What's the difference?
Timing is everything.
For instance, with all the bad publicity the man behind the brand is generating, right now might be the perfect time if you’re in the market for a Tesla Model Y alternative.
And that’s especially so if said alternative happens to be around the same price… such as the all-new Cupra Tavascan.
No, not an antacid for relief from indigestion, but the Volkswagen Group’s Spanish brand’s first medium-sized electric SUV.
Is it good enough to catapult Cupra into the big time in Australia?
Time to find out!
Polestar finally has more than one offering in its Australian model range. Following the Polestar 2 sedan that arrived in late 2021, and the recently launched Polestar 3 large SUV, the Geely-owned marque has just launched the model that is expected to be its top seller.
The Polestar 4 is a medium coupe-style SUV with liftback vibes, and it is set to line up against some of the most popular EVs on the market, including the Tesla Model Y.
Although, as Polestar execs claim, and the price suggests, it’s a more premium offering than the Tesla.
It is loaded with new technology, including a digital rear-view camera that replaces a traditional rear windscreen, which will either appeal to, or alienate buyers. Probably the former given the appeal of new tech to EV buyers.
But can the Polestar 4 snatch attention away from Tesla and the other solid electric SUVs of a similar size? Read on to find out.
Like most Cupras, the Tavascan is affordable, stylish, practical, fun to drive and just that little bit different.
And it is clear the Volkswagen Group is trying hard to make the brand a success. That it can bring that formula to the medium EV SUV market with as much aplomb might just be enough to lure more than a few would-be Model Y buyers Barcelona’s way.
Definitely one to strongly consider.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.
Polestar may be a Tesla rival but the Polestar 4 looks and feels much more premium than the Model Y. The brand has taken its time to get the cabin just right and the sustainable materials don’t feel cheap in any way. In fact, this car feels special.
I may not be a fan of some of the tech - the digital rear-view mirror, for example - but many people will be drawn to the car because of these features.
On the road, the Polestar 4 is a cracking EV, with excellent driving range and a fun factor that can’t be denied. That aftersales offer is just the cherry on the cake.
This is Polestar’s best chance yet of being accepted by the masses.
Note: CarsGuide attended this event as a guest of the manufacturer, with travel, accommodation and meals provided.