Sweet Scandi Designs For 2024

There are three main brands of Swedish-designed cars made in 2024.  We all know about Volvo; some of us may know of Polestar, and maybe a few of us have heard about Koenigsegg.  Apart from Scania, who makes trucks and other things, it’s the aforementioned manufacturers that are creating and making new vehicles.

Volvo

One of the oldest companies in Sweden, Volvo has been making cars since 1927, when Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson worked together to make a substantial car that would be able to withstand the rigours of the Scandinavian climate.  The first model was called the OV4 and had two round lights at the front, and the rectangular carriage with four wheels at the corner design that was typical of the early cars of 1900–1925.  In the 1930s, Gabrielsson and Larson made the rather stylish and streamlined PV36, which proved to be a solid and comfortable means of transport. 

Another standout car Volvo made was the stunning P1800 Coupe of the 1960s.  From the 1980s–2000, Volvo were typically making very comfortable, safe, reliable cars that were typically wedge-shaped or boxy in their outline.  Since the turn of the century, 2000–2024 has seen Volvo continue to make supremely comfortable cars with plenty of style and a more rounded shape that can slip through the air a little easier.  Volvo have continued to excel in the crash testing and crash safety data. 

In 2024, Volvo make a wide range of sedans, wagons, and SUVs.  Current models for Australia include the:

• Volvo C40 SUV (one model), which was the brand’s first small electric vehicle (EV).  A single electric motor or a dual electric motor are available to power the C40.
• Volvo EX30 Wagon (two models), a brand-new EV wagon with plenty of safety.
• Volvo S60 Sedan (one model), one of the most beautiful luxury sedans currently on the road that is powered by a mild hybrid engine that makes it both fuel efficient and swift.  The AWD sedan is loaded with luxury and places a high priory on occupant safety, comfort, and the latest technology.  It is currently one of the best luxury sedans on the market. 
• Volvo V60 Cross Country Wagon (one model).  Offering style, luxury and safety, the V60 Cross Country Wagon offers a credible light off-roading capability along with its perfect take-the-family-on-an-adventure prowess.  Like the S60, the V60 is powered by a mild hybrid engine, is available in AWD, and is loaded with equipment. 
• Volvo XC40 SUV (three models).  The Volvo XC40 offers a choice of petrol engines.  But you can also opt for the fully electric XC40 Recharge model.
• Volvo XC60 SUV (four models).  The Volvo XC60 medium-sized SUV is superbly comfortable, luxurious, and safe.  You have a choice of mild hybrid or powerful plug-in hybrid powertrains. 
• Volvo XC90 SUV (three models).  The Volvo XC90 is a large, luxurious SUV that can seat up to seven occupants.  The mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains deliver plenty of punch and economy.  This is one of the best vehicles in its class and it’s also very safe.

Polestar

Polestar was founded in 1996 by Volvo Cars’ partner Flash/Polestar Racing and was acquired in 2015 by Volvo.  Polestar was also secured by Greely in 2010.  Polestar vehicles are a brand of automotive vehicles that have their design headquarters in Sweden, but the vehicles are produced in China.  Polestar vehicles are full EVs with luxury and performance, and are considered as a separate EV performance brand from Volvo.  In 2024, Polestar makes stylish hatchbacks, SUVs, and coupes.  The current models for Australia include:

• Polestar 2 Hatch (three models)
• Polestar 3 SUV (five models)
• Polestar 4 Coupe (two models)

Koenigsegg

On 12 August 1994, Christian von Koenigsegg (22 years old) decided to follow his dream and build the world’s greatest sports car.  Thirty years later, the dream lives on.  Having made many models over the three decades, Koenigsegg now offers two models in Australia from an outlet in Victoria:

• 125 Jesko, a supercar powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre V8 engine which delivers 955 kW of power and as much as 1500 Nm of torque to the rear wheels.
• Gemera, a supercar with four seats.  This is a plug-in hybrid supercar made for touring (rather quickly).  The Koenigsegg Gemera uses a twin-turbo 2.0-litre three-cylinder engine that is also matched up to three electric motors – one electric motor powering the front wheels, and one electric motor on each rear wheel as well.  Combined outputs stand at a whopping 1268 kW of power and 3500 Nm of torque, which is sent through a single-speed Koenigsegg Direct Drive transmission to all four wheels.  The 0–100 km/h sprint is achieved in less than 2 seconds, while the car’s top speed is around 400 km/h.

We’ll add more in-depth reviews of these cars (except for the Koenigseggs) at our car reviews page at some point in the future, so have a look over there to find out more.