EV like nothing you've ever seen before from Subaru

Putting the record straight on Subaru Solterra

I need to clear up a bit of a misunderstanding in my electric Solterra review, writes Steve Rogers

What I thought was the Limited model was actually the top of the range Touring. Why would that be a problem? Because the range on Touring is 257 miles against the 289 miles for the Limited, so my home charge of 247 miles was only 10 off target, not 42 miles, and would, not doubt, only drop 10 miles on the Limited model.

 Of course top model commands a higher price so £55,495 for Touring. Sorry for taking you down the wrong road.

 

Subaru Solterra drive by Steve Rogers

Meet Solterra, Subaru’s first electric car and unlike anything seen before from the Japanese car builder.

The company’s reputation has been built on its sophisticated all wheel drive system and, of course, the rally winning Imprezza which was also favoured by the cops because no one could outrun it.

Solterra is all wheel drive but is no Imprezza, although Subaru’s expertise in chassis control has turned this family SUV into a more than capable drive.

Before we go any further let’s put the record straight. Solterra is a virtual clone of the Toyota bZ4X. It is a joint project with Subaru chipping in with its all wheel drive and chassis expertise.

There are a few subtle changes around the body but not obvious enough without close scrutiny. That said Solterra is a fine looking car so all credit to the Toyota designers. Everyone has an opinion on style but if there is a better sculptured rear end on an SUV I would like to see it.

Something that will divide opinion is the lack of a rear wiper. The thinking is that water will run off the steeply raked tailgate glass so why spoil the look? Solterra has a rear camera, backed up by a 360 degree view, so the designers reasoning seems sound but time will tell.

Inside is a bit special too, we have Toyota to thank for that as well. The all round quality is excellent with particular praise going to the dashboard which is a mix of textured fabric and soft plastics covering an unusual design which will also split opinion.

The driver’s binnacle sits high, similar to a Peugeot, but works better because the digital speedometer is always in your eyeline once the downsized steering wheel and seat height are sorted.

Solterra is well equipped with most of the little things we like along with a full suite of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, a brilliant aid that brings on emergency braking to avoid a front end shunt. We can thank Toyota for that as well.

At all but 4.7 metres long Solterra is big enough for an adult family of five. Rear legroom is particularly generous and although boot capacity is not class leading is big enough without too much intrusion from the battery pack stored under the floor.

So what is driving this car? Because Solterra is all wheel drive there is an electric motor on each axle powered by a 71.4kWh battery pack. The end result is 215bhp and a sprint to 62mph in 6.9 seconds, not a lot slower than an Imprezza, but nowhere near as swift as some key rivals.

The official range is 289 miles, but I only got 247 on a full charge from my Podpoint home charger, and then lost 12 miles with the heating on so I was down to 235 before leaving my cul-de-sac. That loss is common and a lot higher in some, I recall losing 25 miles with the heat turned on in a Volkswagen ID3.

If you can find a 150kW public charging point you should be able to achieve an 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.

I have been giving Toyota a lot of credit but the plaudits for Solterra’s trouble free handling must go to Subaru. The ride is comfortable and the suspension deals admirably with everything our pot holed roads throw up. And it keeps its composure through tight bends with hardly any body roll. Should the going get a bit slippery then there is plenty of help from Subaru’s highly praised X-Mode which deals with different driving situations whether it be snow, sand or mud.

Apart from a car park full of rivals, the burning question is why choose Solterra over the Toyota? The cheeky answer is who wants a car called bZ4X? In most cases Subaru needs to rely on brand loyalty because Toyota also offers a two wheel drive version for a lot less than the fifty odd thousand Subaru which, of course, has to be all wheel drive.

That said I am going to be generous and put it into my top five.

What the wife says: Solterra is a good looking car and I warmed to it. It is an easy drive with no dramas if caught out by a sharp bend. The e-pedal that slows the car almost to a stop without using the brake is a brilliant way of putting energy back into the batteries. I was irritated by the number of warning bleeps, some of which are a mystery, with one sounding like someone breaking wind!

Fast facts

Solterra Limited

£52,495

Twin electric motors; 215bhp

0-62mph 6.9secs; 99mph

Range: 289 miles

Max charge: 150kW

Road tax: Zero

Boot: 441 litres

Insurance group 46

 

Senedd Members call for stricter rules on private parking firms

* Senedd Members Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates at Island Green.

Members of the Senedd are encouraging people to take part in a recently extended consultation which they hope will lead to stricter rules around how private car park companies operate.  

Lesley Griffiths and Ken Skates have been taking a stand against Euro Car Parks, which runs the notorious car park at Island Green, Wrexham, after a deluge of complaints about unfair fines. 

 

Despite managing to get some overturned, the Labour pair remain frustrated at the ‘arrogance’ of the company and its ‘refusal to show any empathy or utilise any shred of commonsense’. 

 

Now they are hoping that the UK Government consultation will lead to new legislation which will clamp down on unscrupulous practices within the industry. 

 

Ms Griffiths, MS for Wrexham, said: “Parking at Island Green Shopping Centre has been problematic for years but the issue of suspect private parking operators issuing unfair fines to shoppers and, in turn, negatively impacting businesses is not just a Wrexham issue – it is happening in towns and cities right across the UK.

 

“This consultation could be the beginning of the end for these unprincipled companies and I hope people make their voices heard. 

 

“Our long-running dispute with Euro Car Parks shows no sign of stopping and in spite of the challenges, Ken Skates MS and I will continue to explore every avenue available to help improve the situation for the people of Wrexham.”

 

Mr Skates, MS for Clwyd South, said: “The arrogance of companies like Euro Car Parks is clear in their refusal to show any empathy or utilise any shred of commonsense. But they’re allowed to ride roughshod over their customers because what they do is within UK law. 

 

“I hope that if enough people respond to this consultation, UK Ministers will have no choice but to significantly tighten up the rules and close the loopholes which allow these sharks to operate with impunity and issue unfair fines to shoppers. 

“I’ve had elderly and vulnerable people contact me in recent months who have received threatening letters from debt recovery firms demanding hugely inflated sums for alleged offences at Island Green and elsewhere which weren’t even committed. Euro Car Parks claim that even as the client of these firms they can’t intervene, which I don’t believe. I’ve asked them numerous times to confirm this, and each time they have refused to answer the question.” 

 

The Private Parking Code of Practice Impact Assessment, published by the UK Government, states: “Since 2012, there has been a significant increase in the number of parking charges issued by private parking operators, measured by the number of requests for vehicle keeper details from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). 

 

“Linked to this, there are concerns from consumer groups, MPs, and the public highlighting a range of poor practices and behaviours within the sector that the current system of self-regulation has not adequately dealt with. This has created additional costs and stress for drivers and registered vehicle keepers that are often not justified.  

 

“Given the current system of self-regulation does not appear to be working in addressing these issues, it is necessary to introduce a new Code of Practice to ensure that the system is fair for drivers and registered vehicle keepers. This is also considered justified on equity grounds where unfair outcomes impact certain (for example, more vulnerable) groups disproportionately.” 

 

* The full report can be read on the UK Government website. The email address to respond to is parking@levellingup.gov.uk and the consultation has been extended to October 8. 

 

 

Denbighshire libraries offering data poverty help

Working with the Good Things Foundation, Denbighshire’s Libraries help distribute free SIM cards and mobile data to local people living in data poverty through the National Databank Scheme. 

The National Databank distributes free data to people through community organisations and is supported by many popular UK mobile networks. 

Denbighshire residents can register their interest to take part if they meet the eligibility criteria. Residents can also register interest on behalf of other people if they know someone who would benefit from free mobile data. 

To be eligible to access the National Databank, residents must be over 18 years old and come from a low-income household. They also need to meet one or more of the following criteria: 

• You have no or insufficient access to the internet at home.
• You have no or insufficient access to the internet away from home.
• You can't afford your existing monthly contract or top-up.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture & Heritage said: “Internet access has become such a vital part of everyday life, with many essential services and schemes now moving online. I would urge anyone who may need some help in this area to contact or visit their local library for more information.”

* For more information, go to https://www.denbighshire.gov.uk/en/leisure-and-tourism/libraries/help-to-get-online.aspx or visit your local library.

ITV Wales news item puts eisteddfod's future under spotlight

* Ken Skates MS puts his viewpoint to ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher.

llanblogger's Phil Robinson gave his view of the current problems facing Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in a TV news item earlier tonight (Monday).

He was filmed for an ITV Wales story on the future of the festival which was aired on the evening bulletin.

Also interviewed for the item was Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates and Shea Ferron, who is one of the six new members of the eisteddfod's board of trustees.

Phil Robinson, who has covered the eisteddfod as a reporter for the Wrexham Leader, as a press officer for a communications company and also for his news blog, was asked by ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher what needed to be done to ensure the survival of the festival after it recorded a substantial loss on this year's event and and been forced to to make its musical director redundant as a direct result of the financial situation. 

* New trustee Shea Ferron is interviewed on the eisteddfod situation.

After stressing how many people were getting behind the eisteddfod, he said changes were definitely needed.

He explained: "This year some of the evening concerts weren't that well attended, although the one featuring Alfie Boe, the top concert of the week, was a sell-out, so they've got to look at the concerts as well as other things."

Earlier in the item Joanne Gallacher said the eisteddfod needed not only to survive but also to thrive and that volunteers, who were now in charge of the entire event following the departure of musical director Camilla King, had vowed the eisteddfod would continue next year.

Shea Ferron told her: "We are aware that the loss was a substantial amount and hence why we had to make the very difficult decision to make redundant one of the major roles of the eisteddfod."

* llanblogger's Phil Robinson was asked for his opinion on the festival's future. 

Asked how volunteers in charge, like himself, a student, would go out and promote the eisteddfod given that most had other jobs, he replied: "No matter what our commitments we will find the time because of the love that we all have for this festival."

Ken Skates MS was asked if the Welsh Government was likely to hand any further financial aid to the eisteddfod on top of the £90,000 it had already allocated in the current financial year.

The reporter also pointed out it was being said that the National Eisteddfod received more financial support from the government in Cardiff.

Mr Skates replied that he wouldn't like to play one event off against another and added: "The International Eisteddfod exists to promote world peace. It exists to draw people in. It aligns well with the Welsh Government's declared status as a sanctuary nation, and perhaps that is where we could see stronger support from the government."

The report concluded with Joanne Gallacher saying that the volunteers were adamant that the eisteddfod would continue.

She added: "Sponsorship deals are in place, fingers crossed, and they have got a list of stars that they hope will come to the Pavilion next year.

"I can't tell you who the big names are but they are impressive." 

* ITV Wales reporter Joanne Gallacher winds up the story from the bridge.

      

Further Welsh Government moves on RAAC announced

 

Following new information over the weekend, all 22 local authorities in Wales are assessing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in education buildings. More than 100 schools in England have been told to close areas affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) without safety measures in place. It follows the collapse of a beam that was previously thought to be safe. Denbighshire County Council says it has no evidence to suggest that any of its buildings are at risk from problems associated with the historical use of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).

Two schools on Anglesey have been identified as having RAAC, Ysgol David Hughes and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi. There are no immediate risks or concerns, according to the Welsh Government. Both schools will now temporarily close so that further safety inspections can be carried out and that alternative planning can take place. The government is undertaking further work to verify the position across Wales and a review of the latest information held by local authorities is underway. Results are expected within the next two weeks. The Minister for Education and Welsh Language, Jeremy Miles said: “Our main concern is the safety of pupils and staff. Since we became aware of these developments, we have been working urgently with Local Authorities and WLGA to make sure pupils and staff can go back to school safely. "Some of the new evidence regarding the usage of RAAC was provided to Welsh Government last night. This was immediately shared with Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn to support them in their decision making process. “We’re making these decisions together to keep staff and pupils safe. Cyngor Sir Ynys Môn and the schools are doing everything they can to minimise the impact on pupils. If any of this action affects you, you will hear directly from your school.” Councillor Ian Roberts (Flintshire), WLGA Education Spokesperson said: “The WLGA continues to work closely and in regular dialogue with the Welsh Government and local authorities on this issue. Teachers, staff, and pupils’ safety is our paramount priority as we seek to establish the full position across Wales.” Anglesey Council Leader, Cllr Llinos Medi said: “This is an evolving and emerging national issue. We appreciate this will be disappointing for all staff and pupils. However, their safety is our main priority. We are putting plans in place for Ysgol David Hughes and Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi to minimise any disruption to children’s education. “We are working closely with the Headteachers and staff at the affected schools. The schools will communicate further updates with parents/guardians and young people. Again, our main priority is to ensure the safety of all our staff and young people.”

 

Four Great Highways team seeks further feedback

Following their consultation and feedback gathering earlier in the year, the Four Great Highways project team would now like to gather feedback on people’s preferred design options for the new interpretation and wayfinding due to be installed as part of the scheme. 

Wayfinding posts are used to help people navigate around an area.

Interpretation posts are used to let people know something important about the area, for example, they may be used to provide information about local history.

Once they have received public feedback, the Project Board will consider which designs and pieces of interpretation are the preferred option. 

Feedback must be received by October 8. 

The designs will be on display together with the detailed plans for the project at Llangollen Library from next Wednesday afternoon (September 6) until Saturday October 7 for anybody who would like to pop along for a look.  

The plans are already available to view on the Four Great Highways webpage (see pdf link to General Arrangement Plans within the Gallery section), and the signage and wayfinding designs will be added to the same section soon.

* People can get in touch with the project team us in one of the following ways:

Online: Denbighshire County Conversations

E-mail: fourgreathighways@denbighshire.gov.uk / pedairprifforddfawr@sirddinbych.gov.uk

Collect and return a paper questionnaire from Wednesday 6^th September 2023 afternoon: Llangollen Library, Castle Street, Llangollen, LL20 8NU

Write to: Corporate Support Service Performance, Digital & Assets, Denbighshire County Council, PO Box 62, Ruthin, LL15 9AZ

Operatic sweeps the board at amateur stage 'Oscars'

 

Llangollen Operatic Society has picked up four major awards for two of its 2022 shows at the amateur stage 'Oscars'.

At a ceremony in Newport, south Wales on Saturday night the popular local stage group swept the board at the annual NODA - National Operatic and Dramatic Association – Awards.

Three of the honours came for Calendar Girls the Musical which the main society staged at Llangollen Town Hall September 2022.

These were:

* Outstanding Musical Production

* Outstanding Individual Performance to to Louise Lyne for her role as Chris

* Outstanding Supporting Individual Performance to Aled Morris for his role as Danny

The quartet of awards was completed when Outstanding Performance went to Ethan Le-Cheminant for his role as Seymour in Little Shop of Horrors which was performed by the society's junior section, the Young 'Uns, in March 2022.

Tracey Jones, producer for Calendar Girls, said: "Calendar Girls was certainly a challenge.

"The initial reaction when we asked the committee to proceed with the licence application, was, 'Fantastic choice but who on earth will audition to be naked on Llangollen Stage?'

"As producer I'm so very grateful to the help and dedication from cast and crew, such talent on stage. I hate singling people out but special shout outs and thanks from me have to go to Elen Mair Roberts as musical director who went above and beyond her own role, Louise Lyne for stepping into a lead role three days before opening night and Sarah Marshall for also picking up a role unexpectedly last minute and all the movement/directional support.

"Backstage crew worked incredibly hard under the direction of Millie Orton-Jones, who led the team with such confidence and professionalism at the tender age of just 21.

"Everybody who helped, no matter how big or small. Thank you. This award is for you all. Here's to the next one - Bad Girls The Musical in May 2024."

Pamela Williams, who produced Little Shop of Horrors for the Young 'Uns, said: "Huge congratulations to Ethan for this award. Everyone involved in the production of Little Shop is thrilled for him, it was a massive part and he was exceptional in it.

"We wish him well now that he has left the Young 'Uns to go on to university."