Slimmed Down Minimalism: Test Driving The Updated Tesla Model 3

By Jeremy Taylor & Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby.

4 months ago

Jeremy and Jessica drive a dog-friendly Tesla

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The original Tesla Model 3 sparked a motoring revolution – and the updated version is still one of the most affordable electric family cars, say motoring editor Jeremy Taylor and Jessica Talbot-Ponsonby.

C&TH Cars Hub

Review: Tesla Model 3

J-TP – What a sweet mutt! I imagine the photo is to highlight the Tesla’s handy Dog Mode?

JT – That’s right. The system sets the air conditioning so there’s no panic leaving your hound onboard in hot or extreme cold conditions. The message on the infotainment screen also tells concerned passers-by not to worry

Simple but very effective. And people do quite rightly worry when they see a dog alone in a car on a hot day. The screen also shows the interior temperature, just to reassure people further.

So, what’s the story with the new version of the 3? It looks very similar on the outside…

Look closer and the front end has changed completely. Gone is the stubby nose, with new, slimmer headlights and a smoother design. The rear lights are now integrated in the boot lid too, so the 3 is just prettier all round.

Still hate those awkward door handles though!

Yes, form over function, but at least Tesla has sorted out the problem of water running into the boot when the lid is open. Do you like the interior?

Well, Tesla threw the design rule book out of the window with the original model 3. The interior was so stripped out in the last version that some owners didn’t know what to do when they opened the door for the first time.

And first you have to get in, which is best done via the Tesla app on a mobile phone. Otherwise, you have to rely on tapping a flimsy credit card-sized fob against the driver’s door pillar.

No key of any kind. And no gearstick of any kind either!

I still find that weird. The drive, reverse and park modes are all on the infotainment screen. Swipe to go in the direction of travel. No on/off button – it’s all too bamboozling for some!

There’s no instrument binnacle for the driver, so speed flashes up in the top right corner of that centre infotainment screen. It’s actually easy to use. However, I can’t understand why a tech-conscious company like Tesla doesn’t offer a head-up display, to flash information onto the windscreen.

Shall I mention the indicator stalk – or lack of it?

Supercar brands like Lamborghini and Ferrari have long used buttons on the steering wheel to operate the indicator lights. Tesla has now ditched the stalk completely in the latest 3 for a similar type of system.

Which is fine, until a driver tries to signal their intention to turn left while travelling clockwise on a roundabout. It’s ridiculously dangerous. The windscreen wiper buttons are also on the steering wheel.

Seems Tesla wants to reinvent the wheel. Worst still, the door mirrors are adjusted from the infotainment screen and button controls on the steering wheel. It’s all a bit overthought and overwrought for the driver.

Tesla functionality doesn’t support phone apps like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto either, which will be a major reason not to choose the Model 3 for some.

Which is a shame because so much of the Model 3 is very good indeed. I know we both love the clean, minimalist approach to interior car design and the latest curved dashboard is now topped off with a strip of light that wraps right around the front of the cockpit.

And there’s tons of tech, including a rear screen for watching movies from the back seat, a brace of wireless phone chargers up front – and all the usual Tesla silliness, like fart sounds for the indicators (if you can find them), onboard games and even a drawing app.

And we haven’t even mentioned driving the car yet! It’s quick and great fun. The rear-wheel drive model costs from £39,000 and breaks the six second barrier to 60mph, while the Long Range dual motor trims that to 4.2 seconds but costs around £10,000 more.

We’ve also driven the new Performance model. That trims the time down to around 3 seconds – faster than most Porsches! This model is priced from £59,000 and hustles across a country A-road with incredible poise and pace.

I suspect the standard dual motor will be more than enough for most people. That said, I love the funky wheels on the Performance. They have fins to aid aerodynamics, while the brakes are beefed up for extra stopping power.

So, overall, what do we think of the latest Model 3?

A brilliant update to an already excellent car. The more aggressive styling helps the driving experience and the interior is mostly excellent.

And there’s a ‘but’ coming?

Much of the Model 3 is game-changing but I can’t help thinking most of the issues – the daft indicators, lack of head-up display overall quality – should have been sorted out. Unfortunately, Tesla has an image problem too.

Mr Musk?

Far be it from me to say but many folk just don’t agree with his views, which will also reflect on their choice of car. Polestar and Kia offer excellent alternatives but the Model 3 is very worthy of consideration.