POLESTAR 2

SWEDES ASK ‘TESLA WHO?’

- TIM POLLARD

Model Polestar 2

Motor Dual (front + rear axle)

Battery 78kWh lithium-ion

Max power 300kW @ 0rpm Max torque 660Nm @ 0rpm

Transmission Single-speed reduction gear

Weight 2123kg

0-100km/h 4.7sec (claimed)

Economy 15.6kWh/100km

Price $90,000 (estimated)

On sale 2021

SO HERE IT is: one of most eagerly awaited electric cars of year. After the hors d’oeuvre of the Polestar 1 plug-in hybrid coupe, this is the main course that will properly launch the new company from Sweden into the mainstream.

It’s hard not to compare the Polestar 2 to the Tesla Model 3. In price, footprint and concept, they are remarkably similar bedfellows, and this segment will soon be buzzing with all-electric rivals from Germany’s premium manufacturers.

It’s a decent package, too. At 4.6m long, this soberly styled five-door fastback is roughly the same size as a 3 Series and is built on the same Geely group CMA architecture that also begat the Volvo XC40. It offers easy access to the back seats (just watch out for a large ‘transmission tunnel’ making this effectively a four-seater),and a large tailgate lifts to reveal a decent 364-litre boot.