POLESTAR’S JONATHAN GOODMAN

What separates the Polestar 1 from a Volvo?

“Fifty per cent of the technology in the car is Polestar-specific. The suspension and several other features aren’t fitted to any Volvo. When you look closely at the car, I don’t think it’s a Volvo – it’s a Polestar.”

What did you benchmark the Polestar 1 against?

“We’re not saying it’s got to be faster than this or that, but you’re looking at 0-60mph in sub-4sec. But I don’t think performance is all about 0-60mph, it’s about what happens when you get to the first bend. This is a car that’s exceptionally good round corners.”

Did you consider making your first car fully electric?

“Polestar 1 was a car we wanted to make. When you’re in the grand tourer field, you’re looking at a car that can do a high mileage, so an electric version of that doesn’t necessarily concur.”

You refer to the car having a front grid, not a grille. What technology is fitted to it?

“You have to create a car that would be able to adapt to semi-autonomous and autonomous driving. I don’t think autonomous driving will necessarily be a key feature of a Polestar but, if the market develops, you need to have the hardware and the ability to fit it.”