The services offered currently include Spotify for music streaming, Google Maps for navigation and Google Assistant for asking inane questions, jokes and general queries. Voice recognition isn't perfect, but worked 70% of the time for us – and will improve over time, Polestar pledges. Mapping is leagues better, with clear, pared-back cartography and clever integration of charging point information, while the general UI and layout of the screen is straightforward and easy to use on the go. Polestar's infotainment system is a step change over the Volvo legacy set-up.
What's the Google Android operating system like? If you need two cupholders, you'll have to flip the centre armrest open, depriving you and your passenger somewhere to lean an elbow.
Okay, it's not as if it's a manual that needs frequent gearchanges, but a tall oat milk latte beaker will prove to be a pain in the proverbial every time you want to touch something south of the main screen. Our only other serious gripe is the central cupholder position. There is a terrible over-the-shoulder view, however, thanks to that pillarbox rear window, but a standard rear-view camera and three well-positioned, frameless mirrors mean you never really worry, even when parking. You'll appreciate the supportive seats that continue a decade-long Swedish love affair with comfort, and the ergonomics are largely spot-on. Just a pity that everything's so dark and gloomy – if you fancy beige leather and brown wood to add some visual relief you'll need to fork out a further £4000. It passes the not-having-to-read-the-manual test with ease. The digital design and touchpoints are very simple and unobtrusive. In a bold move, Polestar is premiering the world's first Google Android operating system for its infotainment and it clears the way for a very minimalist cabin.
It's largely achieved through the use of twin large digital screens for the instrument panel and central touchscreen. Materials and build quality are top-notch regardless of whether you've got a basic version or a top-spec car – it feels on a par with Volvo cabins, and they're from the top drawer – and, yes, you'll spot a few telltale shared parts (steering wheel controls, electric window switches and suchlike), which is just fine by us.īut Polestar has struck its own interior vibe, as you'd expect when a designer – Volvo's former design chief, Thomas Ingenlath – in Polestar's CEO. Settle in and you'll be at once familiar with the Scandi chic and Volvo overtones, yet surprised by the sheer modernity and freshness of the design. It's a pretty practical car and will slot into family duties easily, though it's worth noting that Polestar predicts a heavy fleet/business bias for its latest model.
The rear seats split 60:40 and there's a ski hatch for stowing longer objects. The sensibly shaped boot is 364 litres in capacity, which isn't a huge amount bigger than a Volkswagen Golf's loadbay – but you do get a 41-litre compartment beneath and there's a small 35-litre 'frunk' (or front trunk) for storing your charging cables and paraphernalia under the bonnet. Of course, you can also just open it from the key (a disappointingly cheap black plastic affair – a Volvo key but weirdly shorn of any trim, as if it's unfinished).
Taller folk will have to stoop to open it that way, although you can at least waggle your foot under the back bumper instead – gesture control is standard on even the cheapest version. It's a decent package, with easy access through the rear doors to the back seats – just watch out for a large 'transmission tunnel' making this effectively a four-seater – and a large electrically operated tailgate that lifts at the press of a button located a long way down by the bumper. A large panoramic sunroof is optional, bathing the cabin with diffused light there is no sunblind and Polestar says a UV layer removes the majority of heat soak – and at night the brand's North Star motif is projected on to the glass overhead, a typically neat design touch. If it’s giving you de ja vu, that's because the 40.2 concept car from sister brand Volvo was the inspiration.īuild quality is impressive, with tight shutlines, lustrous paintwork and neat detailing. At 4.6m long it's a 3-series sized, chiselled hatchback that looks slightly on tip-toes, owing to the shared Geely group CMA architecture that also begat the tall Volvo XC40 crossover and forthcoming Lynk & Co 01. It’s a five-door fastback with commendable styling presence. The best EVs: our guide to the best electric cars What is it?