Polestar has made numerous changes to its 2 electric hatchback, like increasing power outputs across the range and fitting slightly larger batteries with better range and faster charging. But none is more important than this – the entry-level, single-motor version now powers the rear wheels rather than those at the front.
When did a car maker last make such a fundamental mid-life change to one of its models? MG Rover with the V8-powered ZT and 75 variants, perhaps.
Of course switching from FWD to RWD is a damn sight easier with an electric car than a combustion-engined one, especially when there’s already a twin-motor version in the line-up – you just leave the rear motor in and take the front one out. Although there has been plenty of chassis tuning work to make the most of that switch, while power is now up to a shade under 300bhp. Might this finally be an electric car for petrolheads?
The only real visual change is a new blank panel at the front that replaces the old grille. I still like the simple, minimalist design, both inside and out, with its unmistakable Nordic vibe, but if someone said the Polestar 2 was plain, I’m not sure I could mount much of a case for the defence. To drive? It’s brisk – really brisk – without being stomach-churningly rapid the way very powerful EVs, including the Dual Motor Polestar 2, tend to be.
Ride comfort is good – smoother than the very tightly controlled and somewhat uptight ride you get on the Öhlins dampers that come with the optional Performance Pack – but what surprised me most was how eager this car was to shove itself along a winding B-road. Do the same in many similar cars, like the Kia EV6 GT and its twin, the Genesis GV60, and you feel nothing in return, nothing that makes you want to continue stretching the car’s legs. So you stop.
But here, you press on. Cornering grip is massive, the steering is numb but really very accurate indeed, and body control is good. The rear-drive balance is so much more satisfying too. Ultimately you can hustle it only so much because it weighs two tonnes and isn’t tuned purely for performance driving, but there aren’t many electric family cars out there right now that offer the enthusiast driver more fun than this. Isn’t it about time Polestar did a pure sports car?
Dan’s video review of the Polestar 2 is live now on the Video & Podcast page
Polestar 2 Long Range Single Motor
Powertrain: single electric motor, 82kWh battery
Transmission: single-speed, RWD
Power: 295bhp
Torque: 361lb ft
Weight: 2009kg
Power-to-weight: 147bhp/tonne
0-62mph: 6.2sec
Top speed: 127mph
Range: 406 miles (WLTP)
Price: £48,950
Ti rating 7/10
