Tesla Model 3 Review & Prices

The Tesla Model 3 - previously known as the Model 3 Standard - is a new pared-back model in the American manufacturer’s range. Sitting at the opposite end of the Model 3 range to the Performance and just beneath the newly renamed Model 3 Premium, the Model 3 features a lower-powered motor, more basic interior fittings and a reduced choice of colours and other options. This makes it cheaper but, in theory, without losing many of the features that make Tesla ownership so attractive.

It’s like opting for a cheapy inside cabin on a cruise holiday - you might not have such a luxurious time as the people in suites, but you still get to enjoy the theatre performances, buffet, pool deck and all-you-can-drink packages the same as everyone else.

The first changes Tesla has made are to the outside, but they’re much more limited than those made to the Tesla Model Y. You only get one design of 18-inch alloy wheel, and your paint options are limited to a standard Stealth Grey or an optional black or pearl white. Colours are definitely out.

It’s still a pretty sleek-looking thing, with a smooth front end, aero covers on the alloy wheels which look pretty cool, and premium touches such as hidden door handles.

Tesla Model 3: electric range, battery and charging data

Range: 323 miles
Efficiency: 4.6 miles per kWh
Battery size: 70kWh
Charge port location: Rear left

Inside, there are a few alterations as well. The cupholders no longer get a sliding cover, and the seats now have cloth centres instead of the full leather upholstery of the standard car. Ambient lighting is also restricted to white, rather than the multicoloured configurable setup you previously had. There’s also no subwoofer for the sound system or seat ventilation, and rear passengers don’t get their own touchscreen any more.

But the changes are much less manifold than they are in the Model Y, which gets a totally redesigned centre console from the normal model.

Crucially, the Model 3’s basic structure hasn’t changed at all - so you get a totally flat floor in the rear with plenty of legroom for adults, and bags of space for luggage. The boot is 594 litres in capacity, larger than a Polestar 2, Hyundai Ioniq 6 or even a Volkswagen ID7 - though the narrow saloon opening isn’t as versatile as a hatchback boot would be.

You also get an additional 88 litres of storage under the bonnet, ideal for keeping things like heavy, mucky charging cables.

The Model 3’s interior remains a masterclass in minimalism. The 15.4-inch central touchscreen does absolutely everything. Not only does it run your infotainment for maps and media, but driving information is presented in the corner nearest to the driver.

Instead of a drive select lever or buttons, you have a slider on the edge of the screen. Instead of direction nozzles in the air vents, you choose where you’d like the air to go on the screen. You even open the glovebox via an onscreen button.

Luckily, Tesla’s interface is among the best in terms of responsiveness and ease-of-use, but technophiles will definitely prefer a more conventional interior. At least Tesla has listened to feedback and re-introduced an indicator stalk, replacing the steering wheel buttons that were previously offered.

The Model 3 uses a battery around 70kWh in capacity and returns a pretty impressive range of 332 miles. That’s a bit more than the 323 miles that the previous entry-level Model 3 offered, and it compares very well to alternatives such as the Standard Range Polestar 2 (344 miles) or Standard Range Hyundai Ioniq 5 (273 miles), both of which are pricier.

Though it doesn’t have the adaptive dampers of the regular Model 3 Premium, the Model 3 should be pretty similar to drive. Acceleration is reduced to a still-quick 0-62mph in 6.2 seconds, and top speed is reduced to 110mph to cut insurance costs, but we’d still expect the Model 3 to feel rapid and reasonably agile.

We’ll know for sure when we get behind the wheel. Until then, you can check out Tesla Model 3 deals right here on Carwow, or find an excellent Tesla Model 3 lease deal. We have loads of used Teslas for sale, too, and remember that Carwow can even help you to sell your old car when the time comes.

The Model 3 comes in - at the time of writing - at £37,990. That’s a super-competitive price point, and significantly cheaper than cars you might have compared the Model 3 to previously such as the BYD Seal, Polestar 2 or Hyundai Ioniq 6.

It’s more comparable to top-spec versions of smaller, less posh cars - such as the Kia EV3 or Volkswagen ID3 - or other pared-back models from the same class, such as the Standard Range Hyundai Ioniq 5.

You still get plenty of equipment. While the Model 3 does without the ventilated front seats or subwoofer of the posher versions, there’s still that huge central touchscreen with built-in Google Maps, Spotify and plenty of other apps. You also get a vast sunroof, Tesla’s basic ‘Autosteer’ and adaptive cruise control (with the option to upgrade to the more sophisticated Autopilot or ‘Full Self-Driving’), full LED lights, a suite of exterior cameras and loads of neat features such as Pet mode or Sentry mode.