Tag SUV

Meet the Polestones 01. Not to be confused with the Volvo-owned EV marque Polestar, this particular brand of electric vehicles comes from China… Shanghai, specifically. The Polestones 01’s design can be credited to the iconic automotive design outfit Pininfarina’s Shanghai branch. The Polestones 01’s design takes on the visage of a Land Rover Defender-esque 7-seater SUV, but boasts a few clever features like dual-axle electric powertrains that get further supplemented by a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine. Clearly designed for outdoor-enthusiasts with range-anxiety, the Polestones 01 has a ‘claimed’ maximum range of 692 miles when supplemented by the petrol engine, and boasts a complete outdoor kitchen built into its tailgate, along with a fold-out gazebo that I genuinely hope becomes a standard fixture in SUVs and Pickups moving forward…

Designer: Pininfarina Shanghai

Let’s cut to the chase: The Polestones 01 isn’t shy about its ambitions. Designed by the renowned Italian coachbuilder Pininfarina, this seven-seat behemoth marries the classic boxy aesthetics with modern technology. With two length options, accommodating either six or seven passengers, it caters to both family outings and adventure-seekers. At its heart lies a range-extender powertrain, a symphony of two electric motors harmonizing with a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine. The result? A robust 350kW of power and 740Nm of torque, capable of propelling the 01 from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in a mere 5.5 seconds. While its electric-only range stands at 234km (145 miles), invoke the petrol engine, and you’re looking at a staggering 1113km (692 miles) journey.

A comprehensive array of six cameras, five millimeter-wave radars, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and not one, but three LiDAR units stand guard, ensuring a secure and informed drive. This level of detail extends to its suppliers as well; industry giants like Bosch, CATL, Continental, Valeo, and of course, Pininfarina, have all played a part in bringing this vision to life.

But here’s where it gets deliciously interesting: the Polestones 01 features a camper-van style kitchen right in its tailgate. You’ve got a deployable kitchen neatly tucked in the tailgate, complete with an induction cooktop and water dispenser, all shielded by a fold-out gazebo. Inside, the six-seat variant boasts individually reclining seats and a roof-mounted dropdown screen, transforming the cabin into a mobile lounge. Opt for the seven-seater, and you’re treated to a transformational space that converts into a king-sized bed.

The dual-infotainment system separates function from recreation, allowing the driver to focus on the details that matter, and a larger screen for the rear occupants to enjoy a nice movie while on a long roadtrip.

Yet, for all its grandeur, the Polestones 01 doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It enters a market increasingly enamored with the boxy, rugged charm of vehicles like the Land Rover Defender. It joins the ranks of other Chinese contenders like the Tank 300 and Haval Raptor, each vying for a piece of the global automotive pie. However, what sets it apart is that bold blend of classic design, cutting-edge technology, an unapologetic nod to luxury that might just turn heads and shift perceptions of Chinese automotive innovation, and that fold-out gazebo that gets extra points for creativity. As it gears up for its debut, the industry watches with bated breath, wondering whether this blend of old-school charm and new-age tech will resonate with the global consumer.

The two-door four-seater off-roader presents an exciting (yet spacious) format for the Bronco. Designed by Naoto Kobayashi, the Ford Mini Bronco also comes with a grid of square-shaped headlights on the front and taillights at the back that dynamically light up to create new patterns (sort of like the taillights on the Hyundai IONIQ 5). The Mini Bronco is perfect for a group of two (or maybe three) people looking to hit the dirt road and live off the grid for a while. It’s a compact EV that captures the thrill of an SUV without the fuel-guzzling large in-your-face persona of Ford’s other heavy-duty cars. The Ford Mini Bronco, unfortunately, doesn’t exist… but it absolutely needs to.

Designer: Naoto Kobayashi

Designed by Mexico-based Kobayashi, the Ford Mini Bronco offers a glimpse into the year 2030, a time period this car is envisioned for. Diverging from its larger counterpart, its design blends modern elements with a sense of purpose and seeks to redefine the compact off-road segment, offering a unique take on what’s possible. The Ford Mini Bronco’s charm lies in its compact, two-door configuration, rather reminiscent of the Suzuki Jimny. With a short wheelbase and minimal front and rear overhangs, it promises enhanced off-road capabilities for navigating various terrains. Kobayashi also imagined the Mini Bronco fitted with mud-terrain tires and retro-modern wheels, combining style with practicality.

The visual story continues with the front and rear facades. An illuminated Ford emblem and LED lights in place of traditional headlights offer a distinctive look. LED daytime running lights and a sturdy skid plate enhance its utilitarian appeal. The rear follows suit with LED lights and a functional skid plate.

Inside, the cabin reflects a forward-looking approach. A single display houses the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The steering wheel features a flat top and bottom, along with tactile buttons, switches, and dials, maintaining a balance between modernity and familiarity. Clearly made for excursions and outdoor trips, the seats also come wit the ability to recline 180° into beds, offering a place for all four passengers to comfortably sleep. The two front seats join together, with the intermediary compartment sliding away. Moreover, the roof of the Mini Bronco still possesses the ability to hold a camper, should you want to opt for a more traditional camping experience.

Although clearly conceptual, the Ford Mini Bronco really emphasizes the need for a compact version of a ‘big car’. Time will tell if this concept or even its format becomes a reality, potentially marking a new chapter in compact off-road exploration.

Remember the excitement of building furniture from flat-packed IKEA boxes? What if that same concept could be applied to camping adventures? That’s exactly what California’s VanLab has done with their SUV camper kit. This kit draws inspiration from IKEA furniture, but instead of tables and chairs, it transforms popular SUVs and crossovers into fully functional camping rigs.

The VanLab SUV Kit is more than just a camper box; whether you’re dreaming of a tailgate party or ready to upgrade from a tent camping adventure, the VanLab kit with a tailgate-width kitchen that expands to create a comfortable sleeping platform – bed and cushions – to go with it, is ready to steal the show.

Designer: VanLab

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Made from Baltic birch plywood, this kit arrives at your doorstep in the configuration you desire. The kit seamlessly fits behind the second row of your vehicle and can be easily removed and reinstalled. Customization possibilities and ease of installation make VanLab’s SUV Kit stand apart from the other options on the market.

The kitchen box offers ample space to equip it with your own stove, cooler, cookware, and dishes. If you’re ready to embrace the full camper experience, the sleeper platform kit is a convenient add-on. The kit effortlessly extends from the kitchen box into a spacious sleeping area measuring 75 x 51 inches when unfolded. The bed is paired with cushions (sold separately) to ensure a restful night’s sleep in your SUV.

The kitchen is smart and efficient, featuring a full-size drawer on one side and a thinner slide-out on the other. The space in between these storage options serves as a versatile table, perfect for cooking on a single-burner gas stove. A second worktop slides out from the lower part of the full-size drawer, while its upper shelf doubles as an additional workspace. Below this shelf, the drawer offers open storage space, meanwhile, the narrow slide on the opposite side comes equipped with organizers for cups and cutlery.

The central box space is capable of housing a cooler or fridge so you have fresh food and chilled drinks always within arm’s reach. VanLab SUV Kit with just the kitchen is competitively priced at $1,650. If you’re ready to dive into the full kitchen and bed experience, the package starts at $2,150 and an additional $400 can also get you cushions as well. At the price and versatility to transform from a cooking setup to a comfortable sleeping oasis, this SUV kit is compatible with almost all SUVs in the US. Embrace the joy of DIY assembly and usher in a new era of camping possibilities with the VanLab SUV Kit.