Since Polestar split off from Volvo in 2017, the electric car-maker has had some success, but it is hoping the Polestar 2 will “do the hard yards” in establishing it “as a big player in the EV scene”, said Top Gear Magazine. And it’s gunning for a big target: the Tesla Model 3. With a top range of 406 miles and “sensational” looks, the new Polestar is quite a step up on the old model; Tesla “ought to be paying attention”.
In terms of design, the Polestar 2 is “chunky” yet “chiselled”, with very clean lines all over, said The Sunday Times. The cabin is similarly minimalist, and like a Volvo’s, it is “easy on the eye” and feels well made. There is a “skeletal” gear lever and a clean dashboard, with just one central touchscreen. The car also has a Volvo’s practicality, with plenty of space in the front and rear, and a 405-litre boot.
Even the entry-level Polestar 2 has an impressive claimed range of about 331 miles, and the car has “sophisticated” handling, said Autocar. The ride, however, is a bit firm, and the car lacks fine damping control, meaning that while it isn’t uncomfortable as such, it lacks polish. It’s good to drive, but not fun to drive. It does have fast charging, though, and the base model starts at a good 268bhp. Price: from £44,950.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
In pictures: Polestar 2
-
A little-visited Indian Ocean archipelagoThe Week Recommends The paradise of the Union of the Comoros features beautiful beaches, colourful coral reefs and lush forests
-
Diane Keaton: the Oscar-winning star of Annie HallIn the Spotlight Something’s Gotta Give actor dies from pneumonia at the age of 79
-
Heirs and Graces: an ‘enthralling’ deep dive into the decline of nobilityThe Week Recommends Eleanor Doughty explores the ‘bizarre fascination’ with the British aristocracy
-
6 sporty homes with tennis courtsFeature Featuring a clay tennis court in New York and a viewing deck in California
-
Critics’ choice: Seafood in the spotlightFeature An experimental chef, a newspaper-worthy newcomer, and a dining titan’s fresh spin-off
-
Taylor Swift’s Showgirl: Much glitter, little goldFeature Swift’s new album has broken records, but critics say she may have gotten herself creatively stuck
-
Theater review: Masquerade218 W. 57th St., New York City 218 W. 57th St., New York City
-
Film reviews: Roofman and Kiss of the Spider WomanFeature An escaped felon’s heart threatens to give him away and a prisoner escapes into daydreams of J.Lo.
