I’ve driven the cheapest Tesla you can buy, and I think it’s the best of the lot

Keeping up with Tesla’s latest lineup has been tricky over the past few months, because it’s introduced a few new models and then changed their names a few times. The new Model 3 Standard was introduced late last year as the new entry-level version of the brand’s electric saloon, but within weeks it was called something else.

It’s now known simply as the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, and it’s a slightly stripped-back version with a more affordable price tag. The range used to start at £39,990, but this car costs £37,990.

But is the basic version any good? Well I spent a day driving the new Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive around the south coast to find out.

New Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive: what’s different about this car?

In short, not much. When Tesla introduced a new base version of the Model Y, it had some noticeable exterior design changes and a completely different centre console to set it apart. In contrast, the Model 3 Rear-Wheel drive looks pretty much identical to every other Model 3.

From the outside there are no changes at all for the UK market. In the United States this car comes on 17-inch steel wheels with plastic hub caps, but we get 18-inch alloys with aerodynamic covers.

This is to help keep the residual values up, because cars on tiny steel wheels depreciate more quickly and faster depreciation actually increases the cost of a monthly lease. So by fitting better wheels, Tesla has actually made it slightly cheaper.

Inside there are a few more noticeable differences, the most obvious being the half-cloth seats. You also get simpler ambient lighting with fewer colour options, a manually-adjustable steering column as opposed to an electric one and the seat controls have been moved to the screen instead of having buttons on the seat itself.

Beyond this, the interior is typically Tesla. You get a large central touchscreen which is super fast and responsive, and while I do prefer proper buttons for the climate control I can forgive this car because the menus are so easy to navigate.

You also get a good amount of rear legroom, even for lanky adults like me, although the floor is really high thanks to the battery pack beneath which can make you feel like your knees are up around your ears.

The 594-litre boot is around 190-litres bigger than a Polestar 2’s, mostly thanks to the enormous storage space beneath the floor. Speaking of enormous storage spaces, the two cubbies in the centre console are deep enough to lose your arm in, and the front boot is a good size as well.

Driving the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive: very few surprises

On the road, the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive feels a lot like, err, a Tesla Model 3, and that is to say it’s really rather good.

The massive windscreen and sloped dashboard gives you a great view forward, and the steering is well-weighted and accurate. There is a pretty big blind spot over your shoulder, but this is negated by the excellent surround-view camera system.

Around town, the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive does jostle you around a bit over broken surfaces, and this is thanks to the fact it has a slightly more basic suspension setup than other Model 3s. It smooths out nicely on the motorway, and it’s pretty quiet at speed as well. That said, a BMW i4 does feel a touch more refined.

I do have a bone to pick with the Autopilot adaptive cruise control system though, because I’ve never found it hugely impressive. Whereas my Skoda Octavia vRS will spot slowing traffic from a way off and gradually slow you down, the Tesla will fly up to it and jam the anchors on at the last minute. It also disengages if you so much as breath on the steering wheel. It’s not particularly relaxing, which is why I rarely use it.

It’s on a country road where the Model 3 always impresses, because it’s surprisingly good fun to drive through the bends. The steering is quick and direct, and there’s very little bodyroll when you chuck it into a corner. It’s impressively agile for a heavy EV.

Powering the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is a 283hp motor, and Tesla says it’s reduced the acceleration and the top speed to drop the insurance group. You could’ve fooled me to be honest, because it still does 0-60mph in 6.2 seconds and that feels more than fast enough. It’s nearly 2.0 seconds faster than a Kia EV4 Fastback.

As for range, the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive is very efficient. It has a 70kWh battery with a claimed range of 332 miles, and during my extended test drive on motorways, country roads and town centres I averaged 4.2 miles per kWh. That equates to a real-world range of 294 miles, which is 89% of the claimed figure.

Why I think the cheapest Tesla Model 3 is the best

After my day driving the Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, I reckon it’s the pick of the range because of the incredible value for money.

The next model up is called the Premium Rear-Wheel Drive Long Range, and it costs a hefty £7,000 more than the base car. Yes, that car does get 466 miles of range, but the Rear-Wheel Drive’s 332 miles is more than enough for most people.

I also don’t think it’s worth an extra £7,000 in terms of additional kit either. The Premium adds an electric steering column, heated rear seats, a rear touchscreen and some different interior trim options, but I can do without that in all honesty.

The uprated suspension in the Model 3 Premium does make it feel a touch more refined, but you have to drive the two cars back to back and really be concentrating to notice the difference. Then there’s the leasing prices to consider.

The vast majority of people will lease their Tesla Model 3, and the Rear-Wheel Drive costs £299 per month with around £3,500 up front. This is over three years with a generous mileage limit of 8,000 per year.

The next version up will cost you £175 per month more, and I just don’t think you’re getting value for money at that price. It makes the Rear-Wheel Drive look like a no-brainer, and that’s why I think it’s the Tesla Model 3 to go for.

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