Autocar heads to Southampton to see Tesla's new compact SUV come off the boat
The new Tesla Model Y has arrived in the UK two years after its initial US launch and customers have taken delivery of the all-electric model at select locations around the country.
The final and largest mass handover event took place at the Horizon cruise terminal in Southampton, the UK’s second most active automotive port which processes over 900,000 vehicles a year.
Handover events took place at a total seven locations across the UK, including Aerospace Bristol, the American Air Museum in Cambridge, the Imperial War Museum in Manchester, Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire and Oyster Catcher in Anglesey.
Customers were presented with a display showcasing the firm’s model range, the Tesla Model X’s light show, and a host of other legacy models including the Tesla Pride car before being handed the keys to their own Model Y.
One customer told Autocar that Tesla’s technology and future-proofing were key to cementing their decision to purchase the model over other options in the compact crossover market, such as the Kia EV6 and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT.
“It’s the only brand that’s made the effort for the future. Everyone else has written it off. Tesla has kept to its mission statement and followed it through,” said Jayesh Kanbi, who also collected a Model Y.
“It’s also the incremental improvements because all of the other car manufacturers give you the bare minimum and label it a new model, whereas I think Tesla’s the only one to continue to give you whatever they can give you as soon as the tech is there.”
One had high hopes for the firm’s charging infrastructure. “The charging network was a massive draw. I think that’s one of the biggest draws really. I’ll be frustrated if they open it up to all EVs,” said one owner, who asked not to be named.
“I think performance is one of my favourite things about the car. Not looks – I think it could look a bit better if I’m honest,” they said. “It’s not the most attractive car in the world, but I think the interior and how clean the design is impressive. Quality? I don’t know. It will be interesting to see what that’s like two years in.”
For others, the Model Y’s 331 miles of range sealed the deal suggesting the model was the only viable option.
“Rather than being a massive Tesla fanboy, it was the most viable option. Range is important to me and to be fair, six months ago a lot of the viable options for EVs didn’t really exist for families, whereas now they do,” said Toby Pentecost.
“My most common work trip is between London and Bristol – exactly a 200 mile round trip, and you’ve got around 330 miles of range. We have on street charging in London, so I think a relatively small portion of my charging will be using the supercharger network, but I’m not sure yet.”
Tesla started production of the Model Y compact SUV back in 2020 for customers in the US, while deliveries in mainland Europe kicked off in August last year. Essentially a crossover version of the Tesla Model 3 saloon, the Model Y completes the core model line-up alongside the Model S, Model 3 and Model X.
The car is available in two forms. Entry-level Long Range models produce 434bhp and offer 331 miles of range, a 135mph top speed and a 0-62mph time of 4.8sec.
The more powerful Performance version makes 483bhp with a range of 319 miles, a top speed of 155mph and a 0-62mph time of 3.5sec, but this model is yet to reach the UK.
Keyword: New 2022 Tesla Model Y: meeting the SUV's first UK buyers