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Used Car Expert Rating

Polestar 1 (2019 to 2021)

Expert Rating

Used car score:

60
%
C

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

70
%
C

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

97
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

38
%
D

How are our Expert Rating scores calculated?

Expert Rating

Used car score:

60
%
C

This model is no longer on sale or in production, so it doesn't have a New Car Expert Rating score.

Expert Rating report card

Media Rating:

70
%
C

Safety Rating:

-

Eco Rating:

97
%
A

Reliability Rating:

-

Running Costs:

38
%
D

Summary


The Polestar 1 was the first car from Volvo’s spin-off car brand. It was a two-door coupé powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain, available in left-hand drive only. It was built in a limited production run to launch the all-new Polestar brand.

The styling was based on a 2013 Volvo concept car called the Volvo Concept Coupe, which is why it bore a strong resemblance to the Volvo saloon and estate model range of the same era. It was a halo car for the new Polestar brand, and was the only model from the company to have a petrol engine component – the subequent Polestar 2 and all future models have only been available as fully electric vehicles.

The Polestar 1 received very positive reviews from the UK media, although with several caveats and reservations. Reviewers praised the external styling, driving dynamics, performance, overall comfort and the low running costs associated with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. However, they were more critical of the interior design, which is lifted largely from the Volvo V60 and S60 models, as well as the relatively cramped rear seats and poor boot space.

No longer on sale, the Polestar 1 holds a Used car Expert Rating of C, with a score of 60%. It scores top marks for its low CO2 emissions, but its media review scores were only average and its running costs are high.

Key specifications


Body style: 2+2 coupé (left-hand drive only)
Motor: petrol/electric plug-in hybrid
Price when new: From £139,995 on-road

Launched: Autumn 2019
Last updated: N/A
Production ended: Summer 2021


Media reviews


Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

The Car Expert

+

Auto Express

+

Auto Trader

+

Car

+

Carbuyer

+

Carwow

+

Daily Mail

+

Evo

+

Honest John

+

Parkers

+

The Telegraph

+

Top Gear

+

Safety rating


Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

Notes on safety rating

The Polestar 1 was not crash tested by Euro NCAP during its limited production run.

Being a part of the Volvo family and developed largely under the same roof, the Polestar 1 was fitted all of the safety technology developed by its Swedish parent. That meant advanced active safety systems, like autonomous emergency braking, blind spot and lane-keeping assistance, and adaptive control with steering assistance.

Eco rating


Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The Polestar 1 was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its limited production run.

The Green NCAP programme measures exhaust pollution (which are generally very low for a plug-in hybrid) and energy efficiency. Electric cars are much more energy-efficient than combustion cars, and given that the Polestar 1 could run for considerable distance on electric power, it would been very likely to score highly in Green NCAP testing if it had ever taken place.

Similar cars


If you’re looking at the Polestar 1, you might also be interested in these alternatives

Audi e-tron GT | Aston Martin DB11 | Bentley Continental GT | BMW i8 | Lexus LC | McLaren GT | Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé | Porsche Taycan

The Polestar 1 doesn’t have any rivals that quite match its particular qualities. The Aston Martin DB11, Bentley Continental and Mercedes S-Class Coupé are petrol-engined GTs rather than plug-in hybrids. The BMW i8 is a plug-in hybrid like the Polestar, but it’s a mid-engined sports car rather than a GT (and it’s also just ended production). The Porsche Taycan is perhaps most similar in overall concept, although it’s fully electric rather than a hybrid and it’s also a four-seat saloon rather than a 2+2 coupé.


More news, reviews and information about the Polestar 1 at The Car Expert

Polestar 1 test drive

Polestar 1 test drive

New cars to look forward to in 2019

New cars to look forward to in 2019

Volvo’s electric spin-off brand launches first car

Volvo’s electric spin-off brand launches first car

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The Polestar 1 was the first car from Volvo's new electric car brand. It received positive media reviews, albeit with some reservations.Polestar 1 (2019 to 2021)