POLESTAR 2

An EV with performance in mind... now that's Swede

- TRENT GIUNCO

THE POLESTAR 2 is deceptively unassuming. So much so that when I scan the car park on collection, its presence isn't immediately apparent. From the get-go it's clear that a certain measure of conformity is the name of the game despite its battery-electric power source. And unlike the Polestar's competition that tries to shock you into paying attention by being aesthetically extrovert, the Swede stands in its 20-inch boots with an air of refreshingly quiet confidence.

It shouldn't come as a surprise. Polestar was founded in 2017 by the Geely-backed Volvo brand. The Scandinavians know a thing or two about design and Polestar now has the money to spread its wings, thanks to its Chinese backer. The 2 is, without wishing to labour the obvious, the second offering from Polestar, but crucially it's the carmaker's first fully electric vehicle. First a race team for Volvo, then a tuner and high-performance outlet for its road-going models, Polestar has transformed into an EV halo for Gothenburg.

However, the motorsport nous hasn't left the building. The facts and figures are suitably impressive with 300kW and 660Nm, enough to propel the sedan inspired SUV to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds. That's very much all-wheel drive hot hatch territory. With a 150kW AC synchronous, permanent magnet electric motor on each axle, the 2 essentially runs a pseudo allwheel-drive setup. Those motors gain life from a 78kWh lithium-ion battery pack that can be charged at a rate of up to 155kWh on a rapid charger. There's no doubt its quick in reality, too, with enough stepoff and highway-overtake pace to make even enthusiasts take notice. The Valeo-Siemens electric motors don't run out of steam at speed.