Tesla Model 3 India review, first look

Tesla has started its India movement, and we hope that the company is able to cater to Indians soon. However, before all that happens, we got a chance to experience a Tesla Model 3 here in India.

Let’s begin by saying that our country is going through a revolution. The government is pushing manufacturers to go electric and most are abiding too. Hence, we have a wide variety of electric cars to choose from already. Tata has tasted success with the Tata Nexon EV, and then we have the Hyundai Kona EV and also the MG ZS EV. On the up spectrum we have the Mercedes EQC and also the Audi e-tron. So quite simply, electric cars are already on a roll in India. However, there is one manufacturer which has garnered so much interest that people are going crazy about its arrival in India. That manufacturer is Tesla. Recently news trickled in that Tesla had set up shop in India and a particular Model 3 had been showcased to government officials. This was further confirmed by Minister for Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari who said Elon Musk owned Tesla should most definitely set up operations in India, and price its vehicles at Rs 35 lakh. He was speaking at the India Today Conclave 2021. Now, with such a development, we got quite inquisitive about the Model 3 and hence we got ourselves a chance to experience the only Tesla Model 3 in India. This particular car belongs to V S Reddy, Founder and Chairman, British Biologicals. His enthusiasm was evident when we asked him about the Tesla, and he further added that he so wanted to be the first one to own a Tesla in India. Quite simply then the owner is surely in love with his Tesla Model 3. So how was the Tesla Model 3? Read on.

The Tesla Model 3 was launched as one of the most affordable cars from the Tesla range which now includes Tesla Model S, Tesla Model X and the Tesla Model Y. The Model 3 then looks very much like a sports car but in reality it is a proper sedan measuring in at 4,694mm in length, 1,849mm in width and 1,443mm in height. The front end design comes devoid of any grille which is now a common trait in electric cars. The headlamps look sleek and fit flush into the bodywork. Under the bonnet unlike a conventional car, there is no engine. Hence, the space has been utilized for a small boot. Quite handy we must say! In profile one can see the sweeping roof-line which flows beautifully into the rear section. The massive BBS alloy wheels sport tyres which are wafer thin. While this offers a fantastic visual, one needs to be careful which driving on Indian roads. A closer look reveals a plethora of interesting features. Look closely at the front fenders, and you will be able to spot a camera which is one among many. The doors are pillar-less in a true sports car fashion. The B-pillar on the other hand has a small sensor which operates the door lock operable via key card. The door handles are flush fit and fun to operate. The rear end design on the other hand sweeps down to the rather small looking boot. But pop the boot and the storage space on tap is best called generous. The glass roof on the Model 3 is one epic feature. It spreads through the roof-line and is open-able too. On the left hand side rear fender, there is space offered for the charging ports. Press on it, and it rises in a sci-fi way. Inside there are two ports. One port for the regular charger, the other for the Supercharger. On the downside, Tesla is yet to establish the Supercharging network in India which juice up the batteries for 172miles in just 15 minutes. This is a feature which is found all across the US, Europe and the UK which makes the Tesla viable for a long distance car as well. The quality of paint and panel gaps on the other hand leaves a little more to desire.