Heads turn and the car attracts huge stares as Polestar 1 glides through the streets of Helsinki.

In a way, Polestar 1 has a lot of Volvo features in its design, but still as a whole the car is something quite different from what you are used to seeing.

Owned by Volvo and Geely, Polestar is still a relatively unknown new car brand in Finland, and this test-driven Polestar 1 is the first one the importer has brought to Finland.

The Polestar 1 is a luxurious 2 2 seater two-door coupé with a body made of carbon fibre reinforced polymer composite. The carbon fibre adds stiffness to the body as well as lightness. The Polestar 1, inspired by the design of the Holy Volvo, is the brainchild of Thomas Ingenlath.

Looking at the car’s handsome price tag of €169,900, expectations are high in terms of quality and driveability, with no room for compromise in these price ranges.

Leather, crystal and quality, but..

The cabin has a very relaxed and refined atmosphere. The large, thick door closes firmly and the silence captivates the cabin.

Leather and carbon fibre have been used sparingly, and the elegantly discreet mood lighting brings the cabin to life as the evening fades. The gear knob is an Orreforss crystal knob with the Polestar logo. The details are finished to perfection.

Tranquillity and silence are present even at higher speeds. There is hardly any noise from the outside and tyre noise remains very low. And you quickly get used to the car’s large exterior dimensions.

However, it’s best not to get too attached to the car’s exterior design and feel. The fact that the interior is also in many respects ‘basic Volvo’ is a bit of a problem. The instrument cluster and display are familiar from Volvo models, while the design and buttons on the centre console look like those of the parent company.

In terms of interior space, the car is mainly worth considering for two people and a few shopping bags. The rear seats are designed with legroom and headroom for small children.

An adult has to ride in the rear seat with his or her head down. In the boot, the car’s electrical equipment and wiring is nicely displayed. The boot only has a capacity of 125 litres.

Over 100 kilometres on electricity

In terms of electric range, the Polestar 1 can be considered the king of hybrid models. with a WLTP of 124 kilometres, Polestar 1 is reportedly the charging hybrid with the longest electric range. In a short one-day test drive, it easily covered 100 kilometres on electric power in summer weather. A 34 kWh battery is used as the driving battery.

Two electric motors mounted on the rear axle provide effortless electric driving, but the combined power of just over 200 horsepower does not make the car move like a sock.

In addition to the electric motors on the rear axle, the front axle is powered by a two-litre mechanically and turbocharged petrol engine.

The combined output of the engines rises to over 600 horsepower and the torque available is an impressive 1,000 Newton metres. Zero to 60 is achieved in 4.2 seconds.

With four driving modes, the Polestar 1 offers a choice of engines for a wide range of driving styles. On electric power alone, even longer city cruises are possible thanks to the large battery, and in sport mode, all horses are unleashed for those who enjoy a faster ride.

The Polestar 1, with its sophisticated power train, goes effortlessly from situation to situation thanks to its ferocious power figures. The occasionally slightly slow eight-speed gearbox’s responsiveness is offset by the electric motors’ immediate response to the throttle pedal.

The chassis features Öhlins manually adjustable shock absorbers and Akebono’s huge and powerful brakes. The stiffness of the front shock absorbers is adjustable from the engine compartment.

In your own garage to wait for the value increase?

When you take a moment to reflect on the overall driving experience after a test drive, the Polestar 1 is sure to leave a lasting impression on the test driver’s heart.

The driving experience is a wonderful “compromise” between the refined GT spirit and the sporty sports car. With a curb weight of over 2,300 kg, the ride is extremely stable, crowned by the quietness and finish of the interior.

On the emotional side, it all starts with the most striking styling on the market, which will be long remembered for its timelessness and simplicity.

This year will be the last year of production for the Polestar 1 and the total number of cars produced will remain at 1500. Time will tell how desirable a collector’s item the car will become in time, thanks to its handsome looks and limited production run.

Polestar 1

• Engine: 2.0 l, 4-cylinder, mechanically and turbocharged petrol
• Electric motors: 2 x 116 hp.
• Generator and starter motor: 86 hp
• Total power: 609 hp.
• Total torque: 1 000 Nm.
• Acceleration: 4.2 sec (0-100 km/h)
• Driving battery capacity: 34 kWh.
• Indicated operating range on a single charge: 124 km.
• Drive mode: four-wheel drive (petrol front, electric rear)
• Starting price: EUR 169 900.