facelifted Tesla Model 3 now has a COE-friendly Cat A variant, making it more enticing for prospective buyers.
Whether you are in team Tesla or team not so keen on Tesla, you cannot deny that the new Model 3 Highland looks much better than its predecessor.
Singapore did not get to officially welcome the Model S and X, so when the original Model 3 made its way onto our shores back in 2021, it was received with much fanfare. Now, in a bid to increase its footing in our ever-competitive COE market, Tesla has introduced a special local-bred 110 Highland variant, which happens to be Cat A COE-friendly.
But, with fierce competition on the horizon, can it remain viable for prospective customers?
sharp and sleek.
The revamped Tesla Model 3 Highland takes a subtle yet effective approach to style, stepping up without shouting for attention.
The bloated, amphibian-like contours of the old model are gone, and while the refined changes aren’t radical, they do sharpen its overall facade.
The redesign has also improved aerodynamics, reducing the drag coefficient to a slick 0.219.
Simplicity meets sophistication on the inside; the dashboard is just a smooth expanse of fabric, an unbroken air vent, and a conspicuously large 15.4-inch touchscreen. It’s so stark and streamlined that traditionalists might raise an eyebrow or two.
The seats, while snug, offer a cosy enclave. The Highland model includes ventilated functionality too for front occupants, a much-needed feature.
Tesla has cheekily removed the indicators and the controls are now on the steering wheel.
The days of clustered instrument panels are gone. Everything you need to know is displayed on that sprawling screen. A head-up display would have been nice, but the singular screen does its job well.
Tesla’s approach to driving controls is like learning a new language. Swipe up for forward, down for reverse; intuitive, yet peculiar. And then, there’s Tesla’s flair for the whimsical. The infotainment system is packed with features that serve no purpose other than to amuse.
Imagine your passengers’ delight (or dismay) as your Model 3 orchestrates a light show, or play in-car games using the actual steering wheel, which is entertaining but impractical as they wear on your tyres.
But that’s exactly what you love about a Tesla. Could you do this on any other car? Of course not.
The rear panoramic sunroof stretches endlessly above, offering a view that nearly compensates for the snug fit.
The boot is decently large at 594 litres and expandable with folding seats. You even get an 88-litre frunk for that extra bit of storage.
still has more than enough power.
Here’s the juicy bit – does the power deficit affect everyday usability? Well, I’m happy to report that the Tesla Model 3 110 not only feels decently quick, but most consumers wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference between it and its faster siblings, bar Performance variant of course.
Acceleration is punchy enough to overtake most things on the road with ease, but don’t get into this expecting to smoke someone off the line instantly. Think less roller coaster, and more serene boat ride. The regenerative braking system is still a gem, fine-tuning itself to your individual driving conditions.
On the open road, the Model 3 is a solid cruiser, poised and composed. Throw it into a curve, and it might wobble slightly, but not enough to dull the shine of the overall experience.
You don’t get as much customisation as its other siblings, but its stable yet playful demeanour out of the box means most users will be content getting around in it.
And you won’t be constantly fretting over battery levels either. The central display reliably keeps you informed of your range, and the onboard navigation thoughtfully suggests when and where to stop for a charge.
Speaking of charging, with Tesla Superchargers, replenishing your Model 3’s battery is about as hassle-free as you could hope for in the age of electric. Plug in, grab a coffee, and by the time you’re back, you’re good to go.
For those who love adaptive cruise control, the Model 3 also has a sophisticated suite of driving aids: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane following assistant, and pedestrian avoidance steering.
These features feel more like gentle nudges than full-on takeovers, enhancing safety rather than replacing the driver.
this is the variant you are waiting for.
The Tesla Model 3 is simply different; who else would include a ‘Fart Mode’ in a car that can out-sprint most mainstream vehicles? It’s this blend of performance and playfulness that keeps Tesla’s place as a frontrunner in the EV space.
And with the launch of the Cat A variant, the Tesla Model 3 110 remains a great choice for those looking to dip their toes into the electric waters without getting their feet wet. So, while the Tesla Model 3 might not be everyone’s cup of tea, its role in the evolution of electric vehicles is unquestionable.
It’s a car that dares to be different. How many of the others can claim to follow the same path?
Technical Specifications
Tesla Model 3 RWD 110 (2024)
Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 110kW (148bhp)
Torque: 350Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 8.6 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 60 kWh
Drive Range: 513 km
Energy Consumption: 7.6km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$93,172 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Tesla Singapore
Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)
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