Finding it harder to give a shit about Subaru
In March, Toyota revealed a new version of the small C-HR that introduced unique styling and an all-electric system, setting it well apart from the regular model.
Except in name, that is.
Despite all its differences, the new EV is known as the C-HR+, which – apart from reading like the instructions for popping a couple of AAs into the kids' latest gadget – sounds more like it's a plug-in hybrid rather than a full and reasonably well specced EV. But, there it is.
☝️ And now here's this: the Subaru Uncharted. Which, by comparison, is a much cooler name.
It just... looks a bit weird. To be fair, that's almost always been Subaru's jam, but still. It's plainly the new C-HR+ in almost every way, but Subaru has given the Uncharted a new face panel that... well, for all the shit we've given brands for trying to make their grill designs work on EVs, Subaru hasn't bothered with one at all.
Even that is nothing new, with so many new EV brands appearing without any legacy grille designs they feel forced to squeeze onto a car that doesn't need it, but they at least do it with some style.
The Uncharted's nose looks like it's had a big flabby piece of shielding sliced from its underside, grafted to the front and painted to suit.
But, fine. As a few (not many) told me on Threads, it ain't that bad, and it is mostly the C-HR+ through the body and at the rear. And inside.
My final complaint, of course, is that it's another bloody jacked-up sedan. Look how cool it could look! 👇
It'll sell fine in its regular jacked-up form, of course.
Like a lot of brands, Subaru has a rusted-on loyal base that prioritises familiarity and history over anything vaguely attractive.
I'm being a little unfair, of course – Subaru has managed some good lookers over the years, including my old fourth-gen Liberty wagon – but conventional beauty, or even 'quirky beauty', isn't exactly a concept they seem able to perceive.
The specs read just right for a Suby driver, too.
The 252kW all-wheel drive version’s sub-5 0-100km/h time is properly quick and will feel potent on the road.
Mind you, a dual-motor Volvo EX30 delivers a mean 315kW and a 3.6-second sprint for what will likely be similar money.
The key technical details are otherwise what you’d expect from the shared platform.
- Battery: 74.7kWh lithium-ion
- FWD (Premium): 165kW, around 482km range
- AWD (Sport/GT): 252kW, under 5.0s 0-96km/h, 466km range
- Charging: 150kW DC fast-charging (10-80% in ~30 mins)
Ultimately, the Uncharted isn’t here to be a spec-sheet champ.
It’s a plausible upgrade for the Subaru faithful, offering a familiar badge on a capable, if unremarkable, electric platform.
Its success won’t hinge on being the fastest or longest-range option, but on whether the combination of Subaru branding and Toyota reliability (in theory) is enough to win over buyers who aren’t chasing headline numbers. And that's most buyers, right?
Read more about its specs, and how it compares to key rivals in Australia, with Jordan Hickey's story at Drive.
Will it come to Australia?
Unknown. The C-HR+ isn't confirmed for Oz yet, and neither is this.
It'll launch in the US soon, and the local arm hasn't bothered to comment yet on its Australian potential.
Mike Stevens
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