History/Overview
Introduced to Canada for the 2019 model year, the Model 3 compact sedan is Tesla’s entry-level model. Like the company’s other vehicles, it’s a fully electric car designed to provide an upscale, performance-oriented driving experience. There are no major changes to the Model 3 for 2020.
Available Trims
The Model 3 comes in a single trim. In Canada, the base model is a “standard range” configuration priced to meet the federal government’s criteria for EV rebates. Its entry-level status means it gets a driving range of just 151 km. The next step is a Standard Range Plus variant that promises 402 km and comes with rear-wheel drive; a dual-motor Long Range version with AWD boasts 518 hp and can be optioned with a Performance package that boosts acceleration.
Standard Features
Every Tesla Model 3 comes standard with 18-inch wheels, 12-way power-adjustable front seats; a 14-speaker stereo; one year of premium connectivity, which includes satellite maps with traffic info, in-car internet music and video streaming, an internet browser, and over-the-air software updates; Bluetooth with streaming media, LED exterior lighting, a panoramic sunroof, heated/power-folding side mirrors, customizable driver profiles, and a centre console with docking for two smartphones.
Also included is the Autopilot system, which Tesla says lets the car steer, accelerate and brake itself in response to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Key Options
The Model 3’s main option is a full self-driving function that even lets you “summon” your car to come to you in a parking lot.
Fuel Economy
Tesla’s fuel consumption figures for the Model 3 start at 1.6/1.8 Le/100 km (city/highway) the 402-km configuration. The 151-km version is actually a bit less efficient, at 1.7/1.9. The long-range variant is rated at 1.9/2.0 Le/100 km.
Competition
Right now, the Tesla Model 3 has few direct competitors, as no other EV make has cracked Tesla’s code for combining long-range electric power with sports car performance. However, in terms of driving range alone, the Model 3 in Standard Range Plus form competes with the Chevrolet Bolt, Kia’s Soul and Niro EV models, and the Hyundai Kona EV.
