Tesla Model 3 restyled: we got on board!

PHOTOS: A. SAUNIER

We no longer present the Model 3, Tesla’s family car which, in its six-year career, has sold more than two million units worldwide. To the point of being the best-selling model in Europe in 2021, all categories combined, electric and thermal mixed. But to remain a reference (and the public’s favorite), the Model 3 had to evolve. Especially as competition increases (see BYD Seal test p. 36).

Aesthetically, this profound evolution results in an ever more refined style that is both elegant and dynamic.

The stated aim of these alterations is also to improve aerodynamics, the “nerve of war” in terms of battery-powered cars. New hood, refined front headlights, revised shield and “smoother than ever” bow: the Tesla loses its slightly globular look and its vertical grille. More subtle, new doors accommodate hollow elements at the junction of the front wings. Finally, the bow sports redesigned lights (now attached to the trunk flap), a new diffuser and the name of the brand in place of the Tesla logo.

PHOTOS:N.SOLER

TESLA

Pure as possible

Inside, we immediately appreciate the efforts made in the finish (one of the weak points of the current Model 3). The dashboard has an attractive textile covering as well as a luminous strip which runs throughout the cabin. And the central console, redesigned, is entitled to aluminum. The brand new steering wheel, minimalist as possible, receives the controls for the indicators and windshield wipers, the Tesla abandoning the controls. In use, not sure that we gain in ergonomics… Finally, we find the 15.4”/39.1 cm panel which allows you to control a set that is still as intuitive and responsive. However, we would have liked the arrival of a meter unit behind the steering wheel. At the rear, we appreciate the still generous space as well as, new, an 8”/20.3 cm screen which will entertain passengers during long journeys. Finally, if the opening of the rear trunk (there is also one at the front) remains narrow, its capacity increases by 33 dm3.

More kilometers

Technically, nothing changes, apart from the installation of new spring/shock absorber combinations intended to improve comfort. The Propulsion version, still with 283 hp and a 57 kWh battery, however announces a range of 513 km(1), a gain of 22 km. As for the Dual Motor with all-wheel drive, with 440 hp and 78 kWh batteries, its range would increase from 602 to 629 km(1). Always remarkable distances. Finally, prices “only” increase by €1,000… until Elon Musk (the unpredictable boss of Tesla) changes his mind?

1. Autonomy announced for a model with 19” shoes (optional fitment).

PHOTOS: A. SAUNIER

PHOTOS: A. SAUNIER

TESLA

Hybrid supplement

Citroën has just revealed the prices of the C5 Aircross equipped with the 1.2 PureTech ë-DCS6 micro-hybrid 48 V 136 hp package. Count on €36,290 for the entry-level You, €38,260 for the Plus version and €40,670 for the top-of-the-range Max. That’s €4,320 more than the “classic” C5 Aircross 1.2 PureTech with manual gearbox. But it is between €640 and €860 less than its cousin the Peugeot 3008. To find out more, discover our full test of the Citroën in October.

The “battery-powered” Passat

Car Plus announced to you last week: if the Passat SW will be replaced by a brand new opus in February 2024, the sedan will go 100% electric with the ID. 7. However, it is already possible to place an order for this large sedan (4.96 m) with 286 hp (at the rear wheels) which, thanks to its 77 kWh battery, promises 620 km in one go.

Count €62,650 minimum.

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