The Model 3’s cabin was always a ‘love or hate’ proposition.
This is an extraordinarily pared-back environment, and so extreme are the lengths to which Tesla’s designers have gone to remove as much switchgear as possible that you can count the number of physical controls on one hand.
For this latest Model 3, Tesla has reintroduced the indicator stalk, which was previously removed and replaced by a touchpad on the steering wheel spokes.
The entry-level Model 3 receives some interior changes to help reduce cost. While the pricer models get leather seats, the Rear-Wheel Drive car gets a blend of cloth and vegan leather.
It also does away with ambient lighting, the sound system loses a subwoofer, and the steering wheel is manually adjustable, rather than electric. In the back, the rear passenger touchscreen is gone too, as are the rear-heated seats.
While the previous touchpad-operated indicators would, in fairness, become more natural to use with familiarity, the return of the indicator stalk does make for a far more user-friendly experience.
We deemed the touchscreen wiper controls, however, to be a serious usability flaw, so we’re glad Tesla has reconsidered and added a button back on the steering wheel.
More unequivocally successful is perceived quality. Material quality and finish in the Model 3 is now commendable and can even be considered as pleasant as its upmarket combatants. You can now personalise the top panel of the dashboard with inserts in a different colour or material, such as a grey textured fabric.
The cupholders have gained a sliding lid, while an almost endlessly customisable strip of ambient lighting runs along the upper section of the doors and continues along the top of the dashboard. Crucially, it all feels more solidly screwed together, with almost none of the creaks that could afflict the old Model 3.
Elsewhere, oddment storage is plentiful, and a combined luggage space of 682 litres (split between a small compartment at the front, the ‘frunk’, and a traditional rear boot) is certainly usable enough and more than the 480 litres you get from an ICE BMW 3 Series.
Two adults will fit in the second row in reasonable comfort, and the panoramic roof and huge glasshouse make this the least claustrophobic-feeling car in the class. Mind you, the Volkswagen ID 7 offers more outright space.
Multimedia system
As you’d expect from a Tesla, its infotainment system feels as though it has been lifted straight out of Silicon Valley. The 15.4in screen may seem almost comically large, but credit where it’s due: it’s difficult not to be impressed by the quality of its graphics and the slick manner in which it operates.
Unlike with rival systems, you rarely need to tap twice to access a function or menu, while on the whole the layout is logical and easy to follow – which is a good thing when you consider it’s used to operate everything from the windscreen wipers to the heating, ventilation and air conditioning. Even so, a few physical controls for the most frequently used functions wouldn’t go amiss.
At least it isn’t short on toys, not in the literal sense at least. In addition to features such as sat-nav, Bluetooth and DAB radio – the sort of things you’d expect from a circa-£40,000 compact saloon – there are some more, let’s say surprising, features. Such as a digital whoopee cushion and a full suite of arcade-style games.