Herald Express (Newton & Teign Edition)
All change inside for the Musk have Tesla
MODEL 3’S NEW DESIGN EVEN DITCHES INDICATOR STALKS
YOU can expect a facelift around four years into a new model’s life in the regular car world – and then a generation change at about seven to eight years.
But Tesla doesn’t play to old-fashioned rules, which is why it has waited seven years to upgrade its Model 3, launched in 2017.
In truth, it really didn’t need to bother – because the Tesla is so futuristic it was hardly going to look dated after a few years.
I don’t know what it’s like around your way, but where I live you can’t move for Tesla Model 3s.
Dramatic price reductions around a year ago made a massive difference – as did the Tesla Supercharger charging network that remains the single largest incentive for buying a Musk motor.
So to the facelift. The easiest way to tell the Mk1 from this revised job are the headlights.
The original model had distinctive bug-eyed lamps but the Mk2 or Gen2 or whatever you want to call it, has slimmer units. Also, the front bumper now has no vents or lights on it. There are new tail lights, too, but they’re not so obvious.
In fact you’ll see the most differences when you step inside.
Today we’re testing a Model 3 Long Range or Dual Motor All Wheel Drive version which costs £49,900.
That’s rather good value when you look at what the competition charges. Even newcomer BYD’s Seal is only a couple of grand cheaper, and the entry level rear-drive Model 3 is £39,990 which is exceptional good value and explains why there are so many about.
Tesla is coy about horsepower figures but it’s reckoned the dual motor Model 3 has around 491bhp.
It’ll do 0-60mph in 4.4sec and has a range of 391 miles. BMW will charge you another grand for less performance and much shorter range in its i4 eDrive35 Sport.
Right, now for the interior. If you are a fan of proper knobs, knockers and switches then the inside of the facelifted Model 3 is going to be your worst nightmare.
Pared back in its original iteration, the designers in California have thrown even more stuff out.
There are now no indicator stalks – the indicators are now operated from a touchpad on one of the steering wheel spokes.
This I could live with – but not the change that means the windscreen is activated via the infotainment screen.
Yes, our car has automatic wipers – but they don’t always trigger when you need them.
You select drive and reverse through the infotainment system as well – which isn’t great when you’re attempting a three-point turn.
At least if you’re in a parking space it will automatically select the only direction you can go in (eg. if you are backed up against a wall).
Better news is that Tesla has increased the quality of the materials it uses, particularly in the places where you look and touch most often. It’s a serious step forward. But as far as changes go, that’s about it.
You still get plenty of rear legroom and luggage space with a ‘frunk’ holding extra clobber at the front with 480 litres available in the rear.
As far as driving the Tesla goes, it is quite staggering how fast this car is and how quickly it can cover ground across country.
It’s quite amazing that many people are driving the kids to school or going shopping in a car that would give a Lamborghini Aventador a hard time on a twisty A-road.
The electrification era has certainly democratised high-performance motoring.
It’s quite staggering how fast this car goes and how quickly it can cover ground...