Tesla updates latest Model 3

The newest Tesla Model 3 gets a price reduction, more range, the Model Y heat pump HVAC system, more efficient tyres and a power liftgate.

The extra range is 30km to 60km depending on the variant – the Model 3 Standard Range Plus increasing from 460km to 490km, the Long Range going from 620km to 657km and the Performance from 560km to 628km under the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) criteria – replaced by the WLTP cycle in Europe since 2017.

Prices (excluding on-road costs) are generally a few thousand dollars cheaper with the Standard Range Plus at NZ$74,900 or A$66,900, Long Range NZ$92,900 or A$81,400, and the Performance NZ$101,900 or A$90,900.

A redesigned centre console is featured, along with fixed inductive charging mats for two smartphones, an updated front compartment with sliding lid, two additional high-powered USB-C ports for high speed device charging, and an extra USB-A port in the glove compartment to use for storage devices for Sentry Mode and Dash Cam footage.

Exterior updates include satin black side repeaters, door handles and brightwork, more efficient 18-19-inch sport wheels (20-inch Uberturbine on the Performance), a power trunk opened via a touchscreen, Tesla app or a trunk button.

Interior updates feature a matte black finish replacing the gloss ‘piano’ black, satin black sill plates, graphite finish seat controls, metalised scroll wheels on steering, and magnetic sun visor closure.

All come with Autopilot and improved software.

The Tesla Model S ‘Plaid” will be available in Australia from late next year for about A$189,990, according to The Driven.io

which also reports that Tesla is expanding there with new sites opening soon in the Gold Coast’s Southport, Perth’s Osborne Park, Sydney’s Chatswood and Parramatta, and Melbourne’s Elsternwick Park.

Meanwhile, a Tesla Model Y owner used Smart Summon on his full self-driving features to avoid getting his feet wet in a flooded Miami Beach carpark in Florida, Teslarati

reports.

Visit Model 3 Design Studio

for more on the upgrades.