Tesla Model 3 base variant gets fabric seats, single-colour ambient light; no more rear seat screen

Tesla Model 3 base variant gets fabric seats, single-colour ambient light; no more rear seat screen

The Tesla Model 3 range has been updated to get a reduced-specification variant that takes the place of the existing Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive variant for Mexico, and this is the base variant positioned below the Model 3 Long Range and Model 3 Performance.

Several areas see the Mexican-market Model 3 ‘Highland’ facelift receive changes, with the base variant of the EV offering a specifications list that now brings fabric seat upholstery instead of the vegan leather that came as standard on the base RWD previously, as well as the RWD Long Range and Performance variants, according to website Not A Tesla App.

Changes to the specification of the base Model 3 variant in Mexico also encompass heating and cooling equipment, namely with the front and rear seats no longer featuring heating and cooling functions, as well as steering wheel that is now no longer heated.

Infotainment specification also takes a hit, as the base Model 3 RWD variant for Mexico no longer has the eight-inch screen for the rear occupants, in addition to the main touchscreen that is standard for the Model 3.

Tesla Model 3 base variant gets fabric seats, single-colour ambient light; no more rear seat screen

Elsewhere, the multi-colour ambient lighting on the Model 3 Highland update has been simplified on the base variant to feature only white light. Audio specs have been downgraded too, with speaker count down from 17 to nine, which also means the removal of both subwoofers and the in-car audio system has been reduced to a single amplifier.

The Tesla Mexico website quotes a range of 439 km (EPA estimate) for the base, lower-spec Model 3 RWD, priced from 749,000 pesos (RM175,696), whereas the next variant up, the Model 3 Long Range is priced from 879,000 pesos (RM206,187), and the Model 3 Performance is 1,029,000 pesos (RM241,383).

In Malaysia, the Tesla Model 3 remains at its present pricing that was last changed in April this year when prices were cut by RM8k across the board; thus, pricing continues to be RM181k for the Model 3 RWD, RM210k for the Long Range AWD and RM242k for the Model 3 Performance. What do you think, Malaysian readers – would a lower entry price point be worth the trade-off in specification?

GALLERY: Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD ‘Highland’ facelift in Malaysia

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • t333son on Aug 19, 2024 at 6:50 pm

    super kosong has become ultra kosong

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 27 Thumb down 3
  • e.Mas on Aug 19, 2024 at 7:50 pm

    This removed that removed but did e.Musk put back the signal and gear stalks?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 1
  • Tan Xi Lee on Aug 19, 2024 at 8:00 pm

    Downgrade all four wheels to 17 inches may lower cost further

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 21 Thumb down 1
  • Sohai on Aug 19, 2024 at 9:38 pm

    Tesla Type R(ahmah) to compete with Axia E.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 1
  • Weewee on Aug 19, 2024 at 9:42 pm

    Is the same Apple IPhone strategy to entice people to get the higher range but cutting specs on low range.
    You must get the “Pro Max” in order to enjoy the latest tech and features.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 1
  • Najib on Aug 19, 2024 at 9:59 pm

    When going to remove the steering wheel as well for more simplicity?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • Contender on Aug 19, 2024 at 10:06 pm

    Tesla Mexico not Tesla Malaysia….. Syukur Malaysia spec still good

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 7
  • ROTI CANAI on Aug 19, 2024 at 10:42 pm

    trump approves this

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 1
  • Trying to nickel and dime your customers eh? I would encourage people to buy other EV than this lousy Tesla.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 31 Thumb down 2
  • Ben Yap on Aug 20, 2024 at 8:55 am

    Elon found that Latinos prefer tequila and tacos. so reduce specs also ok.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • bersyukur? on Aug 20, 2024 at 10:26 am

    soon abandon malaysia market.. LMAO

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 1
  • bersyukur on Aug 20, 2024 at 10:27 am

    why now all the bashing? 1 year ago people thought TESLA is luxury brand.. so many people worship TESLA.. where these people go? LUXURY entry car now.. so good.. go for it la.. funny malaysian netizen

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
    • OtakKatLutut Ka? on Aug 21, 2024 at 7:31 am

      Brainy ppl improvise. Not like u otak dalam lutut alwiz go back Gua only and talk nonsense. Badul!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Sek Munn on Aug 20, 2024 at 1:40 pm

    Let’s not forget despite all the effort to get the public (read: upper middle class and above) to adopt EVs, the negation for wise spread easily available and affordable public charging facilities remains a pipedream for most Malaysians. Also, despite the discounts and subsidies, many owners will eventually realise that by and large, an EV is more or less (an expensive) disposable electronic gadget which has little residual value at the end of it’s short lifespan.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Yalah on Aug 20, 2024 at 2:22 pm

    Tesla should just focus more on making the next Model Y a greatest hit. There are many who are waiting for a SUV Model Y with the refresh of the Highland.
    If they delay it in order to preserve the Model 3 sale, Tesla is going to miss out because is just waves and waves of China launching.

    Tesla needs to go back to its roots of being a leader in inovation, not cost cutting and cheap out. Because China could do those much better.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
 

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