TEST - Tesla Model 3 does it again but stumbles over this one test item - AutoReview.nl

The Tesla Model 3 does not win a test from Auto Review for the first time. Colleague Bart says in a test from 2021 that he would rather take the basic version of the Model 3 than the most expensive Volkswagen ID.3.

This time, Tesla's success number must prove itself against larger electric business cars than the ID.3. But the Tesla Model 3 has no problem with that either.

Always too smart

What is certainly admirable is how Tesla consistently outsmarts its competition. When other car brands think they have caught up, captain Elon Musk pulls a new rabbit out of his top hat. If not in the technological field, then it is with one significant price reduction. The difference with the Nio ET5 is now more than 12,000 euros. We won't talk about the other test cars ...

While in the Tesla Model 3 you really don't have to bite a stick. The interior may look stripped down, but the list of driver assistance systems is endless. It takes time to get to grips with the operation via the large central screen, there are simply a lot of functions behind it. Even the adjustment of the exterior mirrors and the steering wheel must be done via the touchscreen and the buttons on the steering wheel. Some solutions could be more convenient, although the voice control works very well.

In our free, weekly newsletter you will find regular tests of electric cars:

Model 3 not spacious in the back

You have a lot of space in the front of the Tesla Model 3. Due to the large windows, the overview around you is unobstructed. In the back, the Tesla Model 3 is tighter than the Ford, Kia and Nio. You may wonder how Tesla managed to create a hundred liters more luggage space in the Model 3 than Nio in the ET5. If you want a trailer hitch, you should opt for the less powerful Model 3 RWD or Long Range AWD. Such a hook is not mounted under the Performance version from this test.

Finish Tesla Model 3

Tesla has made great strides in the field of finish and build quality in recent years. You will no longer encounter skylights that have been fitted at an angle or at an angle with the Model 3. Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement on this part, because the test car is not free of creaks and rattles.

We also find cheap-looking leather and hard plastics, while some body parts are poorly finished. The true Tesla fanboy will probably be all the worst, but partly because of this, the Tesla Model 3 dangles at the bottom of the test section, both inside and out.

Successful mix

The seats don't get any bonus points either. There is too little shape and the cushions are too soft. It is the balanced tuning of the chassis that gets its hands together. The front and rear axles complement each other perfectly. On a bad road surface you can feel the car moving quite a bit, but overall the Tesla Model 3 offers a successful mix between suspension comfort and sportiness.

Want to know how the other electric business cars fare in this test? You read it in Auto Review 09/2023!

Tesla Model 3 private lease

The Tesla Model 3 is also available via private lease: an excellent way to own the electric sedan. The Tesla Model 3 private lease you via our comparator.