The facelifted Tesla Model 3 RWD 110 caters to budget-conscious consumers keen on experiencing Tesla’s technology firsthand, without forking out more COE money

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Photos: Clifford Chow

SINGAPORE

Since I have driven the pre-facelifted Tesla Model 3, I can quickly point out the updates in both the interior and exterior of the newly launched Model 3 RWD 110/ If you are unfamiliar, the 110 is Tesla’s answer to fielding a car which is Category-A compliant. This not only offers consumers a more affordable option but also positions Tesla to compete with its rivals, such as BYD, who recently introduced the Cat-A BYD Seal.

So what is new in the Model 3 RWD 110? Well… it is immediately distinguishable by its sleek new headlights, and redesigned front-end. Its og lights have been removed and replaced with a cooling inlet. The tweaks make the car look significantly sharper. To me, the overall change imparts a cleaner and more sophisticated appearance. The rear taillights are also slimmer, while the most noticeable difference is the replacement of the traditional Tesla badge, with the ‘’Tesla’’ lettering spanned across the boot instead. Tesla asserts that the exterior revisions not only enhance the car’s aesthetics but also optimises aerodynamics. Its drag coefficient has reduced from 0.225 in its predecessor, to 0.219.

Changes are minimal on the inside of the “new” Model 3. You will be greeted with pretty much the same familiar minimalistic interior, as its predecessor.  Its 15.4-inch portrait-style touch screen takes centre stage, and is quite central to almost all the car’s functions, including how you work the air-conditioning vents.There are some changes though. Tesla has eliminated the Mercedes-Benz-like drive selector, and has also removed the indicator stalk. Instead, you now need to select your drive via the infotainment screen, while the indicator selection is done through buttons on the left spoke of the steering wheel.. The latter takes some time getting used to.. My only gripe with the car and also with many cars that rely heavily on the infotainment touchscreen for most functions, would be that this becomes a distraction while driving. However, in the Model 3’s case, this can be mitigated with its reliable voice assistant. An additional feature of the new Model 3 is the introduction of customisable wraparound ambient lighting. The biggest plus for me though, are the ventilated front seats which now come standard, which are very useful especially in sunny Singapore..

Interestingly, the Category A Model 3 is configured with only a single drive mode; unlike the previous model where you would be able to toggle between Normal and Chill drive modes. Most important I feel, is that the 110kW Tesla, does not feel like it lacks much while on the move . While it does have less power than the previous iteration of the RWD car, torque at 350Nm, remains the same… to which I feel, most things are sufficient here.  This includes overtaking.

An important knock-on advantage, the 110kW delivers, is that the drive comes across as somewhat smoother, and therefore, more comfortable.. Additionally, while you can no longer permanently disable the regenerative braking mode on the Cat-A car, I must admit it is finely tuned to integrate more seamlessly with the driving experience. The car also handles with a sense of poise when navigating corners, due to its low centre of gravity.

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Overall, while I feel Tesla tailored this Model 3 to fit Cat-A requirements, I feel that the biggest win here is surprisingly, and pleasantly – a car with simply more refinement.. And of-course we have to talk about money right? So, apart from a less costly Model 3, road tax and insurance are also easier on the wallet. Prices for the Tesla Model 3 RWD 110 begin at S$93,172 without COE.

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Tesla Model 3 RWD 110 60kWh

Drivetrain	Full electric
Electric Motor / Layout	Single motor / Rear-wheel drive
Motor Power / Torque	148 hp / 350Nm
Battery Type / Capacity	Lithium-ion, 60kWh
Standard Charge Time / Type	5.5 Hours / 11kW AC
Fast Charge Time / Type	– / 170kW DC
Electric Range*	513km
0-100km/h	8.6 seconds
Top Speed	201 km/h
Efficiency	7.6 km/kWh
VES Band	A1 / -S$25,000
Agent	Tesla Singapore
Price	S$93,172 without COE
Availability	Now
Verdict:	The Cat-A Tesla Model 3 RWD 110 goes easier on the wallet yet provides little in terms of compromise

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