Road Tested by: Hugh Maguire.
There is a new Tesla Model Y, this is the second generation of the model and boasts improvements in styling, external design and a step up in quality.
The Model Y is classed as a Crossover or SUV so it sits taller than the Model 3.
The model on test this week is the new Model Y rear wheel drive long range.
First Impressions
The new model Y has some welcome improvements to the styling with a new look front and a much improved design for the rear. The styling would not win awards for individuality and the new Y can still look a bit anonymous.
What’s it like inside?
Very very minimalist! Basically there is just a steering wheel and a gigantic central touch screen through which everything is operated. White faux leather seats, a huge glass panoramic roof and thats about it.
The Tesla philosophy takes a bit of getting used to at first. For example just adjusting the mirrors or indeed the steering wheel requires you to go through the touchscreen and then use one of the multiple function buttons on the steering wheel. These buttons (there are just two) change functionality depending on what you choose on the touchscreen. Even opening the glovebox is done via the touchscreen! Netflix, You tube and others are also available on the screen.
Interestingly there is no Apple Car Play or Android Auto, something I missed as I use Waze amongst other apps. Tesla use Google for all the navigation functions and its very good but I would prefer to be able to use my own choice rather than have one imposed upon me.
Rear seat passengers now have a small eight inch touchscreen allowing access to climate controls, streaming and gaming. The seats are new too with a better design for improved comfort. There is a new 16 speaker sound system and a natty new feature called “seat dance” where pressing the buttons in the boot make the rear seats shuffle forward to make more room as the seats fold forward.
The new model Y has plenty of kit much of it all automatic such as auto heated seats, driver assist functions including an Autopilot. Mind you the Autopilot is actually really just a lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control as I found it instructs you to keep hands on the wheel. I would certainly not use it as an Autopilot in the true sense of the word! There are a mired of apps and some gimmicky stuff like a light show twinned with music where the car puts on a light show and windows and rear hatch open and close to the music. You will do it once then never again.
The new model Y boasts a huge roomy cabin and build quality does seem to be improved with better materials inside the cabin than in the original first generation.
Performance and Handling.
Like most EV’s its quick in a straight line. The new Model Y handles well but you certainly do feel its mass in cornering. Tesla claim a range of around 622 km. Over mixed driving conditions and quite a bit of motorway I achieved closer to 500 km. Like all EV’s even Tesla’s struggle to match claimed range. Teslas fast charging works very well too where available and use of heating etc did not seem to compromise range as much as in many other EV’s.
Hugh’s Verdict.
The new Model Y is definite improvement over the first generation car. Its quieter, more refined, boasts a better quality interior and adds a few nice new touches such as the new sound system and rear touchscreen. Prices for the new Model Y start at €44,990. The rear wheel drive long range costs from €49,990.