The Tesla brand name has become synonymous with electric cars. Every new electric car that is announced by any of the big brand names, like Volkswagen, BMW, Porsche and Volvo, - is compared to the Tesla. So the company has a clear lead that it is determined to keep. Recent reports from California, - which is the home of American electric cars, - confirm a sales surge for Tesla. Tesla's one asset that its electric competitors don't have, is its eccentric billionaire creator, Elon Musk. So Tesla is always guaranteed attention-grabbing publicity. Musk is to Tesla as Bill Gates is to Microsoft.
The Model 3 might be considered the basic entry version. It is certainly the most popular. It is also the smallest by a whisker in dimensions. It is really a two seater sports car that can carry two passengers in the somewhat cramped rear quarters, and can be optioned with most of the bells and whistles that its bigger brothers have.
There is an incredible array of options available. The basic Model 3 is rear wheel drive, but there is an option for all wheel drive. Tesla uses a unique design electric motor, and torque is digitally directed to the front and rear axles with the object of the best stability and traction control in the AWD model.
Performance is dramatic, with an 0-100km run time of as low 3.3 seconds for the hi-performance AWD version. Range varies greatly, depending on terrain and driving style. WLTP rates the Model 3 a maximum range of 570 kilometres the Long Range Model 3. Real world range whilst is a bit lower, a charging point is on every corner.
Safety is of a high standard. Its aluminium and steel structure has passed all accepted formal tests with five start ratings.
So how does it go on the road? The model 3 acquits itself very well. Obviously its rocket-like acceleration is its forte, but for all that the Model 3 is probably the best all round Tesla choice. And it is the only Tesla model to feature track mode. Which is pretty much what it suggests. The dynamic computer systems assess what the driver is asking, and direct torque to (or brake) the wheels that will most assist in achieving the best cornering angle and times. The computers also change the regenerative braking system to maximum resistance and charge, something that is likely to be uncomfortable in the highway mode. It also has cameras to record your lap activity including a G meter to measure cornering force.
The Tesla Model 3 really is in a different league. You can see its camera images on your phone, and control its movements. In the USA it can warn pedestrians in a robotic voice, who stray too close. New features like these are released in the US first and filter throughout the world.
Sales in Australia of the Tesla Model 3 sales have been increasing dramatically, with an estimated 5000+ sold during the first six months of 2021. Which was up 170% from the previous period.
While the much more expensive upmarket Teslas catch the imagination, a recent price drop makes the Model 3 a very attractive choice when compared with its less powerful but more expensive rivals.
The Tesla model 3 is the middle-of-the-road affordable, cutting edge technology, car of the future. Here now. But for those of us who have enthusiasm for old technology classic cars, it might be a bridge too far. It is totally impossible to argue with the Tesla's practicality, efficiency, and fulfilling of a market need.
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