Cheaper Trailseeker added as first allocation sells out
Words: Richard Edwards
Subaru’s first allocation of the all-electric Trailseeker has sold out in New Zealand, before local pricing was confirmed.
In response to customer demand, Subaru has also added a second variant to the local line-up. The Trailseeker AWD is priced at $68,990 and sits below the Trailseeker AWD Touring at $72,490. Supply remains limited, and Subaru is asking interested buyers to register with their local dealer.
Both variants use front and rear 167kW motors for a combined 280kW. Subaru quotes 0-100km/h in about 4.5 seconds, which it says makes the Trailseeker the fastest production Subaru sold in New Zealand. The 74.7kWh CATL battery gives a WLTP range of 533km in the AWD and 488km in the Touring. DC charging peaks at 150kW, with 10-80% taking about 30 minutes, and AC charging is rated at up to 22kW.
Ground clearance is 211mm, and X-Mode gains a new Grip Control function that holds a set low speed on slippery or uneven surfaces. Towing capacity is 1,500kg braked and 750kg unbraked.
The AWD comes with 18-inch wheels, synthetic leather trim, heated front and rear outboard seats, a heated steering wheel, a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital rear-view mirror and a hands-free power tailgate. The Touring adds 20-inch wheels, a panoramic glass roof, Advanced Park Assist, a 10-speaker Harman Kardon system, leather-accented seats with front ventilation, driver seat and mirror memory, and a 1,500W vehicle-to-load outlet.
Boot space is 609 litres in the AWD and 595 litres in the Touring with the rear seats up.
Paul Mallard, general manager of distributor Inchcape New Zealand, says the AWD was added because buyers wanted more choice.
“Kiwis asked for more options and we listened, so we are delighted to be bringing in two Trailseeker variants to New Zealand. It is a real coup for us to be receiving the Trailseeker AWD, with up to 533km of WLTP range and a strong price point, especially compared with competitor EVs.”
Speaking at today’s media launch, Mallard says the Trailseeker is the real start of Subaru’s EV business in New Zealand.
“We had a little flirtation with Solterra, but we feel this is really the proper start for the business. I’ve been fortunate enough to drive the car in Australia for a week or so, and I’ve been driving it around here for the last week. It’s a true Subaru, and I say that as someone who at one time ran the WRC rally and drove a lot of Subarus on rally roads. This is the real deal. It’s an extremely capable vehicle with that real Subaru feel about it, and I think it’s a really incredible EV opportunity.”
The Trailseeker carries Subaru’s three-year/100,000km vehicle warranty, a five-year/100,000km EV driveline warranty and an eight-year/160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. Service intervals are 15,000km or 12 months.
A three-year service plan costs $599 including GST and includes roadside assistance and a further three years of warranty, giving buyers who take it six years of cover.
Neither variant comes with a spare wheel as standard. A spare will be offered as an accessory at $1,299, and a towbar at $1,399 including GST plus fitment, with both available from January.
