Tesla Model 3 - V3.0

I'm on the fence about this. I really like the new design, interior updates and increased range but the stalkless design is a huge negative for me. Why change something that worked so well?

I hope BYD come in strong with the pricing for the Seal to undercut the model 3 by a nice margin and force Tesla to reduce their prices accordingly.

A lot of positives there in terms of refinement and features, bar the loss of the fog lights and stalks (but we'll see how that works out). There are a few design features I am not keen on:

1) Letters on the back instead of the minimalist logo. Volvo started this fad of wide-spaced letters around 2010 and I had hoped the T would be above that.... I always thought it crass, like those DG and FCUK logos. We've seen people stick after-market ones on, which I guess is a sign of expansion of the brand to the masses and their bling bling tastes.

2) The front bumper, while more aerodynamic, is too plain compared to the personality of the pre-Highland Model 3. It reminds me of the revised Kona EV with that big plain line - too much solid and not enough void or contours.

The interior, in general, looks solid. Perhaps the general trend is the car improving but also becoming more generic, even like in terms of limiting the top speed. Getting very sensible, aren't we!

Seems excellent! Much better car (if we leave out the controversial stalks).

But I'm missing the ability to tilt the screen. That's the only thing I really dislike in the Model 3.

I've seen a fella who got it fitted aftermarket into the Model Y. To me, this isn't a premium but a basic design thing. I've very long hands but trying to reach out to the screen is sometimes a challenge for me too. And while driving in Europe with a massive sunlight backlight, the screen had sometimes massive glare and I couldn't see much on it. Titling would solve both issues.

I installed a matte finish screen protector for that very reason. Did the trick.

Besides the indicators on the steering wheel (stupid in my opinion), I'd be more worried about the gear selector on the screen.

I've got into my own car a few times and the screen has stayed black and unresponsive. Not great if you are looking to get going in a hurry.

as an aside - would be interested to hear if someone had a 201-D grey M3P reported stolen on any of the FB groups. There can’t be many of them - there was one being driven like it was stolen easily over 100mph between swords and balbriggan on the old N1, passing lines of cars, trucks, tractors and everything else, on double white lines, all in 60 or 80 zones, school zones, around every bend, in constant oncoming traffic etc.

I’d say there’s no way this was owner-driven like that in normal Friday evening traffic.

Tbf, I don't think anyone really minds a screen size. That's easily got used to. The same as how phone screens have only ever increased. That's not a serious fault.

Driving with indication buttons on a moving wheel that aren't naturally in the same location where they are accessible through repetition is bad design and should be called out for what it is.

Would you change to a M3P refresh if performance was similar or improved from the outgoing model?

The indicators seem a bit like on a motorbike, ie used with your left thumb. Something I find quite intuitive over the years riding bikes. However a wheel turns in your hands, not like a handlebar. I did check my Model 3 today on normal larger roundabouts, ones that you would normally indicate before joining and again on exit. I reckon would be no problem using the wheel switches as you only use about quarter of a turn or less on the wheel so your left thumb could be still on the indicator switch.

I like my present autopilot stalk double tap, not sure if as easy on a button. But again, most cars have the controls on the wheel.

The interior is a definite improvement though, the ambient lighting is a nice touch. But nothing wrong with my one either. I don't find my MIC RWD is particularly noisy, but I am inclined to have music on.

Could have just been Ace Autobody collecting a customers car for some minor repairs….. they have form!