Initially, they created the roadster which was good for an electric car, but at that time it was not relevant in the same way as it would be today and they didn't have the technology or money to make it a real world beater. However, the release of their incredibly quick Model S (from £57,400) took the market by storm as it was a very easy on the eye, fast saloon (sedan if you are from the US) that had a respectable range and some very quirky and futuristic interior features. By 2015, this had the highest sales of electric cars in the world. It was then followed up a couple of years later by the more expensive, yet more practical Model X (from £79,000) that had even more cutting edge technology and modern features that launched Tesla not just head and shoulders, but a full body's length above the rest. However, they were targeting a rather niche market and one that would not grow very quickly due to the expense of their cars and the low demand for this sort of electrical technology. So, Tesla decided to take a step back on the price enabling them to reach out to a wider audience and hopefully continue to make their mark in the market. And what did they name this car? The Model 3.
To start off with, the so called "budget" electric car does not feel like a budget car in any sense of the word, as it filled with more of Tesla's technology that never fails to enrich the experience. With its infotainment screen that looks like something from Star-Trek and a space-age looking steering wheel, it certainly feels like the bridge of the Starship Enterprise! With regard to the passengers, the Model 3 would happily fit 3 adults in the back and even though it has a panoramic sunroof, still has enough headroom to seat Shaquille O'Neal comfortably! On the interior, it is surprisingly simplistic, but this works as it keeps the car looking fresh and sharp. There are multiple choices for trim but I do like the contrast of the dark wood and the light aluminium. It boasts the largest infotainment screen in its class, measuring in at a whopping 15"! There is that ergonomic steering wheel that I mentioned earlier which looks absolutely brilliant without an instrument cluster in front of it and some exquisite aluminium lining. The windows are very large and offer optimal
visibility for the driver out of the front and sides but also has a rather sizeable rear window for a saloon. The seats in the front are electric for adjustment and for heating and the fact that they are leather bucket seats also makes them very comfortable!
Driveability and performance are key when it comes to which car to buy and the Model 3 doesn't hold back! For starters, the basic model has a range of about 215 miles but spec the motor up and you'll get all of 340 miles from it. The long range however, doesn't limit it's output and actually even the smaller motor will power you to 60 in under 6 seconds; equal to that of a BMW 330d! Apparently, the handling is good, with the rear wheel drive or optional 4 wheel drive systems laying down power in a smooth and linear fashion and the front wheels steering the car comfortably through the corners without any under-steer.However, arguably the most important thing one looks for when buying a car is what it looks like... and this car looks excellent! It has sharp lines to contrast with a smooth, rounded body which give it a really modern and fresh look. The headlights are bold and bright to provide an excellent finish on the front, alongside the aggressive looking grilles. The Model 3 also houses Tesla's signature 10 spoke alloys which look great on all of their models. Around the back, it doesn't look dissimilar to the Model S which I always thought looked good, albeit a bit boring.
So, back to the original question, will this car represent the 'family transport of the future'? And my answer is a "yes", it is a large leap in the right direction with its range, tech and performance being so far in front of any competitors. However, it is still a long way off overtaking the fossil- fuel car market, purely because of the inconvenience of charging it; a petrol/diesel car takes about 2-3 minutes to fill up and (taking the statistic for the BMW 320d) can drive for anywhere around 800 miles before another refill! Comparatively, the Model 3 charges in about half an hour and will go for just over 200 miles.
The verdict then, it has its problems but hindrances aside, I like it. The performance is outstanding in a straight line and through corners, it looks excellent both inside and out and it has some fantastic features that really put its competition to shame! This is a very practical car that feels at home both in the city or on the motorway and really has legs to strive in the automotive world. However, there is just one more point i'd like to make... if you want an American car, for the same price, get a Mustang; the Model 3 just doesn't sound as good.
Specs: (base model)
Price: £30,000
0-60mph: 5.6 seconds
Range: 215 miles
Top Speed: 140 mph
pisTEENhead rating: 8/10
