If you’re talking about countries famous for their approach to safe and sensible motoring, Sweden would have to be right at the top of any list.
Bearing in mind the offerings from the likes of Volvo, and, in days of yore, Saab, the nation’s automotive manufacturers have traditionally shown a distinctly responsible attitude to all things vehicular.
Now, it seems the trend is continuing with the latest models introduced by Gothenburg manufacturer Polestar. Certainly judging by the company’s new, mid-size luxury SUV, at least.
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The car in question is called the Polestar 3, and, as numerical logic implies, it’s a follow-up to the 2 and a precursor to the 4 and the 5.
That model range would seem to indicate no one in the marketing department was keen to be overly creative when it came to naming the vehicles. However, there is probably some solid reasoning behind this, as minimalism is a key feature of this brand.
That doesn’t mean the cars are not jammed full of innovative tech (they are), it’s more about cleanliness of design.
You can see from the outset that uncluttered sleekness was right at the forefront of the minds of those responsible for tweaking the shape of the 3 into what it finally became.
The roofline slopes back pleasingly while the bodywork has just enough humps and bumps to make it interesting but not aerodynamically compromised.
Size-wise, the 3 is deceptive. It seems a compact affair at first, but, as soon as you get inside, it becomes obvious there’s a lot more space than you’d expect based on outward appearances.
It is no surprise, then, that driving it can best be described as a comfortable experience.
Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s all serenity and composure though – Polestar has given the 3 some serious power.
The top speed of the car is 210kph and, if you opt for the performance pack option, you can get up to 100kph in around 4.7 seconds.
It all seems to happen without you noticing, too, as this is a car that feels like it’s always cosseting you.
The 3 manoeuvres tidily, so you can swing in and out of bends in the most carefree and near-silent fashion, all helped by the added aerodynamic wings integrated into the bonnet and rear spoiler.
The 3 has a 14.5-inch centre screen and a tidy head-up display, and those who like to listen to music while they drive will be impressed with the 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.
The inside is kitted out with wool, Nappa leather, which the brand describes as “animal-welfare-secured”, repurposed aluminium and recycled nylon, so sustainability was evidently front-of-mind during the manufacturing process.
Polestar can trace its origins back a few decades, but it was bought by the Volvo group in conjunction with Chinese manufacturer Geely in 2017 and rebranded as a high-end EV producer. The 3, for example, is being touted as a competitor for cars like the Audi e-tron, Tesla Model X and BMW iX.
The 3 is fun to drive and still enough of a rarity to give those who opt for one just a little bit of extra kudos.
It isn't a car you'd be mad keen to take off-roading as there are rather better options in that sphere, but it's a decent choice for those after a stylish tarmac treader.
Four motivational quotes from Alicia's Dubai talk
“The only thing we need is to know that we have faith. Faith and hope in our own dreams. The belief that, when we keep going we’re going to find our way. That’s all we got.”
“Sometimes we try so hard to keep things inside. We try so hard to pretend it’s not really bothering us. In some ways, that hurts us more. You don’t realise how dishonest you are with yourself sometimes, but I realised that if I spoke it, I could let it go.”
“One good thing is to know you’re not the only one going through it. You’re not the only one trying to find your way, trying to find yourself, trying to find amazing energy, trying to find a light. Show all of yourself. Show every nuance. All of your magic. All of your colours. Be true to that. You can be unafraid.”
“It’s time to stop holding back. It’s time to do it on your terms. It’s time to shine in the most unbelievable way. It’s time to let go of negativity and find your tribe, find those people that lift you up, because everybody else is just in your way.”
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Recipe: Spirulina Coconut Brothie
Ingredients
1 tbsp Spirulina powder
1 banana
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk (full fat preferable)
1 tbsp fresh turmeric or turmeric powder
½ cup fresh spinach leaves
½ cup vegan broth
2 crushed ice cubes (optional)
Method
Blend all the ingredients together on high in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy.
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Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road
The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.
Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.
The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.
The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.
Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019
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Director: Christian Schwochow
Starring: George MacKay, Jannis Niewohner, Jeremy Irons
Rating: 3/5
Company%20Profile
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RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
OPTA'S PREDICTED TABLE
1. Liverpool 101 points
2. Manchester City 80
3. Leicester 67
4. Chelsea 63
5. Manchester United 61
6. Tottenham 58
7. Wolves 56
8. Arsenal 56
9. Sheffield United 55
10. Everton 50
11. Burnley 49
12. Crystal Palace 49
13. Newcastle 46
14. Southampton 44
15. West Ham 39
16. Brighton 37
17. Watford 36
18. Bournemouth 36
19. Aston Villa 32
20. Norwich City 29
FULL%20FIGHT%20CARD
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