Tesla’s ground-breaking electric saloon gets its most extensive update yet On sale February 2024 (est) Price from £44,000 (est)
Lawrence Cheung lawrence.cheung@haymarket.com
THE IMPACT THAT the Tesla Model 3 has had on the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) market since sales began in 2019 can’t be overstated, and after recent price drops it has redefined perceptions of EV value for money. Only around £3000 separates the entry-level Model 3 from the smaller Vauxhall Astra Electric, which has much less range and performance to offer.
While minor updates have kept it fresh over the years, the next chapter in the Model 3’s life cycle has arrived with this facelift. Don’t worry: those price reductions were no end-of-season sale just to shift old stock; Tesla promises only incremental price increases (around £1000-£2000) when the updated car arrives in the UK early next year.
So, what’s new? Well, most obvious is the new styling. The headlights are sleeker and the separate foglights have been removed; these changes allow for a reshaped and slimmed-down bumper in a quest for better aerodynamics and improved efficiency. At the back, visual tweaks include C-shaped tail-lights and the replacement of the badge with ‘Tesla’ lettering. The reversing lights are now mounted low down on the bumper.
Below the surface, attention has been paid to improving refinement and comfort, and the changes are most welcome. Revised suspension and new tyres have taken the edge off the Model 3’s firm ride on bumpy roads; as a result, occupants aren’t jostled around in their seats as much.
Things are also a bit more hushed on the move. Those aerodynamic tweaks mean air is more efficiently guided over the front windscreen, while the rear side windows are now double glazed to match the front ones, helping to blot out wind noise. Road noise is reduced, too, partly thanks to the new tyres. However, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 still has the edge when it comes to long-distance comfort.
The current Model 3 is one of the more enjoyable cars to drive in its class, and this updated model retains those qualities, with grippy handling, relatively quick steering and rapid acceleration.
Battery capacity and charging speeds on both the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range versions remain the same, but efficiency tweaks are said to have increased the range by 5-8%. On the standard 18in wheels, the RWD is expected to cover 344 miles (up from 305 miles), while the Long Range should travel for up to 421 miles
