July 2023: 357 Speedster revealed

Porsche follows stunning 357 coupe concept with the must-have sequel: a jaw-dropping new 357 Speedster concept.

Story continues: Porsche 357 concept celebrates 75th birthday of iconic sports car

The Porsche 357 concept has debuted at the Volkswagen Group’s Drive Forum in Berlin.

The concept is designed to celebrate the 356’s 75th birthday, which marked the start of the Stuttgart marque’s sports car production in 1948.

The example shown here is purely a concept car that Porsche says brings the iconic 356’s “monolithic form into the present day”.

Underneath the low-slung, wide-body sports car is a 718 Cayman GT4 RS, including that car’s 368kW 4.0-litre flat-six powerplant and seven-speed PDK transmission.

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Unlike the electric 718 GT4 ePerformance test-bed, the 357 isn’t a glimpse into the brand’s electric future, or the next 911.

There are plenty of interesting details, such as the camera mirrors and LED lighting signatures that shine through perforated body work without ditching the brand’s DNA.

A host of Porsche 356 details remain in the 357, including the shape of the glasshouse, side profile and alloy wheels that recall the original 356’s large 205mm bolt circle, and an extreme wide-body treatment constructed from natural-fibre reinforced plastic. This material is similar to carbon-fibre, but with sustainable flax fibres rather than carbon.

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The glass in the 357 also nods to the 356 in its innovation – referencing the split glass forming into a single piece – while its black a-pillar gives a seamless transition that Porsche says resembles a helmet visor.

Functional aerodynamic experiments include concealed door handles that sit behind patterns in the doors, and LED lights which shine through perforations in the bodywork at the rear.

“Let’s just say that without the 75th birthday this year, most likely, that car that you see there [the 357] would have been part of the Unseen Book 2.0,” chief designer at Porsche, Michael Mauer, told Wheels.

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Return of the Renndienst?

Another curious choice was including Porsche’s ID.Buzz-based Renndienst concept van as the tow car for the 356, though Mauer extinguished any imminent production plans for a Porsche van.

“[Renndienst] didn’t start with a task to think about possible extension of our portfolio, that was really an exercise trying out how far the design DNA thing can be stretched.

“There are technical possibilities to bring this [van] on the road”, said Mauer, though he added it isn’t a production study, but rather “part of trying to explore all the corners of possibilities for Porsche.”

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With Porsche’s 75th birthday occurring in 2023 (which, incidentally, coincides with 100 years of the Le Mans 24-Hour Race), we’re certain to see more Porsche concepts, tributes and events this year.

Mauer even said so himself:

“We are celebrating 75 years. This is one birthday present, stay tuned for what you will see over the whole year.”

Petrol, diesel, gas – and now electric vehicle charger – supplier Ampol has announced a partnership with Australian commercial vehicle manufacturer SEA Electric.

The partnership will see Ampol supply electric vehicle charging stations for the SEA Electric commercial fleet, both at destinations and in the workplace.

It will also support fleet operators and drivers at petrol station forecourts, as part of its recently-launched AmpCharge electric vehicle charging program.

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“Ampol is evolving to provide a range of fast and reliable charging solutions. We know our business customers are looking for lower emissions solutions and want to ensure their investment in commercial electric vehicles can be supported with efficient and reliable charging technologies,” said Ampol’s general manager for energy, James Myatt.

“Ampol is committed to developing an open access national charging network as well as home and business charging solutions to ensure vehicles can be on the road whenever needed.”

SEA Electric said the partnership will help to “reduce range anxiety for businesses looking to invest in electric trucks to reduce their emissions.”

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“Through this collaboration, we are shining a light on the fact that electric powered truck fleets can be operationally flexible by accessing convenient charging infrastructure through the AmpCharge network,” said SEA Electric president, Bill Gillespie.

First launched in August 2022, the AmpCharge network is currently available at five Ampol locations, with up to 121 charging stations planned across Australia by December.

SEA Electric was founded in 2012, with its first electric vehicle conversion occurring in 2017. A range of electric trucks – the Isuzu Trucks-based SEA 300 and SEA 500 – have been available since 2021.

Last week, it signed a memorandum of understanding with MEVCO to supply all-electric Toyota HiLux and LandCruiser utes for use in the Australian mining sector.

The 2024 Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV has gained another round of minor cosmetic tweaks, three years after receiving a facelift.

The I-Pace will launch locally in July 2023 with the same EV400 model line-up pair – but prices are up between $1943 to $5383.

Notably, the British automaker has ditched the traditional-looking black grille in favour of a smoother fascia painted in atlas grey, with a new black and silver Jaguar badge in the middle.

Similarly, vertical blades underneath the headlights are finished in grey, while the front bumper, lower door and rear diffuser elements are body-coloured instead of gloss black.

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The black pack becomes standard on all I-Pace variants, adding gloss black surrounds to the grille, windows, wing mirror caps and rear badges.

All wheel designs are now diamond-cut and the optional 22-inch alloys are now finished in satin grey with carbon fibre inserts.

The new I-Pace EV also adds two matte exterior colours to the palette – eiger grey and carpathian grey – and a contrasting roof option, which paints the rear section of the panoramic glass roof black, for the first time.

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Before you go expecting too much more, take note: no changes have been made to the 2024 I-Pace’s powertrain, battery or interior features.

The Austrian-made I-Pace was an early entrant to the electric car market, launching in 2018 using a dedicated EV platform.

Yet, only 23 I-Pace examples were registered last year. Jaguar only sold 700 vehicles locally in 2022, representing a 42.7 per cent dip compared to 2021 and was the hardest-hit luxury automaker in Australia.

JUMP AHEAD

• 2024 Jaguar I-Pace pricing
• 2024 Jaguar I-Pace features
• Options
• Colours
• Performance, drivetrain and driving range
• Safety
• Dimensions
• Warranty and servicing
• Availability

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2024 Jaguar I-Pace pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

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2024 Jaguar I-Pace features

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Options

A range of options are offered, including:

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Colours

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Performance, drivetrain and driving range

All 2024 Jaguar I-Pace variants are all-wheel drive with dual electric motors producing 294kW of power and 696Nm of torque. Jaguar claims a 0-100km/h sprint of 4.8 seconds.

The I-Pace houses an 84.7kWh usable battery (90kWh gross), providing a 470km driving range (WLTP).

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It can be recharged at up to 11kW AC and 100kW DC speeds on a compatible charger.

The I-Pace can tow up to 750kg on a braked or unbraked trailer with a maximum roof load of 75kg.

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Safety

The Jaguar I-Pace carries a five-star ANCAP safety rating tested under the 2018 criteria.

It achieved 91 per cent for adult occupant protection, 81 per cent for child occupant protection, 73 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 77 per cent for the safety assist criteria.

Six airbags (dual frontal, side and curtain) are standard.

The 2024 I-Pace includes the following active safety features as standard:

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Dimensions

The 2024 Jaguar I-Pace measures in at 4682mm long, 1566mm tall, and 2139mm wide (including wing mirrors).

Using a dedicated EV platform, it has a 2990mm long wheelbase and 174mm ground clearance.

The I-Pace EV has a 656-litre boot capacity, expanding to 1453-litres when the rear row seats are folded down.

There’s also a 27-litre frunk under the bonnet.

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Warranty and servicing

The I-Pace is covered by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty and an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty with the marque promising it’ll retain at least 70 per cent of its health over that period.

Five-years of roadside assistance is also included.

I-Pace buyers receive free servicing for their vehicle up to five years/200,000 kilometres (whichever occurs first).

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Availability

The updated 2024 Jaguar I-Pace EV is available to order now, with first deliveries starting from July 2023.

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2024 Jaguar I-Pace pricing

Prices exclude on-road costs.

Chinese carmaker BYD (Build Your Dreams) is reportedly in talks with Ford to purchase its Saarlouis factory in Germany.

Ford’s Saarlouis plant – which is home to around 4600 employees and exclusively produces the Ford Focus hatchback and wagon – is set to close in 2025 following fading demand for small combustion-engined vehicles.

According to The Wall Street Journal, officials from Ford’s management in Germany are planning to travel to China next week, though discussions to sell Saarlouis to BYD are in the early stages, and may not eventuate.

AS BYD expands its operations across the globe, the purchase of Ford’s Saarlouis plant could improve European supply of BYD’s vehicles.

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However, it’s understood Ford is gauging interest in the plant from around 15 potential investors, so the deal is far from done.

Ford is invested in launching a line-up of all-electric vehicles, aiming for EVs to take up at least 40 per cent of its global sales by 2030 and EV-only in Europe by 2030 where emissions regulations are more stringent.

In the interim, it’s focusing on higher profit SUVs, utes and light commercial vans.

Ford has already axed passenger vehicles including the Fiesta city hatch, Mondeo medium sedan and wagon, and the future of the Focus looks bleak with Saarlouis soon shutting down.

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Ford’s European division workforce is also dramatically shrinking across spare parts, internal combustion engine research, technical, and assembly as it cuts costs amid the major EV investment and the subsequent fewer labor and parts required for EVs.

Meanwhile, BYD Auto was founded in 2003 and is now rapidly expanding its electric vehicles globally, including in Europe.

It already has electric bus assembly sites in Hungary and France, but all passenger vehicles such as the Atto 3 crossover stems from its home country in Shenzhen.

Ferrari has patented an ‘engine’ noise amplification system for its upcoming electric supercars.

Analysts Oddo BHF describe the patent as a “reproduction device for the realisation of a sound that can be associated with an electric motor”, adding the Italian carmaker would amplify sound from drivetrain components in real-time to the cabin before rerouting the roar out through the rear exterior of the car.

The technology is likely to debut in Ferrari’s first all-electric supercar due in 2025. Ferrari’s transition to electrification is happening more slowly than mainstream carmakers, expecting EVs to account for 40 per cent of its global sales by 2030.

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President Ferrari Far and Middle East, Dieter Knechtel previously told Wheels that, although electrification is a crucial part of the brand’s future, sound is an essential feature in any Ferrari’s character. Without eight- or twelve-cylinders to play with, that becomes a little trickier.

Ferrari isn’t alone in trying to make EVs more thrilling with artificial driving noises to match internal combustion engines.

The Dodge Charger SRT Daytona Banshee Concept uses a ‘Fratzonic’ exhaust system to amplify sounds coming from the electric motor through a special chamber and replicate an electrified muscle car tone.

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Meanwhile, the upcoming Abarth 500e electric hot hatch is launching with a sound generator, to reproduce a roaring petrol engine’s sound for the driver via the speakers.

Hyundai’s high performance N division is also developing artificial engine noises matched to the speed and a virtual dual-clutch transmission system fitted with the same jolts and downshift vibrations.

Brands such as Kia, BMW and Porsche EVs already adopt selectable artificial driving noises pumped in through the interior’s speakers.

What do you think of fake engine sounds? Have your say in the comments section below.

LDV has confirmed it will add another van to its line-up in the fourth-quarter of 2023.

While it has yet to confirm further details, Wheels understands the recently-revealed Maxus V70 – the brand name for LDV in China and Europe – is the van that is likely to reach local shores.

It will be offered with internal combustion and all-electric options, while three roof height options will be available.

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In 2022, the mid-size van segment was dominated by the long-running Toyota HiAce (8748), followed by the Hyundai Staria Load (3291), LDV G10 (3159) and supply-constrained Ford Transit Custom (1709).

With recent success in the large van category, where the LDV Deliver 9 outsold the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter for the first time in two decades, the Chinese brand said it is hoping to “have the same impact” in the smaller segment.

“We expect our new mid-size van will replicate the success of the Deliver 9 and shake up its respective segment,” said LDV Australia general manager, Dinesh Chinnappa.

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LDV also currently sells the older V80 panel van in Australia, with its 562 registrations allowing LDV’s two-pronged range to outsell the Hyundai Staria Load, for a combined 16.1 per cent market share in 2022.

It is unknown if the new van would replace the G10 and V80, or if it’ll be offered as a modern, safer alternative.

It is worth noting that autonomous emergency braking will become compulsory for all new vehicles sold in Australia in March 2025, which is a potentially life-saving technology that the G10 and V80 both currently lack.

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First revealed in December 2022, the Maxus V70 is offered in China as a people carrier or panel van, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and an automatic transmission.

It will be followed by an all-electric version in the coming months, to follow the eDeliver 9, eT60 ute and Mifa 9 people mover launched in Australia late last year.

It has a reported fuel consumption of 7.4L/100km, and is said to ride on a new architecture.

Below: the current 2023 LDV G10 and LDV V80 mid-size vans

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The hotted-up 2023 BMW M3 CS has debuted ahead of its appearance at the 24 Hours of Daytona this weekend – and it’s confirmed for Australia.

It will sit at the top of the M3 range, joining the track-focused M4 CSL with its more potent 405kW ‘S58’ twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline-six and carbon fibre components.

However, unlike the M4 CSL, it features back seats and BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system, with a faster 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds.

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2023 BMW M3 CS pricing

BMW Australia has confirmed the M3 CS will arrive in Australia in the second half of 2023, priced from $249,900 before on-road costs, making it $75,000 more than an M3 Competition.

Under the bonnet, the M3 CS features a 30kW hike in peak output compared to the M3 Competition, courtesy of raising the turbo’s maximum boost pressure from 1.7 to 2.1 bar.

There’s also a tweaked engine management system and stiffer engine mounts for increased rigidity.

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This has raised power to 405kW (in line with the M4 CSL) while torque is unchanged at 650Nm. It is matched with an eight-speed ZF torque converter automatic transmission and an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential.

BMW quotes a 0-100km/h time of 3.4 seconds – three-tenths quicker than the M4 CSL – and a 0-200km/h time of 11.1 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 302km/h.

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As with the M4 CSL, the M3 CS sports a more power/less weight formula, with a carbon-fibre roof and lightweight parts, including the bonnet, front and rear bumper, mirror caps, air intakes and spoiler – but it retains the rear bench to allow for seating for five.

There’s also a lightweight exhaust system with titanium rear silencers.

This equates to a 20-kilogram weight saving over the M3 Competition, while the middle-rear seat is retained – unlike the M5 CS, which features two rear bucket seats.

As expected, it includes BMW’s Laserlight headlights with a delightfully-Euro yellow low beam, and red exterior highlights.

Under the skin, BMW has retuned the M3’s suspension, with a unique camber, damper, anti-roll bar and auxiliary spring tune, and bespoke steering calibration.

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It features red or black M brakes as standard, with optional carbon-ceramic calipers in matte gold or red for $16,500 extra. There are also forged M light-alloy wheels in bronze, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear, and track tyres (or high-performance road tyres as a no-cost option).

Inside, the M3 CS includes carbon-fibre bucket seats with illuminated model badging, black and red upholstery, an Alcantara steering wheel, and a lightweight centre console with a delete option.

The 2023 BMW M3 CS will commence limited-run production in March, with local deliveries set to commence in the second half of 2023.

Hyundai Australia has issued a recall for the 2020-22 Santa Fe, i30 N, Kona N and Sonata.

The affected vehicles are fitted with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, as found in the Santa Fe diesel, Sonata N Line, Kona N, and optional for the i30 N hatch and sedan.

The issue affects 8460 examples built between the following dates:

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According to Hyundai, a programming issue could cause “the “fail-safe” driving mode [to] not respond as intended” when a transmission electric oil pump fault is detected in the dual-clutch gearbox.

“Under certain driving conditions, the vehicle fail-safe mode may activate, resulting in reduced acceleration followed by a loss of motive power.

“A loss of motive power while driving at high speed could increase the risk of a crash. This could potentially result in injury or death to vehicle occupants and other road users.”

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According to the US recall notice, an internal fault in the high-pressure electric oil pump could trigger a diagnostic code, and cause the affected vehicle to enter limp mode before the transmission automatically disengages the clutches after 20-30 seconds to prevent further damage.

The issue affected 61,861 vehicles in the United States across six models, including the Veloster N and Santa Cruz. A temporary stop-sale was initiated in North America in October 2022, but it is now lifted.

It follows a similar recall earlier this month for Kia Sorento vehicles produced between 2020 and 2022, which are fitted with the same eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for diesel variants.

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Hyundai Australia said affected owners should immediately contact a dealership to schedule an appointment to update the transmission software, free of charge.

In a letter sent to affected owners, Hyundai said, “there are no known injuries or deaths associated with the defect, either in Australia or outside of Australia.”

A VIN list for the affected Santa Fe, i30 Sedan N, Kona N and Sonata vehicles can be found here, while the VIN list for the European-built i30 N hatch is here.

The company can be contacted directly by calling 1800 186 306 between 8:30am and 6:00pm on weekdays, or by visiting a dealership, found here.

Sometimes you just want to be different. I talk to a lot of people about SUVs because they almost feel like it’s an obligation to buy one. If I can’t talk them into the vanishing range of wagons on the market, we end up back at SUVs.

“I don’t want an SUV, though. They’re boring.” I hear that a bit. There are plenty of good cars of this type, and they’re hardly excitement machines – unless you’re buying a fire-breathing AMG or M or Audi RS variant with a six-figure price tag.

Every now and again I’ll latch on to the Peugeot range of SUVs. “Oh, no, too weird/French/whatever.” They end up buying a Toyota. But sometimes someone will say, “Ooh, that’s interesting. But is it any good?” I will first declare my love of les voitures Françaises and then I will tell them this:

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JUMP AHEAD

• How much is it, and what do you get?
• How do rivals compare on value?
• Interior comfort, space and storage
• What is it like to drive?
• How is it on fuel?
• How safe is it?
• Warranty and running costs
• VERDICT
• Specifications

How much is it, and what do you get?

The 5008 GT Sport is a new spec level for Peugeot’s largest SUV.

Visually indistinguishable from the 3008 when viewed front-on, you’ll notice it has been stretched and the rear glass made far more upright to accommodate a third row of completely removable seats.

GT Sport means black wheels, black grille, black roof and, according to Peugeot, it’s been quite popular. It came with the SUV range facelift in 2021, but supply has meant we’ve only got our hands on one now.

For $65,657 (before on-road costs) you can have the petrol-engined 5008 GT Sport and it is only available as such. The diesel GT is about another $600 but doesn’t look nearly as good (in my opinion).

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How do rivals compare on value?

There are many seven-seat SUVs, most of which start cheaper than the 5008 GT Sport. Just as well, then, that the 5008 has a lot of charm.

As well as costing more, the 5008 is shorter and slightly narrower than its rivals, which means it’s a bit more city-friendly. It’s technically a mid-sized SUV with an extra row of seats.

The most obvious rival is the Mitsubishi Outlander. Strictly speaking, it’s a 5+2 because the third row is virtually unusable. Not playing in the Peugeot’s favour is that for similar money you can have the Outlander Exceed PHEV, with its decent real-world electric-only range.

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You can spend substantially less on an Outlander and get a pretty decent interior with the less exciting four-cylinder petrol engine but you won’t get the sizzle of the Peugeot’s outstanding interior.

There is also the VW Tiguan Allspace. While it does start in the low $40,000s, it’s not nearly as well equipped. You can obviously spend more and get more, but it’s got a very similar vibe to the 5008 without the inventive interior and striking exterior.

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Interior comfort, space and storage

The 5008’s interior is an absolute future classic. While some of the tech is getting on, it still looks fantastic, which is just as well because Peugeot needs to eke sales out of this model for another two or three years.

Its front seats are comfortable and just the right kind of firm. Peugeot’s massage system is actually quite good with its different pressure patterns. Even some top-end cars have weaker massagers than this one.

The materials in the 5008 are lovely and the dashboard design is really cool. I’ve always loved the old-school typewriter-style keys for the shortcut buttons in that brushed aluminium effect. It really is quite lovely and makes up for the sluggish touchscreen.

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The middle row is made of three separate seats, meaning the central seat isn’t the usual too-high-and-too-hard affair, although it does mean you’ll need to be a slim-hipped trio to fit across the back. The floor is completely flat, which reduces forced footsies, too.

Patterning and stitching on the seats is very cool and as it’s three seats, they’re a 40:20:40 split-fold. There is plenty of legroom and headroom, even with the sunroof, and you can get your feet under the front seats for a little extra space.

There are also air vents to ensure cooling or heating air makes it back there and there’s a separate fan speed controller. You can slide the middle row back and forth either to improve cargo space, bring smaller kids or animals closer to the front or improve third-row legroom.

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You don’t get a central armrest in the second row but there are airline-style tray tables in the front seatbacks. You can put a cup there but it may not necessarily stay there. Kids love these, though.

Access to the third row of two seats is a little dicey and once you’re in you will agree with my assessment that these are occasional seats. There’s one cup holder and a 12-volt charger, so not even a USB port to keep the devices charged without dumb bulky adapters.

Peugeot 5008 boot space

Speaking of boot space and seamless segues, if you do leave the third row of seats in and put them to use, you have 237 litres, which is a small hatchback’s worth of cargo.

Folding the second row down delivers a huge 590 litres. With the middle row fully folded, you’ll enjoy 1670 litres of space (which is measured to the roof). It’s a ton of load capacity for a car that really isn’t that big.

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What is it like to drive?

The basics

If you were able to close your eyes while driving the 5008, you’d almost swear it was exactly the same as the 3008.

Not long after having the bigger car I drove the smaller car and found it to be breathtakingly similar.

Well of course they are, you say, they’re basically the same car. And yes, they are, but although the 5008 is bigger and boxier you really won’t notice too much of a difference unless you look over your shoulder.

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Part of the illusion is probably to do with the identical driving position and mechanical set-up. The small steering wheel instantly makes it feel darty, with an exceptionally well-sorted chassis keeping up with the quick steering.

The Ford Escape has quick steering and can sometimes feel too darty, but Peugeot engineers have successfully dialled out the lurching direction change.

Where you would notice the difference between the two is overall ride quality. The slightly longer wheelbase of the 5008 delivers a marginally more composed ride. You’ll note I didn’t say “better” because they’re both such comfortable cars with one person or a full complement on board.

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At first glance, the idea that a seven-seat SUV could be hauled by a 1.6-litre turbo with just 133kW and 250Nm seems a bit silly. And it should, but the eight-speed automatic transmission does a terrific job of making the most of modest outputs.

It will slow markedly when fully loaded, but the willing engine and well-calibrated shifts of the transmission keep things on the boil. The 1.6 isn’t as good at suppressing lag as its 1.2-litre three-cylinder version, but it’s only a short moment before you’re on your way as peak torque arrives at 1650rpm.

The diesel is torquier by quite some margin but the petrol in the GT Sport is just a better engine, with far less lag and a more flexible feel even if the diesel pulls harder.

I’ve driven both engines a lot in this car now and despite feeling slower, the petrol is nicer.

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How is it on fuel?

Peugeot claims 5.6L/100km on the combined cycle, which seems a little ambitious for a big seven-seater.

I got 7.5L/100km in the week I had it, which included mostly suburban running about, so it’s not bad going. The official figure is remarkably close to the 2.0-litre diesel’s 5.0L/100km.

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How safe is it?

The Peugeot 5008 shares a five-star ANCAP rating (which dates back to 2016) with the 3008, such is their similarity of build.

The curtain airbags reach all the way to the third row, which is worth knowing if you’re cross-shopping against the larger Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe.

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Warranty and running costs

Peugeot offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years of roadside assist.

A capped-price servicing regime operates for five years and you’ll need to return to the dealer every 12 months/15,000km.

The company now offers pre-paid servicing plans which offer fairly hefty savings over pay-as-you-go servicing. At a recent Peugeot event for the launch of the 308, executives said that this was to combat a perception of high service costs on European cars, even though capped-price servicing has been available for some years.

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VERDICT

Peugeots aren’t for everyone. They’re not cheap, they’re not all-wheel drive and for some, they just can’t get over a reputation that has lingered long past its truthfulness.

Peugeot, like its Citroen sibling, does interesting and does it really well.

The 5008 is not the best seven-seat SUV but it’s certainly the pinnacle when it comes to styling and charm.

It’s great to drive, looks terrific and has a good amount of space for a car of its footprint. While the tech is getting on a little, it still works just fine while the rest of the car gets on with being fun and delightful for everyone involved.

As good as its competition undoubtedly is, and often cheaper, the 5008 is properly individual – but has the substance to go with it.

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2022 Peugeot 5008 GT Sport specifications

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The 2024 Polestar 2 electric sedan has debuted in Europe ahead of its local launch in the second half of the year.

As with its related Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge twins, the updated 2024 Polestar 2 will shift from front- to rear-wheel-drive, as part of its model-year revision.

JUMP AHEAD

• What’s new?
• Powertrains
• Batteries and charging time
• Availability

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What’s new?

The updated Polestar 2 received a minor facelift for greater familiarity with the forthcoming Polestar 3 electric SUV, which eschews the current Volvo-derived design language for a look penned by Polestar’s own team.

This includes the ‘SmartZone’, a body-coloured panel situated where a traditional grille would sit that incorporates its mid-range radar sensor and front-facing camera, and redesigned 20-inch alloy wheels in the optional Performance Pack.

Polestar has enhanced standard equipment with the much-needed addition of blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse autonomous emergency braking, a 360-degree camera system, a wireless phone charger, and auto-dimming side mirrors – but adaptive cruise control remains optional.

It follows a minor update for model-year 2023, which introduced aero-focused 19-inch alloy wheels, new exterior colours, improved technology, and significant price rises.

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Powertrains

As before, the lineup opens with a single-motor option, with a standard- or long-range battery. However, both variants are now rear-wheel-drive with up to 220kW and 490Nm – a 50kW and 160Nm improvement. This has reduced its 0-100km/h sprint time to 6.2 seconds (down 1.2s), while dynamic performance is said to be improved.

Meanwhile, the dual-motor version has received a re-balanced drivetrain and torque ratio, allowing for a rear-drive bias. It includes a new rear motor as the primary drive source, with 310kW and 740Nm – up 10kW and 80Nm – and a 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds.

The optional Performance Pack for the dual-motor long-range increases power to 350kW and a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.2 seconds.

While the power boost can be purchased over-the-air, the factory-fit package includes 20-inch alloy wheels, performance summer tyres, gold four-piston Brembo front calipers, gold seatbelts, and Öhlins adaptive dampers.

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Batteries and charging time

The updated Polestar 2 sports ‘next-generation’ electric motors and inverters for an increased driving range, faster charging speeds and enhanced performance.

It also features updated lithium-ion batteries, with a 69kWh unit for standard-range models and a larger 82kWh unit for long-range variants – up 4kWh. Both include a “redesigned battery disconnect unit, upgraded busbars and improved cell chemistry”, which has allowed for a WLTP-rated driving range boost of up to 635 kilometres for the long-range single-motor variant.

This is an improvement of around 85 kilometres, while the standard-range single-motor is up 40km to 518km, and the long-range dual-motor has increased by a substantial 105km to 592 kilometres.

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Similar to cylinder de-activation technology in internal-combustion vehicles for improved efficiency, the significant improvement for the dual-motor long-range is said to be led by the new ability to disengage the front electric motor when it isn’t required, with instant re-engagement when more power is needed.

And once the battery starts to deplete, Polestar says it has enabled faster DC charging rates of up to 205kW for long-range batteries and 135kW for the standard-range – up 54kW and 2kW, respectively.

The carbon emissions for the larger 82kWh battery have decreased compared to the previous 78kWh unit, at 5.9 tonnes per car versus seven tonnes previously.

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Availability

The 2024 Polestar 2 will become available to order in Australia in the second quarter (April to June inclusive), with first deliveries expected between July and September.

Updated pricing for the United Kingdom suggests local pricing could increase between $3000 and $6000, with the highest rise likely for the dual-motor long-range variant.

Full pricing and specifications for Australia will be released in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to Wheels for the latest information.

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