Polestar 1 makes public debut

Polestar, the new electric performance brand from Volvo, has debuted in public at the Geneva Motor Show, writes Brian Byrne.

The brand — formerly relating to Volvo performance cars — introduced the Polestar 1 to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show. The European debut follows its global media reveal in Shanghai, China, in late 2017.

Though over 6,000 expressions of interest have been received for the car, only 500 a year will be built. Pre-orders will open on 13 March

Polestar customers will be able to subscribe to their Polestar car for two or three years in the same way as has been introduced to Volvo cars as an option. One monthly fee includes sundries like insurance and maintenance. Customers will also be able to purchase the Polestar 1 outright if desired.

The Polestar 1 is a petrol hybrid 2+2 GT coupé with 600hp and a 150km of pure electric driving range – the longest of any hybrid car in the world. The petrol engine powers the front wheels, and dual electric motors power the rear.

Volvo also showcased its new V60 mid-sized estate, the V60, built on the same scaleable platform as the XC60 and the 90 series cars. It is available with petrol or diesel engines and the whole palette of Volvo safety technologies.

The V60 won't be available until the latter part of this year.

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