![]() Since then the latter of those two companies now have a range of EVs on sale, but they’re not a tech company first and foremost and in that respect they’ve lost some time, which is why Tesla is doing so well. With the German players reluctant to compete with a battery-powered version of their own most profitable products, the Model 3 was able to steal the limelight away from the similarly priced, long-established BMW 3 Series, Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. It is a fun drive that speaks to how good electric cars are becoming in a serious hurry.Just months after the Tesla Model 3 went on sale in Europe in February 2019 it became a success. The bare-bone appearance of the cabin hides a wealth of advanced technology, the Long Range’s two electric motors deliver a dynamic drive and it has a driving range that’s yet to be rivalled at this price point. Drive it and you learn very quickly that “our way” has some distinct benefits. With Tesla’s “our way” kind of philosophy, it might be easy to dismiss the Model 3 as the oddball in a growing segment. It is for small items and the charging paraphernalia. Of course, there is a “frunk” under the hood. Behind is a roomy trunk with split/folding seats. ![]() Article content 2021 Tesla Model 3 Photo by Graeme FletcherĪs for the front riders, the seats are nicely bolstered and comfortable, although a little more lateral support would not go amiss given the playful drive and the rear riders have decent legroom as long as the front seats are not fully rearward. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The description reads like it is about to become autonomous. However, it will get better when the Full Self-Driving Capability (a $10,000 option) is augmented with Autosteer on city streets. On the highway, it looked after the steering while remaining a pre-set distance behind the car ahead. Even in base form it’s streets ahead of similar systems. It then uses the same cameras and 12 ultra-sonic sensors for Autopilot. It uses eight cameras to “map” the surroundings. From vehicles to the garbage bins waiting to be emptied the lot is there to see. For example, the navigation system runs Google maps in real time and a bar at the side of the mapping shows exactly what’s around the car. It is a slick affair that’s only missing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Here, there are Chill (forget it!) and Standard modes. Climate is accessed by touching the fan icon changing the drive mode is a two-touch affair - one to access the menu, one to pick the mode. Touch the door mirror icon and they are adjusted using the left toggle switch and on it goes. Touch the Car icon and the first screen allows the driver to adjust the common elements. Sit inside, put a foot on the brake pedal, and things come to life. The limited number of controls is down to the fact everything else is done through the oversized 15-inch touchscreen. That’s it! Even the air vents are hidden. The minimalist thing is found in the fact there are just four controls - left and right toggle switches on the steering wheel along with the gear selector and turn signal stalks. It’s also very minimalistic in its approach, although the look and feel comes across as chic and modern. The cabin itself is light and airy thanks to the glass roof panel. While it is true to say the Model 3 is not really a sports car because of its mass (estimated at 1,850-kilograms), it does a very credible impersonation when pushed towards its surprising limits - the optional 19-inch wheels ($2,000) and P235/40 tires do add some welcome extra grip.Įntry to Model 3 is via a credit card-sized “key” that’s touched on the b-pillar and then stowed on the centre console. Comfort does make it easier and Sport firms it. While it may feel a tad heavy to some in Standard mode, the crispness and quick response worked for me. It soaks up the rough bits without allowing the body to roll into a corner. ![]() The Model 3’s suspension setup balances the ride and handling parts very well.
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