Kia PV5 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

I've long been intrigued by the discrepancy about van-derived cars between us in these islands and our continental cousins, writes Brian Byrne. What seems to be a level of snobbery versus practicality, shared by the Irish with the UK, means we very rarely choose what is technically termed a Leisure Activity Vehicle (LAV) as a family car. In comparison, such cars are very popular in France, and enjoy a slightly smaller but still high buyer cohort in Spain. Somewhat less so in Germany, Europe's largest car market, but still significant among budget-conscious family buyers. 

Over my decades in this business, I have driven most of them, and I have always felt their advantages — toughness and durability, height and space, and the fact that vans are designed for drivers who work in them all day — very much outweighed their utilitarian style.

It's a busy space, rather dominated by Stellantis conversions of their Peugeot, Citroën, Opel and Fiat compact vans. Also Renault with their Kangoo and Mercedes Citan derivative versions, along with Volkswagen's Caddy and ID Buzz passenger vehicles and Ford's Transit Custom iteration. This year there's a Korean contender, the PV5, which has been garnering some very favourable commentary, and, here, a surprising level of registrations — especially since it is only available in EV form. (It's worth noting that the Stellantis group last year flirted with making its LAVs available only in EV form, but since then has quietly reversed course and is now offering petrol and diesel powertrains again.)

Against the competition, the PV5 has a much more clean-cut look than most others, notably a cab-forward styling sloping steeply to a bonnetless front. Deep side front windows also help it stand out, as does, in some colour choices, nice two-toning which my car didn't have. It is bigger than the standard LAV alternatives, but smaller in most dimensions than the more directly competing longer ones, including VW's Buzz, Citroën’s Berlingo XL, Peugeot's Rifter Long, and Fiat's Doblo Maxi. At the back, there's a high lift-up tailgate that can make a very useful shelter from showers while parked at the picnic spots.

The efficient style is repeated inside, with a flat dashboard and neat screens for infotainment and driving information. Storage options reflect the needs of the commercial driver in terms of size and capacity, and that's no bad thing for a family's requirements too. The two front seats — there will be a 3-seat option if there's demand — are comfortable in artificial leather, supportive, and incorporate individual armrests. It's an easy cab to get in and out of. For three in the rear, there's lots of space, and more legroom than might be expected. The rear seatbacks recline, too, and with a brace of USB ports on the front seatbacks, the teens' devices will be kept going for the long trips. The boot capacity of up to 1,300 litres should take all their leisure gear, with room to spare.

The PBV5 comes with a 71kWh long-range battery, and a rated range of 412 km in the passenger version. A heat pump climate system is standard and is estimated to improve the range by up to 10 per cent.

Since launch, I have had several opportunities to drive the PV5 over a wide range of activities and types of road, including some mountain driving on narrow and twisting journeys. Whether in the hills or on main roads, the driving experience is very pleasant and untiring, and the high seating, along with the extensive glass area up front, offers really good visibility and a sense of being above the traffic and the hedges. The EV powertrain means there's also a level of serenity not achievable with ICE motors, especially a diesel.

Since February, almost a hundred passenger versions of the PV5 have been registered in Ireland. That's out of about 430 LAVs altogether. Given that a third of those are EVs, it's clear that the Kia PV5 is getting the lion's share (sorry, Peugeot!) there. Something about the car has struck a chord with family users. It will be interesting to see how far this goes.

PRICE: €42,550. WHAT I LIKED: The different style and competent drive.

Opel Frontera review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

When I took out the new Opel Frontera for review, I got to thinking about how car sizes have changed, writes Brian Byrne. Because I'm old enough to remember from way back. The Frontera is a B-segment SUV-style car, while the Opel Kadett sold through the 1960s and 1970s was the equivalent of what we call a C-segment — compact family car — today. Why am I comparing two different segments? Because the Kadett was the smallest Opel then available. The new Frontera is longer, wider, and taller than was the Kadett (we did have one in our small but growing family), and even in its lightest form is roughly twice as heavy. The standard technology then was very rudimentary by today's standards — I particularly remember the non-powered steering, which I was reminded of about 20 years ago when Opel gave me the opportunity to get back into one. I suppose that timeline of experience allows me to appreciate the improvements much more than do many of my significantly younger colleagues.

With Opel now owned by the Stellantis group, it's inevitable that different brands share the same platforms and even sheetmetal in places. So the Frontera, which replaces the previous Crossland and is now the entry-level in the German brand's SUV lineup, is a companion car to Citroën’s C3 Aircross and to the new Fiat Grande Panda. If you compare the body style of the Opel and the Citroën, they are almost the same — the differences are only to the front and rear ends, and are fairly superficial. Which is not a criticism, because I find the shape and format quite good-looking and very practical.

The big difference is inside, in the style of the dashboard and instrumentation. The Opel's screen and driving instrumentation are tied together in an angled unit that, for me, works very well (I do like the more innovative Citroën approach, but on balance felt that little bit more comfortable with the Opel's somewhat traditional take). The Frontera's seats and door trims in my review car were cheerful and modern, and on a day trip during the recent very hot spell, proved very comfortable for the two of us on board. There's also decent rear leg and headroom thanks to the SUV format and a good wheelbase, and the 460L cargo capacity is generous (just to continue my opening comparisons, it's substantially more than was in that C-segment Kadett).

The Frontera shares the powertrain options of several other Stellantis B-segment cars: a 1.2 turbo three-cylinder petrol mild hybrid and a 113hp EV unit, the latter of which was in my reviewer’s car. There are two battery options: 44kWh and 54kWh, the larger one in my car, with a rated range of 400km. My rule of thumb on mixed real-world driving is 75 per cent of the claimed range, but the Frontera worked out rather better for me.

I suppose the other comparison from more than half a century ago is the safety systems. The Kadett had safety belts. A padded and telescopic steering column was also introduced during its model run. That was it. In the Frontera today, there are no fewer than 19 different safety and security features listed, including the dratted driver monitoring camera. That doesn't even include the seatbelts, collapsible steering column, traction control, ABS brakes, or airbags and more that we now just take as a given. 

In its current place, Opel is producing cars that are very much suited to today's driving environment and needs. The Frontera is right in that groove.

PRICE: From €24,606; Review car €31,165. WHAT I LIKED: Practicality with a vibe. 

Skoda Enyaq 130 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

When I first took out a Skoda Enyaq for review, in the summer of 2021, a neighbour asked whether she could have a look at it, writes Brian Byrne. I took her out for a drive, and that afternoon she put in her order. Due to the somewhat unexpected popularity of the model, along with component supply issues related to the pandemic, it was close to the end of the year before she got delivery. She’s still driving it, and it has done Trojan duty in her busy teenagers—now university—family space.

I also remember that my younger teenage Australian granddaughter, staying with us at the time, found the car to be 'cool', a phrase she repeated many times during that review period. Now, at the stage of looking for a car for herself as she starts university back in her Oz homeland at the end of this year, I'm sure she'd be just as impressed with the latest version. The Enyaq would be a bit large for her, but I do know she's been looking at electric. Possibly because her mum pays the household electricity bill!

My review car this week is the facelifted version of the Enyaq, in its 130 Edition trim, one produced in limited quantities. I've long held the view that Skoda has moved within the Volkswagen Group universe from the poorer relation to the rich uncle, in perceived quality terms of their related models. The Enyaq is no exception. 

As an update, the basic shape of the car hasn't been altered much, though it's marginally longer and taller than the original. The main change is cosmetic, front and rear. The pseudo-grille of the 2021 version has been cast into the once-upon-a-time bin and now offers a very sleek and techno look, while the horizontal lines at the back are visually held together by clever sculpting to provide a rear-three-quarter of considerable character. The 21-inch alloy wheels are handsome.

Anyone choosing the Enyaq for the second time will feel very at home in the car. There hasn't been much mucking around in what was already a strong space. The same dashboard shape, dominant infotainment screen, nicely set back from the glare driver information pod, and the very welcome manual controls for picking the climate screen, drive mode, and access to ADAS settings. The eagle-eyed will spot the subtly upgraded steering wheel, especially the Skoda text rather than the old Indian head logo. I had a feeling that there had been an upshift in the quality of the trim, which, if so, only enhances the previous very good. The room for three in the back is more than ample, and if there are only two, they can well separate with the pull-down backrest that forms an armrest and cupholder slots. The airy panoramic sunroof comes with the 130 Edition. The boot capacity remains the same as before, at a capacious 585L. The tailgate can be opened by a virtual kick under the rear, as long as you have the key fob with you.

The 130's powertrain is the 286hp system used in four of the six variants available of the Enyaq, with an 82kWh battery rated WLTP at 563km range. The power output is substantially higher than before, and despite pulling more than 2.3 tonnes, it's a nippy car when you want it to be, offering a sprint to 100km/h of 6.7 seconds. We who drive lots of electrics are spoiled for smooth and silent travel, but the high-quality ambience of the Enyaq seems to add even more.

PRICE: From €43,790 OTR; review car €48,973. WHAT I LIKED: No attempt to overcook something already just to taste. 

Raval pre-booking prices announced

The new Cupra Raval urban electric car has a pre-booking starting price of €23,495, writes Brian Byrne. The car is due for launch in September.

The Raval will be available in five trim levels in Ireland, including two sizes of battery, the larger rated at 443km WLTP.

There are four power options, from 116hp to 226hp.

A limited-to-100-customers launch offer includes a choice between a complimentary OHME home charger or an €875 public charging voucher from Elli, a free 3-year service plan, and PCP finance locked in at 1.9% APR. 

New ID. Cross unveiled

Volkswagen has unveiled the new ID. Cross, an all‑electric compact SUV positioned in the small car and compact segment, writes Brian Byrne. With a WLTP range of up to 427 km, it is designed for both everyday use and longer trips. 

Priced from around €28,000 in Germany, the model combines a sleek design with technologies previously reserved for higher vehicle classes. 

Inside, high‑quality materials, fabric-covered surfaces and generous seating aim to create a premium, feel-good ambience.

The ID. Cross features Volkswagen’s new Innovision infotainment system and will be offered with three power outputs and two battery sizes (37 kWh and 52 kWh net). 

Positioned alongside the ID. Polo and ID. Polo GTI, the ID. Cross represents a new generation of small and compact electric models from Volkswagen. 

Polestar 4 family expanding

Polestar has confirmed that the new Polestar 4 SUV will arrive in Europe in September 2026, expanding the brand’s best-selling model line-up, writes Brian Byrne. The SUV is based on the Polestar 4 coupé, adding more practicality and versatility while retaining the coupé’s design, performance, and sustainability focus.

Both the Polestar 4 SUV and the latest Polestar 4 coupé feature retuned chassis components aimed at delivering a more refined yet sporty driving experience. Powered by a proven 400V architecture, the line-up offers up to 544 hp in dual-motor versions and a claimed range of up to 630km.

The Polestar 4 SUV will be manufactured in Busan, South Korea, supporting the Swedish-based electric performance brand’s growing global footprint. 

New electric SUV from Mazda on the way

Mazda has unveiled the all-new CX-6e, a fully electric mid-size SUV set to arrive in European showrooms in late summer 2026, writes Brian Byrne. The CX-6e features a rear-mounted 258hp electric motor, a 78 kWh LFP battery and a claimed range of up to 484 km. 

Inside, the SUV emphasises driver-focused technology, including a head-up display, a 26-inch dual touchscreen, voice recognition, gesture control and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It will also come with an extensive safety package, including advanced driver assistance systems, child presence detection and nine airbags. 

Škoda Peaq set for January 2027 arrival in Ireland

Škoda’s new flagship electric SUV, the Peaq, will arrive in Ireland in January 2027, writes Brian Byrne, with pricing and final specifications due in August.

Unveiled in Mladá Boleslav on 23 June 2026, the Peaq is Škoda’s first all-electric model in the large SUV segment and its largest SUV to date. The seven-seat model offers a range of over 640 kilometres, a length of 4.87 metres, and up to 890 litres of luggage capacity in seven-seat configuration.

The Peaq introduces several firsts for the brand, including flush door handles and a panoramic roof with Dynamic Shade Control. It also features LED Matrix headlights, bidirectional charging, and a new Android-based infotainment system with a 13.6-inch display.

Škoda Ireland Brand Director John Donegan said the Peaq builds on the popularity of the Kodiaq and is designed to expand the brand’s appeal in the electric era. 

BMW i3 50 xDrive First Edition orders now open

BMW has opened orders for the i3 50 xDrive First Edition, writes Brian Byrne, giving customers an early chance to secure the all-electric saloon ahead of its official Irish launch in autumn 2026. 

Priced from €72,855 OTR, the First Edition is based on the M Sport model and comes with enhanced standard features including BMW Iconic Glow, the 3D Head-Up Display, and AC Charging Professional offering up to 22 kW AC charging.

The i3 50 xDrive First Edition delivers 469hp, 0–100km/h in 4.7 seconds, and a WLTP range of up to 906 km. The high-voltage 108.7 kWh battery supports 800V technology for rapid charging and bidirectional capability. 

The i3 50 xDrive will formally launch in autumn 2026 at €66,685 OTR. Orders are now available exclusively through BMW retailers. 

Nissan offers for new Government scrappage scheme

Nissan Ireland has announced new offers tied to the Government’s ICE2EV scrappage scheme, which opens for applications on 1 July, writes Brian Byrne. Drivers with petrol or diesel cars registered in 2013 or earlier can qualify for the scheme, which is expected to run on a first-come, first-served basis for a limited time. 

Eligible buyers can receive €5,000 scrappage plus a €3,500 EV grant, and Nissan says that can be combined with its €4k Your Way offer to cut €12,500 from the price of a new Nissan Ariya. That brings the Ariya’s starting price down to €34,995, according to Nissan Ireland. The company also said the Ariya offers two battery options with ranges of up to 404km and 532km.

Nissan is also promoting discounts across its electric range, including the new Nissan Micra, which starts from €20,995 under the scheme and offers ranges of 317km or 416km. The new Nissan LEAF is also available to pre-order and test drive, with a top range of 622km and pricing from €29,995. 

Cupra Raval here in late August

Cupra Ireland has announced that the all-new Cupra Raval will arrive here from late August 2026, writes Brian Byrne, marking the brand’s first fully electric urban car and its most significant expansion in the Irish market to date.

Priced from €23,495 including applicable EV incentives, the Raval is built on Volkswagen Group’s MEB+ platform. It will be offered in three trims and two battery sizes, with WLTP range figures of up to 318km for entry models and up to 445km for higher-spec versions.

Standard equipment will include a 12.9-inch infotainment system, 10.25-inch digital cockpit, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, LED lighting and a suite of driver assistance features.

Cupra Ireland said the Raval is aimed at making electric mobility more accessible without losing the brand’s distinctive design and performance appeal. 

Canvas top option for Renault R4 electric

Renault has extended the model choice for its all-new Renault 4 E-Tech Electric in Ireland with the introduction of the Plein Sud, writes Brian Byrne. It's a new variant featuring a large electrically operated canvas roof.

Available with a 52kWh battery and 110kW electric motor, the Plein Sud brings an open-air driving experience to Renault’s latest electric small car while retaining the practicality of the standard model, including five seats, a 420-litre boot and 750kg towing capacity.

Priced from €34,495, the Renault 4 E-Tech Electric Plein Sud is available to order now as a distinctive new option for Irish buyers. 

Production of Epiq starts

Škoda Auto has begun series production of its new all-electric entry model, the Epiq, at Volkswagen Navarra in Pamplona, Spain, writes Brian Byrne, marking the brand’s first-ever vehicle production in the country.

The Epiq is part of the VW group's Electric Urban Car Family, under which four models from CUPRA, Volkswagen and Škoda will be built at Spanish plants. The move helps preserve capacity at Škoda's Czech factories for other high-demand models while expanding its EV lineup.

Positioned in the entry-level electric segment, the Epiq is the brand’s first vehicle based on the new MEB+ platform and the first to fully adopt Škoda’s Modern Solid design language. Together with the upcoming Peaq, it is expected to play a central role in doubling Škoda’s electric portfolio this year. 

Prices revealed for new electric C-Class

Mercedes-Benz Ireland has announced pricing for the new all-electric C-Class ahead of its arrival in Ireland in Q4, writes Brian Byrne. The model will start at €72,290 for the C400 4Matic, rising to €78,990 for the AMG Line Plus version.

The electric C-Class marks the first fully electric version of one of Mercedes-Benz’s most established and best-selling models. Mercedes says it will offer up to 762 kilometres of range (WLTP) and can add up to 325 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes of charging.

Patrick Howlett, National Sales Manager at Mercedes-Benz Ireland, described the new model as a landmark step for the C-Class, combining the comfort, performance, and technology associated with the nameplate in a fully electric format. 

EV-focused scrappage scheme announced

Ireland will launch a new €10 million scrappage scheme from 1 July aimed at helping households replace older high-emitting petrol and diesel cars with new electric vehicles, writes Brian Byrne. The pilot ICE2EV scheme will provide €5,000 to motorists who scrap a qualifying private car registered in 2013 or earlier and put the payment towards the purchase of a new battery electric vehicle. 

To qualify, applicants must have owned the car for at least 12 months and show it has been taxed, insured and covered by a valid NCT, or one expired by no more than six months.

The support is in addition to the existing €3,500 SEAI EV grant, bringing the total potential grant to €8,500.

The Government said 65% of the funding will be reserved for rural applicants. Separately, the maximum price threshold for cars eligible under the existing SEAI EV purchase grant will be reduced from €60,000 to €50,000 for new applications received after 31 July 2026. 

Farizon introduces new electric van

Farizon has launched the new V7E electric medium van, writes Brian Byrne, aimed at urban logistics and fleet operators seeking lower-emission transport options.

Priced from €30,700 including VAT and grants for the 50kWh model, and from €33,700 for the 67kWh version, the V7E is built on a dedicated electric platform rather than an adapted combustion design. There's a rated range of up to 329km WLTP, a cargo volume of up to 6.95m³ and a compact footprint.

Standard equipment includes a 12.3-inch infotainment display with smartphone connectivity, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, Vehicle-to-Load capability, heated windscreen, up to 100kW DC fast charging and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems.

Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Farizon Ireland, said the V7E represents “another important step” in growing the brand’s Irish line-up, sitting below the larger Farizon SV and offering “diesel-rivalling value” combined with advanced technology for modern commercial operators.

The Farizon V7E is now available through authorised Farizon dealerships across Ireland. 

Lexus RZ 500e Review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car

You may never have heard of Alfred Vacheron, who, in 1894, replaced the then-standard tiller steering lever on his Panhard & Levassor automobile with a steering wheel during the Paris–Rouen race, writes Brian Byrne. Quickly adopted by all car builders afterwards, most of the time since then the wheel has been round, although occasionally flattened at the top, bottom, or both, or hexagonal in the case of current electric MG models. As a reliable and effective means of vehicle control, it has been proven to be safe. Last year, Lexus introduced a ‘yoke’ option on the RZ electric model. After some experience with it, I think they should revisit Henry Ford’s maxim, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The yoke looks like control systems found in small aircraft or detachable units used in high-performance racing cars. It is butterfly-shaped rather than round, and Lexus has offered a number of reasons for the thing, thankfully available as an optional feature. They suggest it makes it easier for drivers to get in and out (valid enough, as the high floor of the RZ, like the bZ cousin from parent brand Toyota, does make that somewhat tricky for taller people). Also, you can see the instruments more easily (not really an issue with an appropriately aligned steering wheel and instrument cluster). Lexus also suggests that the smaller form factor could be useful in an autonomous car (not likely a realistic everyday driving for at least another decade, or until vehicles can navigate as adeptly as humans when negotiating crowded pedestrian pathways.

The most intriguing technical aspect is that, with the yoke, there is no steering column. The system operates via ‘drive-by-wire’ electronics, incorporating sensors, artificial feedback algorithms, and multiple electric motors. While I got used to the yoke during normal driving, I never did when trying to manoeuvre in tight spaces such as parking garages, missing the traditional wheel's ability to guide the vehicle into cramped spots comfortably.

That said, the remainder of the Lexus RZ is a standard electric SUV positioned within the premium segment. It is longer and wider, and slightly lower in height, compared to the bZ model, with which it shares a platform. Its styling is assertive yet non-intimidating. The front fascia features a distinctive grille shape that has evolved over recent generations within the Lexus stable, with a combination of pointy bits, edges, and softening sculpts. Strong shapes extend along the sides to a rear hipped-up design that adds a coupe sense. With black trim against the silver exterior of the review car, it actually all comes together very well, in my view, making it possibly the best-looking Lexus in some time.

Inside, all is — apart from the yoke — presence-full, large, and cohesive. The central display dominates the dashboard but is positioned low enough not to be too visually distracting. It has a mixture of virtual and physical controls for climate, audio volume, and access to other functions. Beneath it, the centre console widely separates the front occupants and neatly includes beverage holders, the transmission selector, an electronic parking brake, and an 'off' control for traction (which nobody in their right mind would ever use). The driver information display is straightforward and easily understood, although I would have liked it to be brighter than its maximum setting.

The RZ, given its segment designation as a mid-sized SUV, has enough accommodation for five occupants to merit that. It's a plush place too — the review car's suede-like trim material was suitably luxurious, and had enough width in the rear seats to seat three quite beefy adults comfortably. The wheelbase is the same as the related bZ; the additional length ups the luggage capacity to 522L. More than adequate for weekend trips.

The entry-level 350e delivers 224 horsepower, while the 380hp configuration in my review car went through two axles to provide all-wheel drive, with the rear motor being smaller than the front. A 100km/h sprint performance of a little over 4.5 seconds makes it evidently no slouch when that might be required. Doing that often, though, will significantly reduce range (as it would if doing the same thing in a combustion car). For paper comparison, the rated range is up to 457km; however, real-world conditions typically reduce this by approximately 15-20 per cent. All that said, though, the RZ is a highly capable, quiet, luxurious cruiser deserving of its prominent 'L’ emblem.

PRICE: From €66,280; review car €81,490. WHAT I LIKED: The yoke is optional. 

Škoda previews new Epiq with sketches

Škoda Auto has released the first interior sketches of the upcoming Epiq, its most affordable all-electric compact SUV, ahead of the model’s world premiere on 19 May 2026, writes Brian Byrne. The Epiq is the first Škoda production model to fully showcase the brand’s Modern Solid design language.

The sketch shows a clean, angular interior focused on simplicity, space and ease of use. A horizontal layout replaces the traditional dashboard, giving the cabin a more open feel.

Part of Volkswagen Group’s European Urban Car Family, the Epiq is expected to play an important role in expanding electric mobility to more customers and in helping Škoda double its battery-electric vehicle portfolio in 2026. 

In the first quarter of 2026, Škoda Auto became Europe’s second best-selling car brand, delivering 222,500 vehicles (+17.1%) and outperforming the overall market. Worldwide deliveries to customers increased 14.0% year on year to 271,900 vehicles, driven mainly by the all-electric Elroq and Enyaq, which ranked second and fifth among Europe’s best-selling BEVs.

Volkswagen reveals ID. Polo

Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Polo, an all-electric reinvention of one of its most successful models, writes Brian Byrne. Debuted in Wolfsburg on 29 April 2026, the compact hatchback combines familiar Polo branding with a new electric platform and a starting price of €24,995 in Germany.

The ID. Polo will be offered with three power outputs — 85 kW, 99 kW, and 155 kW — along with two battery options. Volkswagen says the top version can deliver a WLTP range of up to 454 km, while DC fast charging from 10% to 80% takes around 23 to 24 minutes, depending on the version.

The front-wheel-drive ID. Polo offers space for five and a luggage compartment larger than some compact-class rivals. The interior features a Digital Cockpit, a 13-inch infotainment display, and physical buttons. 

Higher-spec versions add features such as Connected Travel Assist, automatic traffic light recognition, one-pedal driving, and vehicle-to-load capability.

Pre-sales in Germany have opened. 

Polestar 4 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The Polestar brand is becoming more recognised here in recent times, with over 1,000 of their vehicles now on Irish roads. Polestar is a Swedish automotive brand that arrived in Ireland in 2022 with the launch of the Polestar 2 model, followed by models 3 and 4 in 2024, along with a revised Polestar 2. A Polestar 5's arrival is imminent. 

My review car was the long-range single-motor version with a Plus Pack and powered by a 100kWh battery, with 272hp and 343 Nm of torque and a claimed range of 620km, which should quell any range anxiety. An SUV coupe, it is stunning from every angle, slightly shorter and lower than the Polestar 3, but wider for more inside comfort. From the outside, you don’t notice that the car has no rear window. Designers say it allowed for providing extra space for rear seat passengers. 

The car opens as you get very close with the ‘blank’ key fob in your hand. There’s no on/off button, as your bum on the driver’s seat turns everything on and off when you sit or lift yourself to exit. The interior is both luxurious and minimalist. Sumptuous seating and high-quality materials give a premium feel. The dash has no knobs or buttons. The split 16.4-inch screen display features a colourful rotating planet of your choice, which determines the interior lighting colour - I chose bright red/orange Mars. This interface is powered by Google Automotive, so it has Google Maps built in. It controls almost all of the car’s functions, even the opening of the tailgate or adjusting the side mirror settings, with quick access to key features like climate control, permanently located at the bottom of the screen. You can also opt to use Voice Control to change the car’s temperature, radio station, or to navigate to a destination. The many apps include a recording facility that operates as a dash cam. 

The driver’s screen provides all your driving information clearly, with your current speed shown large. With no rear window, a wide rear view is provided via a high-definition camera on the roof, sending the view to a wide ‘screen’ where the rear view mirror would normally be located. It can take a bit of getting used to, but it provides a much wider field of view than a traditional mirror. Cubbies include a large open area below the central console, which you can use to store an iPad or a bag out of sight. 

A panoramic sunroof reaches from the A-pillars to beyond the heads of rear passengers, providing plenty of light, and is tinted to block out bright sunshine. Rear passengers can enjoy their own infotainment and climate control, and can heat their seats. The boot is opened by pressing a dark rectangle on the boot door. Luggage space is a very decent 520 expandable to 1,536 litres, and the floor level can be adjusted. A deep area below stores a tyre repair kit and cables, or you can put these in the 15-litre frunk under the bonnet. 

There are just two drive modes, Normal and Sport. The latter should only be used on a sports track, as Normal provides more than sporty driving. On the road, my Polestar 4 was a pure joy to drive, with so much power on tap for overtaking or for motorway cruising. You feel very engaged behind the wheel, and the car’s low centre of gravity provides beautiful balance and weight distribution. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7.1 secs. Energy consumption is claimed to be 17.8-18.4 kWh/100km - I achieved 20.4 kWh/100km during my lengthy test drive period. 200 kW rapid DC charging from 10-80 per cent takes 40 mins; home charging from 0-100 per cent, 5.5 hrs. 

You can opt for one-pedal driving, and set the feel of the steering wheel to light (for navigating city streets), standard (for motorways) or firm (for active driving on twisty roads). The Lane Keeping Alert was way too sensitive, so I switched it off. 

When tested last year, the Polestar 4 scored a maximum 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. A top car for those who want their car to be different from mainstream models. The brand is mainly owned by Geely Holding and Volvo Cars, each of which has ties to the Geely industrial conglomerate in China. Polestar has its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, but produces its cars in facilities controlled by Volvo or by Geely. 

My long-range single motor car is priced from €56,490; the long-range dual motor version from €78,390. Road tax is €120.