I’ve spent a while with the 2022 Polaris Slingshot SL over the previous week and will say that it’s an fascinating automobile to drive every day. It’s as simple to drive as a automotive, but it surely’s loud and rev-happy like a bike. It is an autocycle, in any case. But after getting a respectable quantity of expertise with the Slingshot, I’ve provide you with three professionals and cons of driving it on a every day foundation.
Pro: The Polaris Slingshot has a unique look that will get some consideration
I’m not normally a fan of getting stared at when sitting at stoplights, however when driving the Polaris Slingshot, it occurs. Curious onlookers standing on the aspect of the road or crossing it should inevitably stare and level at you. Other drivers stare as they cross the intersection or pull up subsequent to you.
It’s one thing that I ended up getting used to. By the tip of the week, I discovered myself pulling as much as stoplights and betting to myself what number of reactions I might get. In the tip, I counted the eye as a people-watching exercise versus feeling awkward about it.
Con: It’s not very gas environment friendly
According to Autotrader, the Slingshot can get round 23 to 33 mpg on common. I solely crammed the 9-gallon tank as soon as and didn’t make it by way of to check the fuel mileage. But I did discover that the gas gauge drops shortly. It went from studying 220 miles to 190 in lower than a day of driving once I knew I didn’t drive 30 miles.
Of course, I used to be primarily doing metropolis driving with stop-and-go driving, so I’m certain that didn’t assist. Either method, don’t count on hybrid-like mileage out of the Slingshot’s 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine.
Pro: The Slingshot is enjoyable to drive
Speaking of the autocycle’s engine, the naturally aspirated powerplant that sits beneath the Slingshot’s elongated hood places out 178 hp and 120 lb-ft of torque. It redlines at 8,500 rpm, so it’s important to wring it out to essentially get wherever, however when you do, it’s a lot of enjoyable. After all, the
My Slingshot SL tester was outfitted with a five-speed guide transmission, which made the expertise a lot extra enjoyable. The shifter is smoother, and the clutch engagement is straightforward and exact, which made deciding on my very own gears a joyful time. Also, revving the engine as much as redline made the rear wheel step out a few instances, which was enjoyable within the corners.
Con: There’s not a lot cupboard space
Any sensible every day driver ought to have satisfactory cupboard space by which to place groceries and another cargo. The Slingshot solely has a cargo bin behind every seat, which is nice sufficient for a gentle grocery retailer run. But if you’ll want to carry greater than a couple of baggage, you’ll have to make use of the passenger seat space. However, should you try this, stuff my fly out whereas in transit. Just be warned, there isn’t any trunk onboard.
Pro: It has a Rockford Fosgate sound system
The Polaris Slingshot SL comes geared up with a 100-watt Rockford Fosgate sound system with automated quantity management. It’s a neat characteristic to have, but it surely was a little laborious to listen to by way of my full-face helmet and the loud engine noise. Most of the time, I had the radio off so I might think about driving, however the upgraded audio system was a good contact.
Con: You can’t park it in small areas
My major gripe with the Slingshot is that, though it’s secure like a automotive, you’ll be able to’t park it in small locations like a bike. It’s not that large of a deal, however contemplating you’re spending over $20,000, it might be good to have some sort of versatility. Otherwise, you may as effectively purchase a bike.
Daily driving the Polaris Slingshot has its professionals and cons
While there are professionals to driving a Polaris Slingshot day-after-day, there are additionally a few cons. It’s enjoyable to drive and will get a good quantity of consideration, but it surely’s additionally considerably impractical. I can actually solely advocate driving it for brief stints as effectively for the reason that inflexible suspension won’t be good for lengthy drives. Otherwise, I do advocate the Slingshot if you would like one thing unique and enjoyable however don’t need to experience a bike.
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