Putting Tesla to the test
FEw car firms have had a bigger impact than Elon Musk’s Tesla. And with mainstream motor manufacturers now producing some decent electric car competition, there can be no denying the Californian company has shaken up the market.
I have just picked up the ‘affordable’ and attainable Tesla — a Model 3 Dual Motor Long Range Allwheel Drive with a base price of £48,490, but costing £49,990 after the addition of £1,500 19in sports wheels.
Customer service was faultless — from the setting up of the drive to the handover. I was also sent some ‘how to’ video links to familiarise myself with the controls.
The minimalist interior has no traditional dashboard and only a smartpadlike screen in the middle of the dash. It is through this the car’s functions are conducted.
Its 82kwh battery promises a range of 360 miles. But part of Tesla’s genius has been to set up a network of more than 750 superchargers in 84 locations across the UK.
I found the Model 3 a delight to drive with great presence and precise handling. And boy does it shift. My family saloon could accelerate from 0 to 60mph in 4.2 seconds, up to a top speed of 145mph.
The more powerful Performance AwD model (priced from £59,990) will cover 060mph in 3.1 seconds up to a top speed of 162mph and a range of 352 miles. The entry level Standard Range Plus rearwheel drive costs from £40,990 and covers 060mph in 5.3 seconds up to a top speed of 140mph with a range of 278 miles. I tried ‘Autopilot’ mode — my hands lightly on the steering wheel as the car cornered by itself. But I’m not sure I’d let go at speed. There was plenty of room for passengers in the back, plus storage in the front trunk.
However, the smart screen settings can be a faff. Yes, they’re explained in the ‘how to’ videos. But you can’t watch them when you’re in traffic. Plus the Tesla voice control responds only to U.S. English — they’re still
working on ‘British English’. My biggest criticism is the absence of a headup display, which would overcome the distraction.
Despite the glitches, I really enjoyed the experience and would like to spend longer with a Tesla in the future.