Upshift in quality promised
- Significant interior updates
- Up to 421 miles of range
- New driver assistance technology
- Teslas are not fully autonomous
The new Tesla Model 3 has gone on sale in the UK, offering a revamped design inside and out as well as the ability to travel further per charge.
When it was revealed just a few months ago, Tesla promised the new Model 3 would be more “refined” thanks to an upgraded interior and a “noticeably quieter ride”.
But despite the claimed improvements, under Tesla’s dynamic pricing model the new Model 3 is actually slightly cheaper than the outgoing car, with prices starting at just under the crucial £40,000 mark — at which point cars in the UK attract the £390 annual “expensive car supplement” when paying VED (road tax).
Most obvious among the changes are those made to the car’s body, with sleeker headlights and slightly sharper styling making for a more aerodynamic shell. Add in airflow-optimised wheels and tyres, and Tesla says the car will create less wind noise at speed as well as offering greater range due to the lower drag.
Two new colours – Ultra Red and Stealth Grey – join the range, but they are £2,000 options. Of the five colours available, white is the only no-cost choice.
Significant interior updates
Inside, Tesla has done just as much work, with more aluminium and textiles in the cabin, as well as more soundproofing and improved seals for greater isolation from the outside world. In the middle, there’s a redesigned centre console incorporating a Model S-inspired double wireless charging bed, while three USB-C charging ports provide more conventional charging options.
There’s a new touchscreen, too, with a thinner bezel and therefore a larger display, while those in the back get an 8in touchscreen to play with, too.
More controversially, Tesla has binned the indicator stalks, with drivers activating the turn signals via steering wheel buttons.
Up to 421 miles of range
Customers will get a choice of two different variants, with the basic Rear-Wheel Drive car joined by the more powerful Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive version.
Naturally, it’s the Rear-Wheel Drive car that comes in at Tesla’s headline price of £39,990, promising a range of 344 miles per charge and a 0-60mph time of just under six seconds.
The Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive version commands a premium of £10,000, though it offers 421 miles of range and a rapid 4.2-second dash from 0-60mph.
Powertrain aside, both models will be very similar, with no real change to the options available or the cars’ looks. As usual, buyers will get to choose from two alloy wheel designs, although their choice will affect the car’s range.
Opting for the £1,500 19in alloys will see the Rear-Wheel Drive’s range drop to 318 miles while the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive’s endurance falls to 390 miles between charges.
New driver assistance technology
Customers can choose between black and white interior designs, although the white is a £1,100 option. There are also optional driver assistance packages.
The Enhanced Autopilot system costs £3,400 and it permits navigation on Autopilot — a driver aide that includes steering assist (including motorway entry and exit help), active cruise control, lane-keeping and automatic lane-changing (the car will help drivers switch lanes when it senses a gap opening up). Despite the assistance, under current law in the UK all drivers must remain in control of their vehicle and keep hands on the wheel at all times.
Autopark and summoning systems, which enable the car to be manoeuvred into and out of parking spaces from outside the vehicle, are in the pipeline for inclusion as part of Enhanced Autopilot.
Adding the “Full Self-Driving Capability” costs £6,800, and it gets all those features plus Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, which can slow and stop the car when approach red or amber lights, while Autosteer on city streets is reportedly on its way.
Teslas are not fully autonomous
While Full Self-Driving Capability is a more advanced system, again we need to point out that under UK rules, drivers must always be in control of their vehicle, and must concentrate on the road as if they were driving with their hands and feet. They must also be ready to take control back at a moment’s notice.
In Tesla’s own words: “The currently enabled Autopilot, Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous. Full autonomy will be dependent on achieving reliability far in excess of human drivers as demonstrated by billions of miles of experience, as well as regulatory approval, which may take longer in some jurisdictions.”
The first customer Model 3s are expected to land in the UK between January and February 2024 according to the Tesla configurator, but customers can order their vehicle now.
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Keyword: Updated Tesla Model 3 goes on sale in the UK priced from £39,990