Tesla Model 3

The most affordable Tesla yet is tempting on the face of it, so should you yield or resist? In many respects the Tesla Model 3 is the car Tesla always wanted to build when the company was formed in 2003. A relatively low cost, high volume electric car that promised to be as easy to use and enjoyable to drive as its internal combustion rivals.Indeed, the compact executive saloon has gone on to become one of the best-selling EVs the world over. In fact, in the UK it has even topped the monthly sales charts outright on occassion, although that's as much to do with Tesla flooding the market with new arrivals all in one go when boatloads of its cars arrive on Southampton docks.Either way, the Model 3 has the kind of appeal that started to wean the world off internal combustion for good. And while it effectively started its life in a class of one, today's highly updated Model 3, often referred to as the 'Highland', goes toe-to-toe with major manufacturers, primarily in the form of the BMW i4 and Hyundai Ioniq 6. But upstarts such as the BYD Seal are also increasingly becoming sparring partners for the Texas-based firm.As the number of worthwhile alternatives continues to grow, is the Tesla Model 3 still the ultimate choice for everyday electric driving? Find out below as we test drive the heavily updated Model 3.Range at a glanceAt the moment the range consists of just two models. The standard Rear-Wheel Drive with a WLTP range of 344 miles and a Long Range with 421 miles.The entry-level model Rear-Wheel Drive starts from just under £40,000. This unlocks the stellar electric range already mentioned, as well as single motor powertrain that will complete the 0-60mph sprint in 5.8sec.The Long Range Tesla Model 3 ups the stakes with two motors and more power (although how much more is hard to say, as Tesla refuses to divulge any figures), clocking 0-60mph in a sports car-baiting 4.2sec.Top-of-the-range Performance models have yet to be announced, but we expect them to arrive at a later date with a 0-62mph time starting with a 3 and a range that falls between the Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range.