Yahoo Autos 2020 Polaris Slingshot Review | Why ask why?
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Trying to figure out why the Polaris Slingshot exists is a pointless endeavor. Why did you climb that mountain? Because it was there. Why did you go for two? Because I couldn’t go for three. Why did Polaris build the Slingshot? Because they could. And, more importantly, because it’s fun.
Before we get any further into what it’s like to drive, let’s talk about what the Slingshot actually is, because it’s not exactly clear just looking at it. For starters, it’s got three wheels, which means it lands somewhere between a traditional car and a motorcycle. The single rear wheel is belt driven, like a motorcycle, but the tandem seating position, steering wheel and pedals mean it’s piloted like a car. Whether or not you need a motorcycle endorsement to drive it depends on your state, but regardless of local laws Polaris suggests a full-face helmet be worn at all times.
There’s no real trunk space, but there are weather-resistant storage bins behind each seat that are large enough to swallow a helmet, and there's a glovebox. An optional (and rudimentary-looking) roof is available, but our tester didn’t have it, and in any case, weather protection is not the Slingshot’s strong suit. There’s no climate control, though there is an audio system, navigation and cruise control. Put simply, buyers aren’t going to be choosing to park a Slingshot in their garages based on practicality.
Looking past its layout, the Slingshot's styling is equally unlike anything else you'll see on the road. The most common comment we heard is that it's vaguely Batmobile-esque, despite our test vehicle's bright blue hue. It's very angular, which gives it an interesting triangular theme, but all those creases and indentations are darn near impossible to keep clean. Fortunately, the interior is designed to be highly resistant to damage from the weather. We got caught in the rain a few times during our testing period and had no problems other than some water sloshing around the floorboards.
It’s all rather strange and doesn’t fit neatly into any common vehicle segment — Polaris calls it an autocycle, for what it’s worth — but it’s mostly easy to forget the category-defying nature of the thing once you’re moving down the road. A subtle reminder of the Slingshot’s tripod shape is the fact that bumps in the middle of the road will be skipped by the front wheels but impacted by the rear. It’s not really a problem, except for the fact that your backside will feel bumps in the road no matter what you do, but it’s an odd sensation that your brain will have to get used to.
