What exactly do we call this new Tesla?
The new Tesla Model Y has donned a couple of titles leading up to its official release. The initial rumors and leaks used the name ‘Juniper,’ while other news outlets simply called it an update or a facelift. At its official release, Tesla Philippines called the Tesla Model Y Launch Series, and that is as official as it gets. However, ‘new Tesla Model Y’ is just fine and rolls a lot smoother off the tongue.
What’s new in the new Tesla Model Y?
The exterior has been completely redesigned in a new language akin to the Tesla Cybertruck. It looks and feels much more industrial than its predecessor, with light bars around the front and back and sharper curves around the left and right sides.
Inside, the layout is traditionally Tesla, with a big bright screen up front and a smaller screen for the second-row passengers. It is shockingly quiet inside, thanks to the 2mm of acoustic glass that seals the car—we could barely hear the construction site that was just a few meters away.
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How does it drive?
There was quite a learning curve to driving the Tesla Model Y—albeit a fun and exciting one. Driving with just one pedal was daunting, especially with a silent vehicle that goes 0-100kph in less than six seconds. But after a few laps around, we eventually get used to the sensation and pressure from the accelerator. Steering was surprisingly accurate, and the wheel felt incredibly sturdy. Having the gear shift on a screen was another thing to get used to, but once we acclimated into the Tesla, the entire driving experience was seamless.
We had about four hours to spend with the Tesla Model Y, but that was not enough time to try and test all the features in it. Perhaps we had too much fun with the fart-sound generator, the megaphone, and playing Stardew Valley. Yes, the Tesla Model Y has a bunch of onboard video games, including Stardew Valley.
Can the Tesla Model Y drive itself?
While you can purchase Full-Self Driving (FSD) on the Tesla website for an additional P394,000, those features are still not available for actual use in the Philippines. So, while the Tesla Model Y is technically capable of it, drivers in the Philippines will have to wait a little bit longer for a fully autonomous Tesla.
However, the Model Y comes standard with autosteer, adaptive cruise control, and autopark capabilities as part of the enhanced Autopilot suite of features.
What kind of power does the Tesla Model Y pack?
We drove the base RWD variant which packs a 60kWh battery that makes about 422Nm of torque. And boy, do you feel that torque when you’re flooring the Model Y. It silently gets up to 100kph, and you won’t even hear the road underneath. Distance-wise, Tesla Philippines claims 466km in driving range.
Is the Tesla Model Y worth it?
While we need more time with the Tesla Model Y to make that conclusion, what we can confidently say is that it is one of the most fun cars to drive right now. The learning curve, messing around with the ergonomics and settings, and all those fun games and features were all a joy to experience.
Interestingly, I drove to the Tesla Model Y meet in a Ford Everest Titanium+ 4x4, while our associate editor, Leandre Grecia, took a Honda CR-V RS e:HEV. Can you guess which out of the three cars was the cheapest? If you guessed the Model Y, you’d be right. The RWD variant stickers for P2.369 million, while the other two cars surpass the P2.5 million mark.
Now, the Everest and the CR-V aren’t its direct competitors, but it just goes to show that the Tesla Model Y can be a legitimate option for those looking for a brand-new EV.
