself there. A little tip: The sequel to the "Uncharted" movie is currently in the works. In the first part, Hyundai provided the movie car with the Tucson. (aum)


Data Subaru Uncharted FWD Active

Length x width x height (m): 4.54 x 1.87 x 1.63
Wheelbase (m): 2.75
Drive: E-motor, FWD, 1-speed gearbox
Power: 165 kW / 224 hp
Max. Torque: 268 Nm
Top speed: 160 km/h
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 7.3 sec.
WLTP average consumption: 13.8 kWh
Battery capacity: 77 kWh
WLTP range: 592 km
Charging power: AC 22 kW/ DC 150 kW
Unladen weight / payload: min. 2012 kg / max. 508 kg
Trunk volume: 403- 1323 liters
Max. Towing capacity: 1500 kg
Price: from 43,490 euros
Test car price: 44,379 euros