This post was originally published on Autocar
You can now join the world’s million-plus drivers of this ground-breaking electric saloon for just £12k
The Tesla Model 3 overcame the stereotypes to prove that EVs could go toe to toe with the very best combustion cars – and range anxiety be damned.Six years on from its UK launch, this sleek electric saloon still has bags of appeal, thanks to its practical interior, class-leading technology and impressive long-distance credentials.The Model 3 was the product that Tesla had always wanted to make: a high-volume, low-cost EV that would enable families to wave goodbye to their oil-burning wagon and embrace ‘clean’ propulsion.And that prospect has proven hugely appealing: it has found more than a million homes worldwide to date and continues to sell strongly.Now that prices have tumbled to just £12,000 for earlier examples, it’s a great time to snap up this world-changing EV.A sub-£15k budget will restrict you to the Standard Range Plus model: it has a 252bhp motor for the rear wheels and a 50kWh battery that was officially good for 254 miles on a charge from new (but expect more like 200 miles in reality).Our pick was the 346bhp dual-motor Long Range, which got a larger, 75kWh battery for a 348-mile range. Around 300 miles is more realistic in practice, but that’s still good going even today.Then there’s the hopped-up Performance, which sacrificed a bit of range in favour of supercar-aping acceleration: with a 444bhp dual-motor powertrain, it can hit 60mph in a BMW M3-like 3.2sec.It got bigger brakes, 20in wheels and a dedicated track driving mode too, but while it certainly has whip-crack acceleration, its chassis lacks the finesse to deliver a truly engaging experience.Modifications therefore aren’t a bad idea if you’re a really keen driver. Specialists such as UK-based Tevo offer pretty transformative brake, wheel and suspension upgrades – although its trick dampers will set you back around £8000.The Model 3 is quite a stiff-legged and firm-riding car, especially in Performance form. Rolling refinement isn’t great and the numb steering provides little feedback, but for mooching around town and punting along rural back roads, it’s generally well mannered. The one-pedal driving mode is a nice touch, too.Tesla fettled the chemistry of its batteries in 2020 to boost official range up to 305, 374 and 340 miles for the three variants.Another update came in 2021, bringing subtle styling tweaks, a standard heat pump to improve efficiency and a larger (82kWh) battery for the Performance.There was then a comprehensive update in 2024, but we won’t cover those cars here as prices haven’t had time to come down yet.Thanks to Tesla’s brilliant Supercharger network, you won’t have any issues charging on the go. There are more than 1000 devices dotted around the UK. Most offer speeds of up to 150kW, while newer ones can give you 250kW for a sub-30-minute 10-80% boost.They’re a doddle to use: plug the car in and then hit start on the touchscreen or Tesla’s smartphone app.Families will have little trouble using the Model 3 as their main car. It has a practical 425-litre boot, and while its sloping roofline limits rear head room, it’s still fairly spacious.There’s plenty of tech wizardry to play with, too: the 15in tablet-like touchscreen even offers streaming and Atari arcade games.The screen is a bit of a swine to use on the move at first – there being no buttons or switches – but it shouldn’t take you too long to get used to it.Combustion-loving EV sceptics are quick to judge the Model 3 for its perceived lack of charisma and questionable build quality.But you will have the last laugh when you fizz past them in smooth, zero-emissions silence.