This is my second encounter with the Polestar 2, this time in Standard range Single motor (SRSM) guise, in just over a year. For this 2024 model, Polestar has done something truly spectacular.

Where the previous version was front-wheel drive, this 2024 model switches over to rear-wheel drive. While this may not seem significant to many, read on to find out why automotive enthusiasts around you may be salivating at this change.

For some background information, Polestar was initially the performance arm of Volvo. Later, it was spun off into its own entity to build electric vehicles or EVs based on current Volvos in Polestar’s own flavour.

Therefore, it comes as no surprise that two of the Polestar 2’s competitors are Volvo’s XC40 Electric and C40 Electric, with all three vehicles sharing the same platform.

Also found in the same price bracket is the recently-reviewed BMW iX1 eDrive20 xLine, but the Polestar 2 packs significantly more punch.

Clean and Attractive

The most obvious change in the front end is the panel that replaces the front grille, presumably for aerodynamic-efficiency improvement.

Combined with the headlights with Thor’s Hammer daytime running lights (DRLs), the front end now sports a smiling face, the type a shark might give you before chomping down on its human meal. Wholly apropos of the Polestar 2’s performance potential, methinks.

The test car came with optional 20-inch rims wearing 245/40 R20 XL (as in eXtra Load) Continental PremiumContact 6 tyres. They grip well and are pretty quiet and pliant on the move. More on this later.

The frameless wing mirrors continue their tradition here, which is a unique aesthetic touch. They each house a boomerang-shaped blind spot monitoring indicator which glows reddish-orange when there’s traffic beside.

The clean design aesthetic carries on to the rear with those distinctive taillights, and I had the pleasure of seeing them in action on the highway while travelling in an impromptu convoy with another Polestar 2 at night.

Compact Proportions

Being an EV, there are two storage locations in the Polestar 2. The frunk (front trunk) or froot (front boot) features 41 litres of space, and will likely be used to house the charging cable or a small spit-shine detailing kit.

The regular boot features 407 litres of cargo capacity, and dropping the rear seatbacks liberates up to 1097 litres.

These include the underfloor storage. There’s a built-in divider in the boot to keep barang-barang from sliding back and forth, which is useful.

Owing to its compact proportions, the rear legroom is adequate, and I can just about sit behind my own driving position for shorter journeys. Two aircon vents and USB Type-C ports keep rear occupants cool and their mobile devices juiced up. The seats themselves are pretty comfy though.

Vegan-friendly WeaveTech fabric features on all the upholstery. Despite being dark-coloured, the interior does not feel cramped owing to the panoramic roof which lets natural light gently stream into the cabin.

The front seats feature electric adjustments with two memory settings for the driver. They’re easy to quickly position into one’s preferred posture. The steering wheel then falls naturally to hand, being adjustable for reach and rake, and is of a good size to hold.

A minimalist 12.3-inch instrument display sits just ahead of the steering wheel and can be configured to just show speed information or a page which replicates one’s map of choice onto this display.

The infotainment screen is 11.2 inches and runs Google’s Android Automotive 12. Think of this as a mobile phone on wheels. Apps like Google Maps and Waze are readily accessible, as is wired Apple CarPlay, with Android Auto to come in the future with regular over-the-air (OTA) updates.

Keep Rollin’…

My chief issue with the previous version was its unnecessarily firm suspension, but this Polestar 2 is sportily firm instead. The result is great handling like before, but with added compliance over bumpy tarmac despite riding on the optional 20-inch rims and tyres. Thank you Polestar!

Three modes are available for steering feel, and I simply left it on ‘Light’ for it felt most natural. Placing the EV into a corner is also pretty intuitive, with the nose pointing and darting as commanded from the helm.

The move to rear-wheel drive also means that you can now chuck the Polestar 2 into a corner or bend and throttle-steer out of it. This new playful character elevates this EV to an entertaining machine befitting the Polestar brand name.

Helping this playful character along are 272hp and 490Nm of torque, which makes the Polestar 2 a true point-and-squirt machine for most intents and purposes. A 0-100km/h time of 6.4 seconds for this Single motor variant isn’t slow by any measure.

Once the fun’s been had, this Polestar 2 settles down into a nice and quiet cruise, with minimal tyre noise except over rougher tarmac. Adaptive cruise control also means the driver can relax more during the daily commute.

The view out of the EV is pretty good, but one must use the 360-degree reverse camera in the final bits of parking, owing to the sloped bootlid. Also, reverse into a spot slower than usual.

The Rear Collision Warning & Mitigation (RCWM) system is quite sensitive and will stop the Polestar 2 abruptly if a kerb is sensed just underneath the bumper, which can be quite alarming when it happens. Slowing one’s rate of reversing appeared to mitigate this sensitivity.

The Not-Secret Secret

Energy efficiency is also pretty good. Polestar quotes WLTP efficiency of 14.8-17.2kWh/100 km or 6.8-5.8km/kWh, and I was able to achieve a weighted and normalised average of 14.59kWh/100km or 6.9km/kWh (nice!) over the pure street and mostly highway test routes.

How?

By turning One Pedal Drive a.k.a regenerative braking or regen off.

While it may sound counter-intuitive, there’s an actual method to this perceived madness. Sure, in stop-and-go city traffic, turn regen on to your heart’s content and have at it. It’s beneficial there.

However, in all other situations, turn it off and use gravity and momentum to your advantage to coast using little to no energy. Control regen via the brake pedal only when it’s needed.

This is because regen actually robs the vehicle of forward momentum, and although energy is recuperated, more energy needs to be spent getting back up to speed.

For example, with regen turned off, I was able to coast off-throttle for one kilometre after exiting a highway until stopping at a set of traffic lights. That distance was covered for free, with some energy recouped during braking-regen down to a stop.

Turn regen off, anticipate ahead, and hone your momentum-driving skills to eke the most out of the battery pack. Drive smooth, not slow.

At 69kW (nice again!), the battery pack is good for around 476km of range with my average efficiency above. As usual, your mileage may vary with driving style and use case.

I was able to charge the battery from 30%-80% at a DC 120kW charger in just under 37 minutes, which is about in line with Polestar’s claimed 34 minutes for 10%-80%. 11kW AC charging is said to take seven hours from 0%-100%.

Should You Buy One?

If minimalism is your theme, and sporty driving your thing, then the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’

The Polestar 2 is priced well, and with a five-year transferable vehicle warranty and an eight-year or 160,000km battery warranty (accurate at the time of this article), peace of mind can be had with owning this EV.

Moreover, despite its clean aesthetic, the Polestar 2 definitely turns heads. Other drivers ahead get out of the way when they see two Thor’s Hammers approaching swiftly in their rearview mirror.

It’s got punch. It’s got style. And it has presence. There is much to like here with the Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor.

Technical Specifications

Polestar 2 Standard range Single motor

Power: 272hp
Torque: 490Nm
Drive: rear wheels
0-100km/h: 6.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 205km/h (claimed)
Unladen Weight: 1,940kg
Battery Size: 69kW
Range: up to 546km (claimed)
Energy Economy: 14.8-17.2kWh/100km or 6.8-5.8km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$262,000 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Polestar Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Taking place this weekend from 29th – 30th April, 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, at their Alexandra Road showroom, Volvo will be hosting a series of workshops to suit guests of all ages.

For the young ones, a recycled car workshop enables them to create their very own cars out of recycled materials. If that doesn’t tickle their fancy, there will also be balloon sculpting, face painting and a bouncing castle for hours of enjoyment.

Not forgetting the adults too! Those with a sweet tooth and a craving for treats can indulge in making their very own chocolate treats at a chocolate bomb workshop. There is also a workshop to create your own car fragrance, which you can take home and enjoy.

Of course, you cannot have over 90 years of history without a gallery to showcase it all. Guests who are interested to know more about Volvo’s history over the decades are invited to stroll through the Swedish brand’s heritage gallery, which highlights Volvo’s safety milestones over the years.

In line with sustainability, the gallery is also constructed with a fully recyclable modular cardboard building system, consisting of compressed paper square bars and recyclable connectors.

“Volvo is excited to celebrate its birthday with our valued owners and their families, and thank them for getting us to where we are,” said Corinne Chua, Managing Director for Volvo, Wearnes Automotive.

“We wanted to create a fun, interactive and educational event that everyone can enjoy. And by introducing children to the recycled car workshop, as well as exploring creative yet eco-friendly construction methods, we hope to instil in them the important concepts of recycling and upcycling, inspiring a new generation of eco-conscious individuals who will strive to reduce waste and create a more sustainable future.”

The event is open to both Volvo car owners and the general public. Visitors are encouraged to register in advance to secure a workshop time slot. See you there!

For those who are interested, you may sign up with this highlighted text.

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The Volvo XC40 Recharge (And the C40 Recharge, which we reviewed earlier) are Volvo’s first foray into the EV space. Even with its EV underpinnings, it can still hold its own against its ICE brethren. Heck, in some areas its probably the better buy too.

Volvo may have packaged a smaller battery in this facelift, and it has slightly less power compared to its predecessor, but it still holds its own very well in this segment. 

Waxed, clean-shaven looks

If you like iPhones and the minimalist lifestyle aesthetic, the XC40 Recharge is definitely something that’ll catch your eye.

Volvo really comes into its own in the looks department. Where other manufacturers strive for curvaceous and future-focused designs, the designers at Volvo stuck to a design language that retains brand familiarity but also making sure that at one glance, you know this is a model for the future.

Sharp cutouts or brash contours simply do not exist on the car, and its tall SUV stature gives the XC40 a commanding appearance.

Everything is designed for a purpose, and this clinical approach ensures that there are no fake vents, excessive chrome pieces or outlandish traits that detract from the simplicity of the XC40.

Arguably the most bling piece of kit on board are the 19-inch rims, a stark contrast to the otherwise Macintosh-based sleekness of the car.

Like a smart and well-dressed person, the XC40 goody boy looks are subtle yet striking.

Function over form

Like the other models in the current generation Volvo lineup, the XC40’s interior exudes functionality. Buttons and dials are only placed where they’re needed, and the minimalist theme translates to an uncluttered space. Makes it easy for new drivers too, as everything is where you expect it to be. 

However, the one thing I wish was present was physical HVAC controls. While new-fangled screens and high-tech gizmos are aesthetically pleasing and ‘look futuristic’, digital HVAC controls are just way tackier to use, and counterintuitive to the whole “ease while driving” theme. 

To set your aforementioned HVAC settings and to assess other infotainment options, a 9-inch vertical touchscreen sits front and centre. This Android-operated system is a breeze to use, even for Apple users. The menus are a little disorientating at first, but once you have your personal account set up, connectivity becomes a simple ‘plug & play’ affair.

Should you not wish to pair your smartphone for whatever reason, you can even sign in to certain apps like the Play Store and Spotify. 

Volvo really went all out with the eco-friendly theme, and essentially made the entire cabin out of sustainable materials. What appears to be leather at first glance is actually a new synthetic material which is used throughout the cabin’s upholstery. It’s somewhat water resistant too, something which may become especially handy should rowdy kids get too touchy with their sweet drinks or snacks.

The rest of the surfaces in the cabin are either finished in brushed metal or hard plastics. While plastics are typically a sign that the vehicle may be built to a cheaper price, in the XC40 the plastics feel nice to the touch. Plus, with a lower tendency to get scuffed in the long run, longevity is a big selling point for the cabin.

Volvo added a few easter eggs of their own too, to maintain the XC40’s Swedish heritage. A typography map outline of a notable Swedish national park is etched onto the trim pieces, and tiny Swedish flags hide amongst the upholstery. 

Rear passengers have tons of room thanks to the boxy roofline, and there is enough cargo space for a typical family’s needs. You can even fold the seats down 60:40 too, should a need to lug longer items arise.

It may not be the flashiest or something with tons of features jam-packed in, but for what’s it worth, the XC40 does a stellar job at being a practical family solution.

Punchy when it needs to be

While there are rumours that Volvo will be releasing a dual motor variant this year, this particular XC40 Recharge runs off a lone single motor powering the front wheels.

That’s not to say it isn’t quick. Depress the accelerator and 172kW (231bhp) alongside 330Nm of torque enabling you to whoosh off the line. 0-100km/h stands at a more leisurely 7.4 seconds, but to be frank most people in Singapore do not need the raw brute strength and bite of a dual motor setup.

Should you wish to take the next corner at speed, you can very easily do so thanks to low-profile tyres coupled with slightly stiffer suspension. This is great and all, but the XC40 does feel a little more unsettled when going over undulations on the road. This is not meant to be a performance vehicle after all, so I would prioritise comfort over cornering ability.

Still, with a 69kWh battery powering the whole vehicle, the XC40 has a very usable real-world range of 425km. In testing, I managed to do 370km and still had about 18% left. Plus, the biggest praise I can give to an EV is that during my media drive, I never once felt range anxiety kicking in, unlike other EVs where the battery level starts to dwindle quickly and I have to scramble and find a nearby charger.

In any case, the XC40 has a max charging rate of 130kW, so it can be juiced up by our DC chargers in no time at all.

Sensible Swedes have done it again

It may not be the fastest EV, or one with the most features. But, overall the XC40 Recharge is a really compelling package as a whole, and one of the best EVs on the market today should you wish to make the conversion from fossil fuels.

When it really comes down to it, what you’re looking for is a car that has longevity. Something you will wake up to everyday and enjoy driving, while giving you a fuss free ownership experience. With its simple and unassuming demeanour, the XC40 has that special charm going for it.

You can really have your sensible cake and eat it too.

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More awareness from the general public, coupled with big pushes and mandates from worldwide governments and it is off to the races for automakers. It is now an all-arms race to see who can have the biggest slice of the electric vehicle (EV) pie. Volvo has also joined in the fracas, even going a step further to pledge that by 2030, its entire lineup would comprise only EVs.

The Swedish marque is famous for its stellar safety standards, thoughtful designs, and reliable twin-charged engines. Hence, you’d expect the Swedes to package an EV into something that is smart and sensible, much like their love for flat-packed furniture.

What the boffins came up with eventually is this – the all-new Volvo C40. And let me tell you, do not judge this book by its cover. Because this thing is an absolute riot.

Are you sure? It doesn’t look all that imposing

You’re right. Looking at it with its sterile design language, I wouldn’t blame you for thinking it’s something even your strict mother-in-law who is adamant about safety will approve and rate 5 stars. 

Volvo really comes into its own in the looks department. Where other manufacturers strive for curvaceous and future-focused designs, the designers at Volvo stuck to a design language that retains brand familiarity, but also making sure that at one glance you know this is a model aimed at the future.

There are hardly any blemishes on the car at all. Each and every surface looks and feels smooth, with your hand gliding past each panel effortlessly. This all cumulates at the rear, with a fastback-esque sloping roofline that abruptly stops when it fuses with the rear bumper.

Arguably the most bling piece of kit on board are the 20-inch rims, a stark contrast to the otherwise Macintosh-based sleekness of the car.

It is clinical, sterile even. But, the design just works. Subtle, yet striking.

Does this subtleness continue on the inside?

Like the other models in the current generation Volvo lineup, the C40’s interior exudes functionality. Buttons and dials are only placed where they’re needed, and the minimalist theme translates to an uncluttered space. 

However, the one thing I wish was present was physical HVAC controls. Look, I know we are moving to an era with new-fangled screens and high-tech gizmos, but digital HVAC controls are just way tackier to use, and counterintuitive to the whole “ease while driving” theme. 

To set your aforementioned HVAC settings and to assess other infotainment options, a 9-inch vertical touchscreen sits front and centre. This Android-operated system is a breeze to use, even for Apple users.

Connectivity is a simple ‘plug & play’ affair, and you can even sign in to certain apps like the Play Store and Spotify, enabling you to use these apps without having to even connect a smartphone.

Volvo really went all out with the eco-friendly theme, and essentially made the entire cabin out of sustainable materials. What appears to be leather at first glance is actually a new synthetic material which is used throughout the cabin’s upholstery.

It’s touted as being water resistant too, something which I really like, especially if you have the tendency to have young kids spilling beverages.

The rest of the surfaces in the cabin are either finished in gloss black, brushed metal, or hard plastics. While plastics are a sign that the vehicle may be obtaining supplies from the cheaper bargain bin, in the C40 the plastics actually feel nice to the touch.

Plus, with a lesser tendency to get scuffed in the long run, longevity is a big selling point for the cabin. Other trinkets included in the cabin include a typography map outline of a notable Swedish national park etched onto the trim pieces and tiny Swedish flags hidden amongst the upholstery.

Nice to live in, but is it easy to live with?

On the road, the Volvo C40 is relatively easy to drive… as long you keep your right foot disciplined. However, thanks to the sloping roofline, rear visibility is substantially compromised, so more care is needed in blindspot areas.

It isn’t as spacious as the XC40 Recharge due to the tapered rear end, but adults wouldn’t find much of an issue getting into the back seats, and the rear is suitably comfortable for most long journeys.

A big selling point about the C40 is its ‘idiot-proof’ usability. There is no start/stop button, or special switch to make it go. You simply get into the driver’s seat, which has weight sensors to detect any users, push the gear selector into Drive, and trundle away. Finish your journey, select Park, and hop out. The parking brake is applied automatically, and the car shuts off as soon as you open the door.

Seriously, it’s that easy. Makes you wonder why we bother with start/stop buttons in the first place.

The Volvo C40 has a respectable 78kWh battery, and I never really felt range anxiety at all during my test drive. Even if I was hooning the car around and getting intoxicated with the acceleration (in a safe manner), the car always had enough range to get me where I needed to go. I never needed to plug it in too. 

Volvo did not exaggerate its efficiency ratings too. Officially, the car is touted to be able to do about 21 kWh/100 km. In practice, I managed to achieve an average of 18.7 kWh/100 km around town.

This alone may be a small trait, but it really gives you the confidence to own this EV as a daily driver. Below a certain battery percentage, some other EVs restrict power or the estimated range suddenly plummets, leaving you panicking for the nearest available charger. In the C40, I was sailing on through.

Let me tell you. This. thing. is. fast.

Designed as an EV from the ground up, the Volvo C40 shares the same architecture as the Polestar 2, albeit with a more practical body. 

The biggest surprise that catches people off guard is just how damn fast the Volvo C40 really is. With two beefy motors kicking into action, the C40 pounces with ferocity. Power is injected in mind-blowing droves, and your senses need a second or two to re-synchronise each time you floor the pedal.

Combined, the dual motors produce 300kw (402bhp) of power and a spine-tingling 660Nm of instant torque. You only need 4.7 seconds to rocket off to 100km/h, to the bewilderment of onlookers stopped at the same set of lights as you.

She handles corners with confidence too. Chuck it into a bend, and the C40 remains poised while your passengers scream and hang on for dear life. They should have known better when they glanced at the Pirelli P Zero shoes the car was wearing.

This is all good and fun. But, while the car has springs that are good for the ol’ cornering, they are slightly lacklustre in ironing out undulations on the roads. They just aren’t set up to be comfortable, and this hinders potential plans for a smooth and relaxing journey home.

A fusion combo I adore

The more we drive high-performance EVs, the more we become convinced that the greatest engineering hurdle is not battery technology or how fast the car can be, but rather figuring out how to inject soul into the car.

Of course, an EV will never give you the same sensation as an internal combustion (ICE) vehicle. But, driving an EV shouldn’t become a chore at the same time.

The Volvo C40 is different. Yes, it isn’t flamboyant, nor is it flashy. But, it does two things pretty well; it gets you to places safely, and insanely quickly at the same time. Plus, it does it all in a user-friendly package. If you were looking to switch to an EV, but are intimidated by the sheer amount of technology some cars pack, the C40 will be something right up your alley. Easy and intuitive, and as the old saying goes “even my grandmother knows how to use it”.

This is the sort of car you can buy knowing that you can convince your significant other that the car is safe for the kids and is sensible for everyday use. But, as soon as you drop the kids off and are on your own, you get to savour all that performance to yourself, all wrapped up in a discreet package. Have your sensible cake, and eat it too.

And no one has to know our little secret. 

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