Whether you are in team Tesla or team not so keen on Tesla, you cannot deny that the new Model 3 Highland looks much better than its predecessor.

Singapore did not get to officially welcome the Model S and X, so when the original Model 3 made its way onto our shores back in 2021, it was received with much fanfare. Now, in a bid to increase its footing in our ever-competitive COE market, Tesla has introduced a special local-bred 110 Highland variant, which happens to be Cat A COE-friendly.

But, with fierce competition on the horizon, can it remain viable for prospective customers?

Sharp And Sleek

The revamped Tesla Model 3 Highland takes a subtle yet effective approach to style, stepping up without shouting for attention.

The bloated, amphibian-like contours of the old model are gone, and while the refined changes aren’t radical, they do sharpen its overall facade.

The redesign has also improved aerodynamics, reducing the drag coefficient to a slick 0.219. 

Simplicity meets sophistication on the inside; the dashboard is just a smooth expanse of fabric, an unbroken air vent, and a conspicuously large 15.4-inch touchscreen. It’s so stark and streamlined that traditionalists might raise an eyebrow or two.

The seats, while snug, offer a cosy enclave. The Highland model includes ventilated functionality too for front occupants, a much-needed feature. 

Tesla has cheekily removed the indicators and the controls are now on the steering wheel.

The days of clustered instrument panels are gone. Everything you need to know is displayed on that sprawling screen. A head-up display would have been nice, but the singular screen does its job well.

Tesla’s approach to driving controls is like learning a new language. Swipe up for forward, down for reverse; intuitive, yet peculiar. And then, there’s Tesla’s flair for the whimsical. The infotainment system is packed with features that serve no purpose other than to amuse.

Imagine your passengers’ delight (or dismay) as your Model 3 orchestrates a light show, or play in-car games using the actual steering wheel, which is entertaining but impractical as they wear on your tyres.

But that’s exactly what you love about a Tesla. Could you do this on any other car? Of course not.

The rear panoramic sunroof stretches endlessly above, offering a view that nearly compensates for the snug fit.

The boot is decently large at 594 litres and expandable with folding seats. You even get an 88-litre frunk for that extra bit of storage.

Still Has More Than Enough Power

Here’s the juicy bit – does the power deficit affect everyday usability? Well, I’m happy to report that the Tesla Model 3 110 not only feels decently quick, most consumers wouldn’t even be able to tell the difference between it and its faster siblings, bar Performance variant of course.

Acceleration is punchy enough to overtake most things on the road with ease, but don’t get into this expecting to smoke someone off the line instantly. Think less roller coaster, and more serene boat ride. The regenerative braking system is still a gem, fine-tuning itself to your individual driving conditions.

On the open road, the Model 3 is a solid cruiser, poised and composed. Throw it into a curve, and it might wobble slightly, but not enough to dull the shine of the overall experience.

You don’t get as much customisation as its other siblings, but its stable yet playful demeanor out of the box means most users will be content getting around in it.

And you won’t be constantly fretting over battery levels either. The central display reliably keeps you informed of your range, and the onboard navigation thoughtfully suggests when and where to stop for a charge.

Speaking of charging, with Tesla Superchargers, replenishing your Model 3’s battery is about as hassle-free as you could hope for in the age of electric. Plug in, grab a coffee, and by the time you’re back, you’re good to go.

For those who love adaptive cruise control, the Model 3 also has a sophisticated suite of driving aids: adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane following assistant, and pedestrian avoidance steering.

These features feel more like gentle nudges than full-on takeovers, enhancing safety rather than replacing the driver.

This Is The Variant You Are Waiting For

The Tesla Model 3 is simply different; who else would include a ‘Fart Mode’ in a car that can out-sprint most mainstream vehicles? It’s this blend of performance and playfulness that keeps Tesla’s place as a frontrunner in the EV space.

And with the launch of the Cat A variant, the Tesla Model 3 110 remains a great choice for those looking to dip their toes into the electric waters without getting their feet wet. So, while the Tesla Model 3 might not be everyone’s cup of tea, its role in the evolution of electric vehicles is unquestionable.

It’s a car that dares to be different. How many of the others can claim to follow the same path?

Technical Specifications

Tesla Model 3 RWD 110 (2024)

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 110kW (148bhp)
Torque: 350Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 8.6 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Battery Capacity: 60 kWh
Drive Range: 513 km
Energy Consumption: 7.6km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$93,172 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Tesla Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven) 

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It must be said, that it is truly remarkable how Tesla, once a fledgling carmaker, has vaulted itself into a position of market prominence, setting the pace for the electric vehicle revolution. It’s as if the old guard of the auto world now march to the beat set by this electric upstart, and are all pursuing this EV rat race.

Singapore didn’t get to experience the Model S and X officially, so when the Model 3 made its way onto our shores back in 2021, it was received with much fanfare. Big shoes for its facelift, the Highland, to fill then.

Tesla’s new facelifted entry-level saloon now sports fresh looks and a streamlined lineup. It also finds itself locking horns with contenders like the BMW i4, BYD Seal, and Polestar 2.

One might raise an eyebrow at the notion of a facelift for a model that first hit the streets way back in 2017. Yet, here lies the genius of Tesla. They’ve never really played by conventional rules, have they?

This refresh might just be another stroke of their strategically disruptive playbook.

Glow-Up

Tesla’s CEO might routinely dominate the news cycle with his antics, but it seems the design team behind this Model 3 iteration opted for a more understated approach. The Highland has undeniably stepped up its game in the style department.

Sporting a subtle yet effective facelift, this model presents a more refined aesthetic than its predecessor, who was often critiqued for its somewhat bloated, amphibian-like contours

With a refined nose and a nip and tuck at the rear, the alterations aren’t radical but do well in sharpening its overall facade.

The new headlights, in particular, bring a keen edge to its face, positioning it as a fitting descendant of the original Roadster from 2008.

Moreover, this isn’t just a cosmetic upgrade. The car’s aerodynamics have received a thoughtful revision too.

The newly designed front end has sharpened its ability to slice through the air, reducing the drag coefficient to a mere 0.219 from the prior model’s 0.23. 

Stepping into the Tesla Model 3 feels like entering a realm where simplicity and sophistication meet in an avant-garde dance. It’s a stark, streamlined interior that could almost make the traditionalists raise an eyebrow.

The dashboard? It’s just a mere expanse of smooth wood, an unbroken air vent, and a conspicuously large 15.4-inch touchscreen.

The seats now offer ventilation functionality too, and while on the narrower side, provide a snug enclave from which you might notice the absence of something usually found in a car – indicator stalks. Instead, Tesla has cheekily hidden the indicators and various controls on the steering wheel, a futuristic nod to minimalism that might leave the uninitiated scratching their heads.

Gone are the days of a clustered instrument panel. Everything you need to know is displayed on that singular, sprawling screen. It’s a bold move, Tesla eschewing conventional design for something that works with healthy doses of futurism. 

Personally, the inclusion of a head-up display would make the cabin just right, enough to make up for the missing instrument cluster.

Tesla’s approach to driving controls could be likened to learning a new language. A swipe up for forward, down for reverse; it’s intuitive, yet peculiar.

And then, there’s Tesla’s flair for the whimsical. Embedded within the infotainment system are features that serve no purpose other than to amuse.

Imagine the delight (or dismay) of your passengers as your Model 3 orchestrates a light show set to Beethoven’s ‘Ode to Joy’, or the mixed feelings as you realise the in-car games use the actual steering mechanisms, entertaining yet impractical as they wear on your tyres.

But, that’s exactly what you love about a Tesla. Could you do this on any other car? Of course not.

Arguably the biggest change is the inclusion of a rear 10.8-inch touchscreen, enabling rear occupants to indulge in their own favourite content. The panel also houses controls for the rear HVAC and seat heating functionality.

But, what if you wanted to watch something on Netflix without disturbing the driver? Well, you can even connect your own Bluetooth headphones to the rear display, and enjoy your content without having to argue with your driver. Brilliant.

The rear panoramic sunroof stretches endlessly above and offers a view that nearly compensates for the snug fit. The boot is decently large at 594 litres, and expandable with folding seats. You even get an 88-litre frunk for that little bit of extra storage.

Tesla has certainly carved out a niche where the car doubles as a party trick, a conversation starter that does wonders for its cultural cachet.

After all, isn’t a car that can both ferry you to your destination and entertain you along the way the very definition of a modern marvel?

Smooth Sailing

Before you ask, yes, you still need to drive this around. It’s not the fault of the car either; despite the tantalising promise of what ‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ might suggest, our local laws remind us that, for now, we’re still in somewhat full control while in the driver’s seat.

Autopilot, in Tesla’s lexicon, is instead a sophisticated suite of driving aids – adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, lane following assistant, and pedestrian avoidance steering. These features nudge rather than take over the driving, enhancing safety rather than replacing the driver.

For instance, when you signal for a lane change while using Autopilot, the Model 3 will assess and manoeuvre with an almost haughty efficiency, provided the gap fits its exacting standards. 

The Tesla Model 3 Highland does impress with how its engineering prowess has finally caught up with its lofty technological ambitions. On the open road, it’s a solid cruiser, poised and composed. Throw it into a curve, and it might wobble slightly, but not enough to dim the shine of the overall experience.

Acceleration in the Model 3 remains a thrill, though it’s no longer the head-turner it once was, now that the electric vehicle market has grown crowded with rivals boasting similar punch.

I found myself often opting for ‘Chill’ mode. It’s less about the thrill and more about the smooth sail – think less roller coaster, and more serene boat ride. 

The regenerative braking system is especially a gem in this mode, fine-tuning itself to the driving conditions with a finesse that makes one almost forget the complications of older systems.

Driving the Tesla Model 3 Highland doesn’t mean constantly fretting over battery levels, contrary to the nightmarish scenarios EV sceptics paint. The central display reliably keeps you informed of your range, and the onboard navigation thoughtfully suggests when and where to stop for a charge.

Speaking of charging, with the Tesla Superchargers, replenishing your Model 3’s battery is about as hassle-free as one could hope for in the age of electric.

Back On The Top Step

So, the Tesla Model 3 Highland remains, for now, a marvellously practical choice for those looking to dip their toes into the electric waters without getting their feet wet.

In a marketplace teeming with solemn and staid electric vehicles, the Tesla struts onto the stage with a flair that sets them apart: they’re swift, they’re efficient, and they dare to infuse a bit of cheekiness into the mix.

Who else would audaciously include a ‘Fart Mode’ in a car that can sprint faster than most other mainstream vehicles? It’s this blend of performance and playfulness that cements Tesla’s place as a frontrunner in the EV space.

Admittedly, the Tesla Model 3 might not captivate everyone with its aesthetics, and its driving dynamics might not leave the most lasting impression in the minds of purists.

However, its impact on the EV landscape is undeniable, setting benchmarks that continue to challenge and inspire. The hardware, once playing catch-up with the car’s avant-garde tech, now seems to be on an equal footing.

After a stint behind the wheel of the Model 3, returning to your conventional daily driver might feel like stepping back into a bygone era – lacklustre and decidedly mundane.

One day, we might very well look back on this as the vehicle that shifted the whole paradigm of EV driving. 

Technical Specifications

Tesla Model 3 (2024)

Engine: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 208kW (279bhp)
Torque: 420Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Battery Capacity: 60 kWh
Drive Range: 513 km
Energy Consumption: 8.2km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$94,890 without COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Tesla Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven) 

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV and on TikTok!

And you can check it out at Jewel Changi Airport; Tesla’s electric lineup is shining bright at Jewel, and it’s not something you want to miss. Better hurry, though, because this event runs until November 5, 2023.

Now, let’s focus on the new edition to the lineup – the Model 3. It’s back, and it’s ready to take Singapore by storm. You’ve got two choices – Rear-Wheel Drive and the Long Range Dual-Motor. And the price tag? It starts at SGD 88,650.

The exterior got a makeover designed for maximum aerodynamics. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, and it’s built to cut through the wind. This allows the upgraded Model 3 to rock the century sprint in just 4.4 seconds. And here’s the kicker – on a single charge, it can go up to 629 km (WLTP). That’s right, no more range anxiety. You’re looking at a sedan that’s ready for the long haul.

Take a step inside, and the Model 3 cabin is now as quiet as a whisper, thanks to some tech magic – they’ve wrapped it in 360-degree acoustic glass. Your personal isolation from the hustle and bustle outside.

Tesla didn’t stop there. They’re added ambient lighting, an immersive sound system packing up to 17 speakers, dual subwoofers, and dual amplifiers, ventilated seats for those hot Singaporean days, an 8-inch second-row display that’s all about convenience, a redesigned centre console, and new wheel options that add that dash of flair.

If you’re itching to get your hands on this (and who could blame you?), place your orders at Tesla’s official page, and deliveries will begin their electric journey to your doorstep in late 2023.

To make charging easier for owners, Tesla now has 33 Superchargers scattered across 11 locations, including big names like Orchard Central and Great World. But that’s not all. Tesla’s stepping up the charging game with destination charging stations at 9 spots, making sure your day-to-day charging needs are met.

From October 30, 2023, you can take the Model 3 for a spin at the Tesla Toa Payoh Experience Centre and Tesla Experience Centre Millenia Walk. But remember, it’s by appointment only. And if you decide to add a brand new Tesla Model 3 or Model Y to your family by the end of 2023, you’re in for a treat. How about a complimentary Tesla wall connector worth SGD 780 if your home can handle it?

Feeling curious? For all the updates, follow @tesla_singapore on Twitter or call the Tesla Singapore hotline at (800) 4922289.

Read more automotive news at AutoApp, or check out our latest videos on Ignition Labs TV!