Discussion
dgswk said:
not hammering it along the outside lane tailgating anything doing under 80
It is most interesting to see how times have changed. When I started driving in the 80s, it was de rigeur (if you had the vehicle under you) to cruise at 90 up the motorway. I grew up reading tales of derring do by scribblers such as Blain and Setright and Bulgin, but our lived experience wasn't all that different. Today, when cars are *so* much more competent and far, far safer (active as well as passive), it is hard to fathom why we've become so accepting of ever-greater restrictions (and the enforcement of them).Speaking of Setright, I recall him waxing lyrically on the topic of how speeding saves lives - as the passing of time is the one certainty in our limited lives, getting from A to B as fast as possible is in the most essential manner a saving of a portion of a life
Anyhow, sorry, that's rather off-topic; glad you're enjoying your Polestar. It is a shame they don't offer an estate version, otherwise I'd get interested in a big hurry.
skwdenyer said:
dgswk said:
not hammering it along the outside lane tailgating anything doing under 80
Today, when cars are *so* much more competent and far, far safer (active as well as passive), it is hard to fathom why we've become so accepting of ever-greater restrictions (and the enforcement of them).I have a regular long commute, and I just find it more relaxing to cruise than race. If I had to constantly speed every day to make it manageable, I'd be in the wrong job / location.
I came to accept that 4-5 years ago now, and find if I drive it like I used to, yeah I can get home 10 or 15mins earlier, but I'm a stressed angry ball of anger and end up taking it out on a glass or two of red wine or sulking in the shed until I feel human again.
Don't get me wrong, I'm no angel, I just keep my daily duties to the daily (and the PS2 is exceptional for this), and save the toy car for the open road at 6am on a Sunday morning, somewhere on the Herefordshire / Wales borders, where its all about steering feel, handling and raspy wooshy 6cyl turbo engine noises. Then, and only then, does in the inner Driving God come out.
Rest of the time, I'm on Spotify, on the M5, relying on as much in-car tech to make my life as chilled as possible.
skwdenyer said:
Today, when cars are *so* much more competent and far, far safer (active as well as passive), it is hard to fathom why we've become so accepting of ever-greater restrictions (and the enforcement of them).
Its crap isn't it. For me the UK roads have just ground me down. I'd happily still drive everywhere at 95 but I don't think it's possible nowadays. The penny dropped when I got pulled by plod doing 90 in a Porsche 911 on the M5. It was empty and they gave me three points and a lecture on speeding.Made me realise it's just not possible to drive quick in the UK.
Sorry for the continued tangent!
i'm just comparing a few costs.
I might go for the single motor long range, with all the packs(except the performance), as with the heat pump, I think even in winter at motorway speeds that'd be the one for 200ish miles at motorway speeds.
Kia ev6 gt-s also comes in around the same cost, likely to offer a bit more performance than the single motor ps2, but with the same range.
Which makes me think about just waiting for the hyundai ioniq 5.
I might go for the single motor long range, with all the packs(except the performance), as with the heat pump, I think even in winter at motorway speeds that'd be the one for 200ish miles at motorway speeds.
Kia ev6 gt-s also comes in around the same cost, likely to offer a bit more performance than the single motor ps2, but with the same range.
Which makes me think about just waiting for the hyundai ioniq 5.
Evening everyone
Hope everyone is doing well and their week is treating them well thus far!
I thought I'd give my thoughts on the Polestar 2 as I test drove one at the weekend.
Forgive me if I'm pissing on everyone's bonfire as I imagine the driving characteristics, features and general experience of the car has probably been covered here. However, I really did enjoy the experience of the car and I wanted to put that into words.
London Westfield
It began with a trip to London's Westfield shopping centre, where I was surprised and delighted to see a Polestar "Space" with a Polestar 2 inside; its classy but distinctive design catching the eye instantly against the minimalist interior of their "Space." I've always liked Volvos, particularly this current generation, and had never see a Polestar up close, so I went in. Even when I'm with two girlfriends, (friends that are women, behave - I'm not polyamorous) it is hard to keep me from cars.
I was very impressed with how approachable, friendly and helpful they were in there. I asked about the possibility of a test drive, as if you don't ask you don't get of course! They were happy as I'm 25, and even stated how their Spaces are designed to facilitate the experience of the Polestar brand away from a sales/dealership environment. This made great impression on me.
I ended up test driving it at their Milton Keynes test centre.
Milton Keynes Test Centre
Once again a very welcoming, pressure free environment with very friendly and particularly helpful staff. There was a group of us who had come to test drive the car in that time slot.They gave us a presentation on all the stats; charging times, range, one pedal driving etc. Particularly important as I might've been the only one with prior electric car driving experience. At most one of two.
Afterwards, each person got their own Polestar 2 to drive with their companion as a passenger. No Polestar employee in the car. However, we followed a test driver in another Polestar 2 in convoy on a pre determined road route. Nice mix of urban and countryside.
So, my feelings about the car
Exterior Design
Obviously subjective, but I agree with the general consensus on this car. It looks absolutely brilliant. Suave, cool and distinctive enough that you feel like you have something special and different, but discreet and understated enough that it is easily inconspicuous. The car equivalent of a fountain pen.
I also like the fact it has hatchback boot. Personally, I much prefer daily vehicles to have a hatchback boot to be honest. I love normal hatchbacks and estates. Saloon decklids are very compromised in my opinion. Why do I want to "post" my stuff into the boot?
Interior
You get in and can instantly tell its a quality item. All the touchpoints are tactile and pleasing to use. The fit and finish is spot on.
The refined classiness of the exterior carries on into the interior. Everything has a crisp simplicity that is special without being fussy. Particular highlight is the gear selector. I loved that. It is different enough that it distinguishes itself from the obvious competitors, such as the German stuff and the omnipresent American alternative, without being wacky.
It has a minimalist interior but still nice. The American car has an interior that looks like a flat you've left at the end of the tenancy but you've left the TV as it belongs to the landlord.
I thought the infotainment, both the central screen and the instrument cluster was fantastic. Clear, legible and razor sharp. I particularly like the map on the big screen and in the instrument cluster. It was also very easy to use. Mastering would definitely be a quick and easy process.
I particularly like the use of orange.
I think physical buttons for climate control would be nice. I don't like the trend of moving away from buttons. However, this Polestar had just enough buttons and an easy enough screen that it was not too bad.
With this minimalism, it is interesting to compare it to rivals. The current generation of Mercedes interiors have a lot more going on in them. Whether that appeals is up to you.
Driving Experience
I drove a dual motor model. 400+ hp. My daily is a 1.4 80PS Polo and my toy is a MK1 Audi TT 225. As you can imagine then, I thought this thing was rapid. Instantly so of course. That instant power really does give you more options on the road. Pick your spot. Go. Done. No problem. It is of course, huge fun too!
Its obviously incredibly quiet, but you are allowed to enjoy the experience as its solid, well insulated and doesn't shake about, with one exception which I'll get to.
Steering was obviously light, but direct and intuitive. Somewhat lifeless but that doesn't really matter on this thing in my opinion.
The throttle pedal has a very soft travel at the top of the pedal action. That struck me as soon as I started. Like your squishing a marshmallow with the pedal before the proper power comes in. It was odd at first but I think it works like that to help you modulate the throttle. Particularly with the regen braking slowing the car more than a normal car would when coasting. With regen braking, you need to modulate the throttle to coast as we are used to. Not just take your foot off like normal. It slows down quite sharp if you do that.
Both the low and standard regen modes were well calibrated. My driving style suits one pedal driving anyways but I found it very easy to get used to. One pedal driving is fantastic.
I did have to get on the brakes properly one time. It has brilliant braking performance. Very impressed by that.
Really liked the seats.
Easy to see out of. C pillar is quite big but I didn't find that too bad. Has blind spot monitoring of course if that does bother you.
Car was easy to place on the road. Not a particularly big car to drive of course but was easy to get used to its dimensions.
I didn't hoon the car, but the body control felt good. Definitely felt like a normal, good car and not a crap crossover. Some of them are like driving a trifle.
One downside was the ride comfort. The roads we took were in about as good condition as roads get apart from newly surfaced. The ride however was very jiggly. I don't remember any huge thumps but the ride was busy. Almost like the suspension is shivering. It's probably liveable, but not ideal.
It was riding on 20s and has a fair bit weight to deal with, (bit like I do nowadays) but it wasn't the performance pack one. Gosh I imagine that rides like a church pew with skateboard wheels on it. I'd be interested to see how much difference the 19s make. I noticed it when the TT I got back into rode much better and my Polo rides like a magic carpet in comparison.
Conclusion
Overall, both the car and the Polestar test drive experience is absolutely fantastic. It is a great brand that has made a great car. Definitely feels a more premium prospect over the likes of the Volkswagen ID3 and Renault Zoe whilst being competitive with Elon's offering.
Obviously, it has all the drawbacks associated with electric cars, but they are individual. Not everyone can charge at home yet but many can etc.
I thought you guys might like to read a review. Particularly one that features an EV that goes through the whole thing without mentioning the Tesla Model 3.
Oh bugger
Hope everyone is doing well and their week is treating them well thus far!
I thought I'd give my thoughts on the Polestar 2 as I test drove one at the weekend.
Forgive me if I'm pissing on everyone's bonfire as I imagine the driving characteristics, features and general experience of the car has probably been covered here. However, I really did enjoy the experience of the car and I wanted to put that into words.
London Westfield
It began with a trip to London's Westfield shopping centre, where I was surprised and delighted to see a Polestar "Space" with a Polestar 2 inside; its classy but distinctive design catching the eye instantly against the minimalist interior of their "Space." I've always liked Volvos, particularly this current generation, and had never see a Polestar up close, so I went in. Even when I'm with two girlfriends, (friends that are women, behave - I'm not polyamorous) it is hard to keep me from cars.
I was very impressed with how approachable, friendly and helpful they were in there. I asked about the possibility of a test drive, as if you don't ask you don't get of course! They were happy as I'm 25, and even stated how their Spaces are designed to facilitate the experience of the Polestar brand away from a sales/dealership environment. This made great impression on me.
I ended up test driving it at their Milton Keynes test centre.
Milton Keynes Test Centre
Once again a very welcoming, pressure free environment with very friendly and particularly helpful staff. There was a group of us who had come to test drive the car in that time slot.They gave us a presentation on all the stats; charging times, range, one pedal driving etc. Particularly important as I might've been the only one with prior electric car driving experience. At most one of two.
Afterwards, each person got their own Polestar 2 to drive with their companion as a passenger. No Polestar employee in the car. However, we followed a test driver in another Polestar 2 in convoy on a pre determined road route. Nice mix of urban and countryside.
So, my feelings about the car
Exterior Design
Obviously subjective, but I agree with the general consensus on this car. It looks absolutely brilliant. Suave, cool and distinctive enough that you feel like you have something special and different, but discreet and understated enough that it is easily inconspicuous. The car equivalent of a fountain pen.
I also like the fact it has hatchback boot. Personally, I much prefer daily vehicles to have a hatchback boot to be honest. I love normal hatchbacks and estates. Saloon decklids are very compromised in my opinion. Why do I want to "post" my stuff into the boot?
Interior
You get in and can instantly tell its a quality item. All the touchpoints are tactile and pleasing to use. The fit and finish is spot on.
The refined classiness of the exterior carries on into the interior. Everything has a crisp simplicity that is special without being fussy. Particular highlight is the gear selector. I loved that. It is different enough that it distinguishes itself from the obvious competitors, such as the German stuff and the omnipresent American alternative, without being wacky.
It has a minimalist interior but still nice. The American car has an interior that looks like a flat you've left at the end of the tenancy but you've left the TV as it belongs to the landlord.
I thought the infotainment, both the central screen and the instrument cluster was fantastic. Clear, legible and razor sharp. I particularly like the map on the big screen and in the instrument cluster. It was also very easy to use. Mastering would definitely be a quick and easy process.
I particularly like the use of orange.
I think physical buttons for climate control would be nice. I don't like the trend of moving away from buttons. However, this Polestar had just enough buttons and an easy enough screen that it was not too bad.
With this minimalism, it is interesting to compare it to rivals. The current generation of Mercedes interiors have a lot more going on in them. Whether that appeals is up to you.
Driving Experience
I drove a dual motor model. 400+ hp. My daily is a 1.4 80PS Polo and my toy is a MK1 Audi TT 225. As you can imagine then, I thought this thing was rapid. Instantly so of course. That instant power really does give you more options on the road. Pick your spot. Go. Done. No problem. It is of course, huge fun too!
Its obviously incredibly quiet, but you are allowed to enjoy the experience as its solid, well insulated and doesn't shake about, with one exception which I'll get to.
Steering was obviously light, but direct and intuitive. Somewhat lifeless but that doesn't really matter on this thing in my opinion.
The throttle pedal has a very soft travel at the top of the pedal action. That struck me as soon as I started. Like your squishing a marshmallow with the pedal before the proper power comes in. It was odd at first but I think it works like that to help you modulate the throttle. Particularly with the regen braking slowing the car more than a normal car would when coasting. With regen braking, you need to modulate the throttle to coast as we are used to. Not just take your foot off like normal. It slows down quite sharp if you do that.
Both the low and standard regen modes were well calibrated. My driving style suits one pedal driving anyways but I found it very easy to get used to. One pedal driving is fantastic.
I did have to get on the brakes properly one time. It has brilliant braking performance. Very impressed by that.
Really liked the seats.
Easy to see out of. C pillar is quite big but I didn't find that too bad. Has blind spot monitoring of course if that does bother you.
Car was easy to place on the road. Not a particularly big car to drive of course but was easy to get used to its dimensions.
I didn't hoon the car, but the body control felt good. Definitely felt like a normal, good car and not a crap crossover. Some of them are like driving a trifle.
One downside was the ride comfort. The roads we took were in about as good condition as roads get apart from newly surfaced. The ride however was very jiggly. I don't remember any huge thumps but the ride was busy. Almost like the suspension is shivering. It's probably liveable, but not ideal.
It was riding on 20s and has a fair bit weight to deal with, (bit like I do nowadays) but it wasn't the performance pack one. Gosh I imagine that rides like a church pew with skateboard wheels on it. I'd be interested to see how much difference the 19s make. I noticed it when the TT I got back into rode much better and my Polo rides like a magic carpet in comparison.
Conclusion
Overall, both the car and the Polestar test drive experience is absolutely fantastic. It is a great brand that has made a great car. Definitely feels a more premium prospect over the likes of the Volkswagen ID3 and Renault Zoe whilst being competitive with Elon's offering.
Obviously, it has all the drawbacks associated with electric cars, but they are individual. Not everyone can charge at home yet but many can etc.
I thought you guys might like to read a review. Particularly one that features an EV that goes through the whole thing without mentioning the Tesla Model 3.
Oh bugger
Edited by CBurb on Thursday 1st July 22:16
CBurb said:
I thought you guys might like to read a review. Particularly one that features an EV that goes through the whole thing without mentioning the Tesla Model 3.
Yep, wouldn't want that..CBurb said:
It has a minimalist interior but still nice. The Model 3 has an interior that looks like a flat you've left at the end of the tenancy but you've left the TV as it belongs to the landlord.
Thanks for the post though easy conditions being height of summer.
What is it like to take one out cold not preheated, how quickly does it warm up? Does it steam up readily? My old Leaf is so crap with this heating a water circuit thing it takes as long as an ICE! And the preheating sometimes steams up the car.
I'm sure the style, image, gadgets and infotainment is up to scratch but are there any old school niggles.
What is it like to take one out cold not preheated, how quickly does it warm up? Does it steam up readily? My old Leaf is so crap with this heating a water circuit thing it takes as long as an ICE! And the preheating sometimes steams up the car.
I'm sure the style, image, gadgets and infotainment is up to scratch but are there any old school niggles.
CBurb said:
Very good review snipped for brevity
Just on the ride, I haven’t driven a car in 20’s but I can say that on 19’s its fine, it doesn’t glide over bumps like my old Citroen DS (sadly no longer with me) ;-) but it’s perfectly acceptable and comfy, 20’s add absolutely nothing to the car IMOI got mine without seeing one or driving it and its the best ‘modern’ car ive had
jason61c said:
a ps2, long range, with pilot and plus pack is £700ish(excluding vat) on a fully maintained 3+35. 12kpa.
As much as id like the thump of a twin motor, I think the useful range(lighter weight?) of the single motor will be of more use, especially with the heat pump
For the additional £30-40 a month Polestar are asking I'd definitely go for the AWD personally. Range has improved dramatically since launch, AWD can come in very handy in the UK and the performance difference is significant enough to be worth the cost and 10% range reduction IMHO.As much as id like the thump of a twin motor, I think the useful range(lighter weight?) of the single motor will be of more use, especially with the heat pump
SWoll said:
jason61c said:
a ps2, long range, with pilot and plus pack is £700ish(excluding vat) on a fully maintained 3+35. 12kpa.
As much as id like the thump of a twin motor, I think the useful range(lighter weight?) of the single motor will be of more use, especially with the heat pump
For the additional £30-40 a month Polestar are asking I'd definitely go for the AWD personally. Range has improved dramatically since launch, AWD can come in very handy in the UK and the performance difference is significant enough to be worth the cost and 10% range reduction IMHO.As much as id like the thump of a twin motor, I think the useful range(lighter weight?) of the single motor will be of more use, especially with the heat pump
SWoll said:
jason61c said:
a ps2, long range, with pilot and plus pack is £700ish(excluding vat) on a fully maintained 3+35. 12kpa.
As much as id like the thump of a twin motor, I think the useful range(lighter weight?) of the single motor will be of more use, especially with the heat pump
For the additional £30-40 a month Polestar are asking I'd definitely go for the AWD personally. Range has improved dramatically since launch, AWD can come in very handy in the UK and the performance difference is significant enough to be worth the cost and 10% range reduction IMHO.As much as id like the thump of a twin motor, I think the useful range(lighter weight?) of the single motor will be of more use, especially with the heat pump
By the way SWoll, what are you thinking about replacing the M3P with? There are not a huge amount of alternatives available?
EddieSteadyGo said:
Maybe it is just me, but I would find it slightly galling looking at the current prices vs what it was costing a few months.
By the way SWoll, what are you thinking about replacing the M3P with? There are not a huge amount of alternatives available?
when they came out, it was circa £550 per month for the launch edition. However its not directly out of my pocket.By the way SWoll, what are you thinking about replacing the M3P with? There are not a huge amount of alternatives available?
there's the ps2/ev6/iqonic 5 plus all the German range so quite a lot of alternatives
jason61c said:
when they came out, it was circa £550 per month for the launch edition. However its not directly out of my pocket.
there's the ps2/ev6/iqonic 5 plus all the German range so quite a lot of alternatives
Maybe I'm being myopic but while the PS2 has been out a while, I don't think the Ev6 and Ioniq5 are available yet. At least I haven't seen any on the road.there's the ps2/ev6/iqonic 5 plus all the German range so quite a lot of alternatives
I do think we are lacking a good, high performance alternative to the Model 3. The PS2 is a very good car just slightly let down by the range. I-pace is too inefficient and expensive (hopefully I can say that as a former owner). The Kia e-niro is a bit boring (again, it's a car I own, so hopefully that is fair comment).
EddieSteadyGo said:
Maybe I'm being myopic but while the PS2 has been out a while, I don't think the Ev6 and Ioniq5 are available yet. At least I haven't seen any on the road.
I do think we are lacking a good, high performance alternative to the Model 3. The PS2 is a very good car just slightly let down by the range. I-pace is too inefficient and expensive (hopefully I can say that as a former owner). The Kia e-niro is a bit boring (again, it's a car I own, so hopefully that is fair comment).
the ps2 now has better range, not as good, however lots of plus points over a model 3.I do think we are lacking a good, high performance alternative to the Model 3. The PS2 is a very good car just slightly let down by the range. I-pace is too inefficient and expensive (hopefully I can say that as a former owner). The Kia e-niro is a bit boring (again, it's a car I own, so hopefully that is fair comment).
I'm hoping the iqonic 5 is as good as it should be.
iqonic 5>ps2>ev6>q4>model 3 is the order I'll go.
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