The Tesla Mannequin 3 is the highest promoting mid-sized automobile within the nation and has singlehandedly revived curiosity in conventional sedans which have a boot as an alternative of a tailgate or hatch.
The Mannequin 3’s direct EV rivals embrace the Polestar 2, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and BYD Seal, and it additionally steals some gross sales from the BMW 3 Sequence, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4. You can additionally pop the BMW i4 into its competitor set.
However arguably its most critical rival is the Toyota Camry that was lengthy a high vendor and is less expensive to buy however has greater working prices.
READ MORE: Thriller solved: Precisely how a lot energy your Tesla Mannequin 3 and Mannequin Y produces
The Mannequin 3 is Tesla’s most reasonably priced automobile and in addition supplies the foundations and underpinnings for the Tesla Mannequin Y SUV.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-21-1024x651.jpg)
2024 Tesla Mannequin 3 worth
The Tesla Mannequin 3 is obtainable in three fashions – or, at the very least, it is going to quickly be once more out there in three fashions. Tesla is at the moment promoting the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive (which we’ve examined right here) and the mid-grade Lengthy Vary.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-24-1024x683.jpg)
In 2024 the corporate has promised it is going to revive the flagship Mannequin 3 Efficiency – with extra in the best way of efficiency extras and tempo than we’ve seen beforehand.
The Rear-Wheel Drive is probably the most reasonably priced, priced at $61,900 plus on-road prices. For that you simply get faux leather-based trim, now with perforations for added texture. There’s additionally a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable entrance seats, heated steering wheel, powered tailgate, an above-average sound system and heated seats entrance and rear. Nevertheless, whereas Tesla beforehand supplied seat heating for all 5 seats, the particular person within the centre rear misses out.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-11-1024x683.jpg)
Different deletions from the usual tools listing embrace parking sensors as a result of the Mannequin 3 now depends solely on cameras for detecting objects and their distances. One of many forward-facing cameras has additionally been retired (there at the moment are two as an alternative of three) as a part of an replace to the exterior digital camera system.
And, after all, Tesla now not features a charging cable with any of its automobiles, so ensure you’ve bought a house charger sorted.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-04-1024x683.jpg)
New additions to the tools artillery embrace entrance seat air flow and an 8.0-inch touchscreen within the rear. That display is used to regulate the air flow but in addition management the infotainment, permitting these within the rear to stream video from providers resembling YouTube and Netflix.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-10-1024x683.jpg)
There are additionally 18-inch wheels lined by plastic covers. Each the wheel covers and the alloy wheels have been up to date with this newest mannequin, though the adjustments are refined.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-16-1024x683.jpg)
The Mannequin 3 will get a sub-standard four-year, 80,000km guarantee, though Australian Shopper Regulation will doubtless cowl you for a lot of defects past that timeframe. The Rear-Wheel Drive additionally will get a separate eight-year, 160,000 battery guarantee.
Contained in the 2024 Tesla Mannequin 3
A significant focus for the up to date Tesla Mannequin 3 was enhancing the in-cabin atmosphere.
There are new supplies on the sprint and doorways in addition to new perforated seats that make the faux leather-based look rather less faux.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-07-1024x683.jpg)
It’s nonetheless very a lot minimalist in its total presentation – there’s no instrument cluster and it lacks the richness and a focus to element of a Mercedes-Benz or BMW – but it surely’s a step up on the mannequin it replaces. The addition of a customisable materials strip throughout the highest of the sprint and multi-colour ambient lighting circling the higher half of the cabin additionally provides depth.
None of which adjustments the core automobile, which nonetheless delivers on occupant area. These up entrance have ample room in each path and even within the rear there’s first rate head and legroom.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-13-1024x683.jpg)
The boot is beneficial and will get a 60/40 split-fold operate. Plus there’s a deep binnacle beneath the ground in addition to a small storage space below the bonnet, one thing Tesla calls the frunk (or entrance trunk).
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-15-1024x683.jpg)
One of the crucial controversial adjustments with the Mannequin 3 has been the removing of stalks on both aspect of the steering wheel.
Choosing Drive or Reverse is now accomplished through a digital slider show that seems on the correct of the principle touchscreen while you press the brake. It’s simple to get used to and is backed by digital buttons that seem on the overhead inside mild panel on the entrance of the roof.
It pays to familiarise your self with the brand new cruise management button and the wipers and excessive beam buttons, every of which can be within the steering wheel button cluster.
Much less intuitive are the indicator buttons. As with Lamborghini and Ferrari, they’re included within the steering wheel. Nevertheless, they’re each off to the left, somewhat than on either side of the wheel. So it’s a must to remind your self whether or not to push the higher (left) or decrease (proper) button.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-08-1024x683.jpg)
And if you happen to’re mid-corner – resembling in a roundabout attempting to exit to get out – it is advisable to discover the buttons on the turned wheel, which provides to the diploma of problem.
One upside is that they work in tandem with the digital camera to have a guess at while you’d just like the indicator to cancel – and it principally does a great job. Do a sluggish lane change, for instance, and the indications will stay flashing for the entire lane change earlier than cancelling when you’re totally within the new lane.
Efficiency and effectivity
The Tesla Mannequin 3 Rear-Wheel Drive will get a single electrical motor driving the rear wheels.
However making it work could be very completely different given there are now not any stalks on the steering wheel.
Whereas beforehand you needed to flick the right-hand stalk to activate Drive or Reverse, now it’s accomplished through the central infotainment display.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-40-1024x748.jpg)
Pop your foot on the brake and an additional bar seems on the right-hand fringe of the display. It means that you can activate a digital slider bar to pick Drive or Reverse – or press the button on the high to pop the automobile in Park.
It really works high-quality and is simple to get used to. There are additionally some extra contact pads on the roof panel close to the inside lights that mild up with P, R, N and D symbols as one other solution to choose which path you’d prefer to journey.
Tesla has additionally included an automatic operate, which we activated to see the way it goes. The concept is it makes use of the cameras and a few AI to find out which means it thinks you need to go. We discovered it pretty hit or miss (with many misses) so ended up utilizing the slider bar extra usually.
Tesla doesn’t quote outputs in its advertising materials, however the proprietor’s guide for a similar automobile in China counsel it makes 194kW and 340Nm.
The upshot is above common acceleration, with the Mannequin 3 RWD claimed to take 6.1 seconds to succeed in 100km/h.
It definitely feels near that and in addition comes with wonderful responses to any throttle enter. Whether or not it’s taking off from a standstill or punching the accelerator at 60km/h the Mannequin 3 leaps swiftly and faithfully.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-47-1024x598.jpg)
You continue to can’t manually modify the regenerative braking and it’s fairly aggressive, so it pays to be mild when lifting off the throttle. As with different issues Tesla, it requires a special driving type.
The addition of latest tyres (with an emphasis on consolation and decreasing rolling resistance) and improved aerodynamics has prolonged the EV driving vary. The claimed WLTP vary edges up from 491km to 513km, though our real-world expertise steered one thing like 460km.
With a circa-60kWh battery (Tesla doesn’t quote battery capacities) it makes for an impressively effectivity machine. Count on electrical energy use of 13-14kWh per 100km – or higher if you happen to’re driving gently and slowly
Tesla claims a WLTP vary of 513km however one thing like 460km appeared extra reasonable in the actual world.
Charging the 2024 Tesla Mannequin 3
There’s one thing like 60kWh of battery capability within the Mannequin 3 (the corporate doesn’t state the battery capability).
Not like the Lengthy Vary and Efficiency variations of the Mannequin 3 – every of which use a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery chemistry – the Rear-Wheel Drive makes use of an LFP battery, or lithium ferrous phosphate.
LFP batteries sometimes have a decrease power density than NMC batteries, to allow them to retailer much less electrical energy. However they’re much cheaper to fabricate, one thing that helps hold the value of the automobiles down.
And whereas NMC batteries choose to not be charged to 100% commonly – the advice is to cost them to 80 % for each day driving and 100% just for street journeys – LFP batteries will be topped as much as 100% commonly.
Nevertheless, with the brand new Mannequin 3 Rear-Wheel Drive, Tesla has included an higher cost restrict inside the touchscreen. It means you possibly can set the utmost you need the automobile to cost to.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-06-1024x683.jpg)
The Mannequin 3 Rear-Wheel Drive can cost at as much as 11kW on an AC charger, which suggests a full cost in as little as six hours. When you’re utilizing a extra widespread 7.4kW dwelling charger than financial institution on about 9 hours for the complete top-up – or 30 hours from a house powerpoint.
Quicker DC public charging will be accomplished at as much as 170kW, which Tesla says can add 282km of vary in as little as quarter-hour.
As with most different EVs the Mannequin 3 runs a CCS combo charging cable, which permits Kind 2 AC charging and the bigger CCS plug for DC charging.
Meaning Teslas can use the general public charging infrastructure for every other EVs, however you may also entry the Tesla charging community, which in our expertise is probably the most dependable on the market. It additionally means you’ve gotten much more charging choices, which is especially helpful if you happen to’re on a street journey.
One tip, although: Tesla doesn’t embrace a charging cable with the Mannequin 3, so that you’ll must ensure you have dwelling charging sorted earlier than taking it dwelling.
Trip and dealing with
Suspension was one of many main areas of focus for the brand new Tesla Mannequin 3.
The physique itself has been stiffened, which is a reasonably main under-bonnet change that reaps rewards by permitting the suspension elements to do the job of absorbing power – somewhat than the physique flexing.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-53-1024x681.jpg)
Mixed with new suspension bushes and dampers, it makes for a markedly completely different automobile on the street.
Tesla has chosen frequency selective dampers (FSD), that are nonetheless pretty uncommon in new automobiles however have made a big effect on the automobiles they’re fitted to. It means the shock absorbers can modify their damping pressure relying on the frequency of the bump they’re driving over. A brief, sharp jolt, for instance, may get a decrease damping pressure to assist take up the shock. However for gentler bumps and velocity humps it could stiffen issues barely to keep up physique management and cut back physique motion.
The massive take-out is that they work – very effectively.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-41-1024x640.jpg)
The brand new Mannequin 3 is a really completely different beast to the earlier mannequin, which nailed the athleticism aspect of the dynamic equation however was additionally a contact stiff-legged.
The brand new mannequin is borderline supple and extra convincingly smothers bumps. There’s additionally a noticeably quieter cabin on account of efforts to scale back wind and street noise.
It’s an enormous step up in maturity and one which doesn’t dilute the fun-to-drive issue that has lengthy outlined the Mannequin 3.
There’s nonetheless tremendous direct steering and the Mannequin 3 has a enjoyable issue that makes it a simple companion.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-45-1024x573.jpg)
One draw back is the change in tyres. Ours was driving on the 18-inch tyres which are nonetheless provided by Michelin. However as an alternative of the sticky Pilot Sport 4s they’ve switched to e-Primacy, which have extra of an emphasis on consolation; these tyres are additionally the rationale the claimed high velocity has dropped from 225km/h to 201km/h, one thing unlikely to trigger Aussie homeowners any angst.
Social gathering methods
There’s no scarcity of gimmicky software program extras with a Tesla.
Wish to go away your canine within the automobile on a scorching day? Activate canine mode for air-con whereas parked.
Eager for a toasty night time by the hearth? Camp mode reveals a crackling hearth on the display.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-09-1024x683.jpg)
Wish to play video games? There’s a plethora of arcade enjoyable constructed into the display.
The Mannequin 3 may even do a dance and lightweight present to music.
Yep, it’s as a lot as tech system as it’s a automobile.
How protected is the 2024 Tesla Mannequin 3
The Tesla Mannequin 3 has sometimes carried out very effectively in impartial crash exams around the globe.
It comes with twin entrance airbags, aspect chest airbags up entrance and head-protecting curtain airbags down either side.
However a bit has modified with this newest mannequin.
As with the Mannequin Y, the Mannequin 3 now will get a pedestrian warning system that emits a hum when the automobile is travelling at low speeds. It makes use of audio system – one within the entrance and one within the rear – and the entrance speaker additionally acts because the horn (permitting for some cheeky value slicing).
Round 2022 Tesla stopped utilizing forward-facing radar for its autonomous emergency braking (AEB) techniques, as an alternative relying solely on cameras.
The up to date Mannequin 3 continues with that philosophy, however the digital camera {hardware} is new. As a substitute of three forward-facing cameras there at the moment are two.
Tesla says it’s stepped up the aspect impression safety with this newest mannequin, too. There are new doorways with hooks at their base to fit right into a groove within the door sill, with the goal of higher holding the door in place.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-14-1024x683.jpg)
There’s additionally blind spot monitoring and delicate self-steering.
The brand new Mannequin 3 will get a digital camera dealing with the occupants, one thing Tesla says will finally be used for occupant presence detection to alert of a kid (or different individuals) within the automobile when parked. It’ll be rolled out through an over-the-air software program replace.
Regardless of cameras throughout, the Mannequin 3 nonetheless doesn’t have rear cross site visitors alert, to warn of automobiles approaching from both aspect when reversing.
2024 Tesla Mannequin 3: The decision
The brand new Tesla Mannequin 3 follows a well-recognized formulation targeted on tech and straightforward electrical motoring however addresses among the problems with the unique.
The quieter, extra composed driving manners high that listing and transforms the Mannequin 3 right into a automobile that’s far simpler to stay with.
![2024 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive](https://evcentral.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Tesla-Model-3-RWD-18-1024x660.jpg)
We’re not bought on the buttons-on-the-steering-wheel indicators, however the different tech updates have hit the mark.
Throw within the extra subtle cabin and the Mannequin 3 higher lives as much as its premium price ticket.
All of which cements the Tesla Mannequin 3 because the benchmark within the $60-70K bracket.
Tesla Mannequin 3 specs
Worth: $61,900 plus on-road prices
Fundamentals: EV, 5 seats, 4 doorways, sedan, RWD
Vary: 513km (WLTP)
Battery capability: 60kWh (approx.)
Battery guarantee: 8 years/160,000km
Vitality consumption: 13.2kWh/100km
Motors: 1 rear 194kW/340Nm
AC charging: 11kW, Kind 2 plug
DC charging: 170kW, CCS combo plug
0-100km/h: 6.1 seconds
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