The updated Polestar 2 in Australia retains its five-star safety rating from 2022, but has some unusual omissions. The car now comes standard with blind-zone warning and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as a 360-degree camera system. However, Polestar charges extra for radar cruise control, which is standard on even the most basic Toyota HiLux Workmate ute. The lane-keeping system and speed sign recognition technology work well.

The Polestar 2 line-up has changed driving range, power, and other key characteristics, with the electric motor now driving the rear wheels rather than the front wheels. This is designed to deliver better overall weight balance, but has one surprising drawback: less aggressive regenerative braking in one-pedal mode.

The Performance Pack is phenomenally quick and has race-bred four-piston Brembo brakes. The Polestar 2 is priced close to or in excess of the benchmark Tesla Model 3, making it a hard sell. The Polestar 2 is sold online only at non-negotiable, fixed prices, with only a few test-drive centers and service locations in Australia.

 Read More Drive