2021 Tesla Model 3: The Most Affordable Revolution

There’s no denying that Tesla has paved the way for the world to see electric vehicles in a better light. In fact, the company and its CEO, Elon Musk, started the revolution. Now almost every auto company is following suit (shout out to Nissan and Chevrolet). However, Tesla is still sitting on top and no one might be able to dethrone them anytime soon. It’s no wonder that the Tesla Model 3 is ranked as the top 2 Luxury Hybrid and Electric Car. With its dynamic handling and rapid acceleration, the car is a superb machine on wheels.

Here are some of the 2021 Tesla Model 3’s first-class features:

• The battery can handle long drives
• Has sharp handling and brisk acceleration
• Offers plenty of technological features
• Is equipped with the leading safety features

What’s New With The 2021 Tesla Model 3?

Among Tesla’s electric vehicles, the Model 3 is their entry-level car. In 2021, the sedan received some enhancements, such as a satin black trim exterior.

The Tesla Model 3 now has three new wheel designs which gave it a hip look while its trunk lid is now power-operated. Its metallic door-sill protectors match the exterior with now its black satin trim. The sedan’s center console has also been redesigned. It can now accommodate two wireless smartphone charging pads. And its sun visors are now being held by magnets. The Tesla Model 3’s steering has also gotten an upgrade. Its infotainment scroll wheels and seat-adjustment controls have new metal finishes.

Aside from its fresh new look, Tesla Model 3’s inner workings have also been improved. It now has an improved driving range. With the base Standard Range Plus, you can drive up to 420 kilometers for every charge. The Long Range model, on the other hand, can last up to 560 kilometers, which is 50 kilometers more than the 2020 model.

A Well-Deserved Ranking

2021 Tesla Model 3’s rankings within the Luxury Hybrid and Electric Cars category is only second to its brother. The Tesla Model S scored 8.9 based on the evaluation of 31 data elements and research. It is only 0.1 higher than Tesla Model 3’s score, 8.8.

Within the electric vehicle marketplace, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is not only the most affordable but also the most recognizable. It’s even given by the Car and Driver a spot on their Editor’s Choice list.

When it to the design, Model 3 borrowed some of its brothers’ styles, Model X and Model S. However, its interior is quite different. Unlike its brothers, it offers an all-glass roof. The sedan’s suspension is sportier and comes with a track driving mode. The 2021 Tesla Model 3’s selling point is its driving range.

Tesla Model 3: Comparison

As we have mentioned above, Tesla sits on top of other auto companies manufacturing electric vehicles. The company’s vehicles, Model 3, Model Y, and Model S, are all taking the industry by storm.

Here’s a side by side comparison of the Tesla Model 3 and its brothers:

Tesla Model 3: 2020 Versus 2021

Unlike automotive companies, Tesla doesn’t categorize its vehicles by model year. The company updates its over-the-air software and other aspects on a regular basis. When they release a new vehicle, it comes with plenty of distinctions over its predecessor. With the 2021 Tesla Model 3, the company offered cosmetic upgrades and a longer driving range.

Model 3 Versus Model Y

If you take a close look at the Tesla Model Y, it’s basically an SUV version of the Model 3. The first one comes with a hatchback design, which allows more storage. It has a driving range of more than 480 kilometers and is more expensive than Model 3. If you’re choosing between the two, the only consideration you have to make is whether you prefer a sedan or an SUV.

Model 3 Versus Model S

The Tesla Model S sits at the top of the luxury hybrid and electric car food chain for a reason. It costs more than $40,500 than Model 3 but it offers more features. It has a longer driving range, quicker acceleration, more cargo room, and a bigger touch screen. With the model, you can get up to 830 kilometers of driving range for a single charge. If you’re on a budget, choose Model 3, but if you’re looking for a vehicle with more punches, Model S is the best choice.

Pricing

The Tesla Model 3 comes in 3 driving ranges. You can choose between Standard Range Plus RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance AWD.

If you’re looking for the best value, you should pick the Standard Range Plus model. With a single charge, you can drive up to 420 kilometers. It also offers heated fronts seats and navigation. Starting at $53,200, it’s perfect for anyone to drive an electric vehicle while on a budget.

If you frequently drive long distances, the Long Range is the top choice. It has a driving range of up to 560 kilometers and starts at $65,300.

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line performing electric vehicle, get the Performance AWD. It comes with a driving range of 506 kilometers and its price range begins at $76,600.

If you compare Tesla’s pricing, the company offers the most affordable options. And if you live in the state of Victoria, owning an electric car will exempt you from the ‘luxury vehicle’ rate of stamp duty. You can also enjoy the $3000 subsidy that the state offers.

If you have an extra $13,500, you can opt to add the Full Self-Driving Capability. However, it will not make the Model 3 into an autonomous car and will need a driver to operate. The Self-Driving Capability allows the vehicle to change lanes, navigate to a parking spot, and stop at red lights or stop signs. You can even call the car to you using the Summon feature.

How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Tesla Model 3?

In general, electric and hybrid vehicles have higher insurance rates than their counterparts. Insurance companies don’t have a comprehensive understanding of them yet. As a result, it’s making them apprehensive of these cars. The higher premiums are their way of mitigating the risk that these vehicles may or may not pose.

The electric and hybrid vehicles’ spare parts are also more difficult to obtain and at times need to be imported. Mechanics who are experienced in working on electric and hybrid cars. As a result, repairs are more expensive.

If you want to insure your 2021 Tesla Model 3, you have to consider the following factors:

• The level of coverage you need
• Your deductible
• The type of insurance you want

The following factors can affect the cost of your insurance:

• Age
• Gender
• Location
• Driving History
• Credit Score

The average annual premium cost of electric and hybrid vehicles with an average market value of $120,000 is $2,500. With Tesla Model 3, the average can drop to $1,400.

What Is It Like Inside?

Here at The Towbar Guys, we’ve worked on hundreds of vehicles. In our experience, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 has an interior that can’t be compared to any other sedan.

Seats

The inside of the car is pretty simple yet sleek. You can control everything using the monolithic touchscreen on the dashboard. It has a low and flat floor which gives the interior a spacious feel. The seats on the front are comfortable and provide enough support. However, the rear seats are quite the opposite and are more ideal for kids. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats can be easily folded and allow you to expand the trunk. Its seatbacks can be folded flat that provide more space if you want to haul up to 15 carry-on suitcases. You can also find bins and cubbies all over the cabin.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 comes with USB, Bluetooth, and Navigation connectivity. However, it doesn’t come with a SiriusXM satellite radio or an AM radio. Fortunately, the sedan offers a number of internet-streaming radio options.

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 can’t be equipped with Apple CarPlay nor Android Auto. However, it has different entertainment options on its central display. You can opt to watch Netflix and YouTube or play various arcade games.

How Well Does It Perform?

Among the vehicles we have worked on, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 is one of the top-performing. Let’s take a close look at the way the sedan runs:

Engine and Transmission

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 gains speed silently and smoothly. It does so with the help of its electric motor giving it power from a stop. The vehicle is extremely fast for an electric vehicle, especially its Performance AWD model.

Like every Tesla vehicle, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 has its battery placed under the floor. As a result, it has a low centre of gravity, which allows you to change direction easily. It also lets you feel stable when turning in corners and planted when you’re on standby.

The steering is not only accurate but also well-weighted. It comes with 3 various settings that allow drivers to adjust to their own comfort levels. The 2021 Tesla Model 3’s engine runs silently, unlike its gas-powered counterparts. When you drive, the only noise you’ll hear is when the tires hit any pavement imperfections.

Charging

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 offers different charging options. You can charge it on the network of fast-charging stations called Superchargers. A home-charging station and adapters for DC public-charging stations are also available. You can also use the 240-volt and 120-volt outlets.

Fuel Economy

The 3 different models of the 2021 Tesla Model 3 are rated by the EPA between 113 MPGe and 141 MPGe. It comes with aluminium wheels which are covered by plastic aerodynamic hubcaps. If you drive the vehicle without them, the driving range will be significantly lowered.

How Safe Is The 2021 Tesla Model 3?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2021 Tesla Model 3 a perfect 5-star score. They gave the vehicle the rating after they’ve crash-tested it.

It has been named a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). They gave the 2021 Tesla Model 3 the Superior rating. It is their highest rating that they can give any vehicle. The organization have tested the car’s vehicle-to-pedestrian system. They also tested its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system.

There are those who think that the ‘Autopilot’ system can be misleading. However, it’s one of the best driver-assist systems in the industry.

Here are some of the 2021 Tesla Model 3’s key safety features:

• Automated Emergency Braking
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Lane-Departure Warning
• Automatic Lane Changes

2021 Tesla Model 3 Safety Features

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 come with Tesla’s standard advanced safety features. Here are they:

• Forward Collision Warning
• Pedestrian Detection
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Surround-Wiew Parking Camera System
• Sensors On All Sides Of The Car

You can also ask for additional advanced safety features. Here are these features:

• Automatic Parking
• Automatic Lane Change
• Vehicle Summoning
• Stop Sign And Traffic Light Recognition

However, it’s worth noting that the features are meant to only assist the driver.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

With Tesla, whatever model you purchase, you’ll be given an overall warranty coverage. They offer the longest among companies selling electric vehicles. Unfortunately, their coverage doesn’t come with corrosion protection.

The 2021 Tesla Model 3’s Long Range model comes with an additional 32,000 kilometers. It’s on their coverage period for the vehicle’s battery and drive components.

Here what’s included in the 2021 Tesla Model 3’s coverage:

• Limited Warranty Covering 4 Years/50,000 Miles
• Powertrain Warranty Covering 8 Years/100,000 Miles

Which 2021 Tesla Model 3 Model Is The Right Choice?

As we have mentioned above, the 2021 Tesla Model 3 comes in three driving ranges: Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance AWD.

Standard Range Plus

The Standard Range Plus has a single-motor rear-wheel drive and heated front seats. It also has a power trunk link that allows you to store plenty of luggage. The sedan also features 4 USB ports and a wireless device charging for 2 smart devices. It also has a 15-inch touch screen, and Bluetooth.

For the first 30 days after sale, you can enjoy Premium connectivity. It includes music and video streaming, a Wifi hot spot, and navigation.

The model comes with Tesla’s Autopilot, which is a suite of driver assistance features. It will allow you to drive the vehicle semi-autonomously.

The system includes:

• Forward collision warning
• Automatic transmission emergency braking
• 360-degree sensors
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Pedestrian detection
• A surround-view parking camera system
• Adaptive Cruise Control

Long Range

The Long Range comes with all the features that the Standard Range Plus has. However, it has more drive range for every single charge. Unlike the Standard Range Plus, it comes with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. It also comes with a 14-speaker premium stereo and a year of Premium Connectivity.

Performance AWD

The Performance AWD is more expensive than the Long Range even though it has a lower driving range. However, it has more sporty features than the latter. Its top is 260 kph and a zero-to-96 kph acceleration within 3.1 seconds. The vehicle has a lower suspension and performance-tuned brakes. It also has a carbon fibre spoiler, and aluminium-alloy pedals.

Our Verdict

The 2021 Tesla Model 3 stands out from its competition. It not only offers a long driving range but also a futuristic interior. The car also has top-quality safety features as well as massive and roomy trunks. Lastly, the vehicle also comes with sporty handling and fiery acceleration. What makes these amazing is that all of them are wrapped at an affordable price tag. Here at The Tow Bar Guys, we highly recommend the 2021 Tesla Model 3 for anyone looking for a budget-friendly yet full-packed electric vehicle.

And if you decide to get a 2021 Tesla Model 3, you should get a tow bar installed on it. We recommend that you choose tow bars from either ETowbars and EV Stealth Solutions. In our experience, they’re the most compatible with this sedan. If you need any competent advice or want a tow bar installed on your vehicle, get in touch with us today. Call our number: 03 8750 1477 or send us an email at sales@thetowbarguys.com.au and get a free quotation!