I’ve spent hours with the new Tesla Model Y – here are 5 updates I like (and 3 things I don't)

It may be worth noting that the Tesla Model Y was the first electric vehicle to feature in the top 10 of the world's best-selling vehicles in 2023. This was a notable achievement, establishing it as a market leader following its introduction in 2020, when it also led the sales rankings for electric vehicles in various regions.

In spite of huge sales and regular over-the-air software upgrades having been consistently rolled out, many customers have been calling for a visible, cosmetic makeover, which has been allegedly in the works for a considerable amount of time.

The internet has dubbed it the 'Juniper' update, although Tesla disputes this, but we can simply refer to it as New Model Y – a car that acknowledges its brief ancestry but is firmly focused on the future.

I was given the opportunity to get intimately familiar with the European spec Model Y, which will be manufactured at Tesla's German factory in Berlin.

This plant, located in China, is designed to cater to the market in China, as well as serve the needs of Australia and other countries.

We're still waiting for news on the official North American model, but if the updates follow those already announced for the refreshed Model 3, we imagine the US specification will be revealed very shortly.

Wherever you reside, it's difficult to refute that the New Model Y is a significant upgrade on what has come before it. After getting some hands-on experience with the vehicle, here are the aspects that have left a particularly lasting impression on me, as well as a few that have not.

It looks so much more improved.

The upgraded Model Y really ups the ante on LED lighting.

There's a large and highly visible illuminated fascia at the front of the vehicle, complemented by a cleverly hidden daytime running light at the rear, which subtly projects a red glow onto a bespoke panel on the bodywork.

I've not seen anything like this go live in production and it looks excellent in the flesh. The lower down front, revised front bumper, rear hatch, spoiler and rear diffuser all give the vehicle a more aggressive overall appearance.

Alongside making the Model Y look more sleek, Tesla claims that it has also reduced the drag coefficient even further, becoming an even more efficient battery car for other manufacturers to draw inspiration from.

2. The interior decoration has evolved.

Beyond its aesthetic appearance, Tesla has upgraded the interior of its Model Y with more high-quality materials. The cabin features a sleek inclusion of aluminium trim, paired with elegantly redesigned and ventilated seating, made from a plush, faux-leather upholstery that provides sublime comfort for the passenger.

The front and rear seats can now be heated, plus there's also an air-conditioning feature for warm days. The overall driving experience has also been enhanced through the addition of materials that help reduce exterior noise and improved acoustic glass for a smoother ride.

The company claims that road noise is decreased by 22%, exterior noise caused by movements/impact by 20%, and wind noise by 20%. In addition, the glass on the very large panoramic roof reflects 26% more solar energy, thereby preventing overheating for those inside during a hot summer's day.

3. Even more features and technologies are now included as standard in many devices

Similar to the Model 3, the latest Model Y comes equipped as standard with an 8-inch touchscreen in the rear. This enables passengers in the back to play a selection of games while they travel, or stream entertainment from services such as Netflix or YouTube, as well as access music streaming platforms.

The display also accommodates dual Bluetooth device connectivity, allowing users to transfer media from their personal devices, as well as pair gaming peripherals and Bluetooth-compatible headphones to make the most of that screen.

The latest technology upgrade has led to an enhancement in cellular data connection speeds and stability, and Wi-Fi connectivity has been "improved by 200%, with one Tesla representative stating this results in swifter download speeds, particularly when parked at a greater distance from a router."

There is a lever on the dashboard.

The internet nearly exploded in protest when Tesla initially introduced physical buttons on the steering wheel for turning signals, as an alternative to the traditional indicator stalk. Some driving schools took the matter so seriously that they claimed they would not allow any cars without a stalk into their fleets.

In contrast to the Model 3, where the turn signals are found on awkward buttons on the steering wheel, the European Model Y features a genuine indicator stalk, which Tesla still describes as "precision engineered".

It functions more like a button, separate from the steering column, using camera data to switch off if you move into another lane, perhaps.

5. Welcome to the age of driverless motoring

The effectiveness of Tesla's Supervised Full Self-Driving capabilities varies depending on the location and the degree of confidence one has in advanced autonomous driving.

However, the new Model Y comes equipped with the latest iteration of Hardware 4, featuring a cutting-edge self-cleaning front-facing camera. This enables it to enjoy enhanced levels of full autonomy on the road once legislation permitting it in Europe is in place.

This also means it is capable of actually summoning your car, or AS Summon, if you're fond of Elon's sense of humour. Nonetheless, this feature remains restricted in its application within the UK and Europe. Consumers in the US, however, will be able to instruct their vehicles to park remotely, pending compliance with local legislation.

Alongside the latest HW4, Tesla has also enhanced the Model Y's phone as key service, as the most up-to-date model now features Ultra Wideband technology.

The system can now more easily identify when a smartphone key is nearby, enabling faster unlocking of car doors, and also the tailgate or boot.

I'm afraid we have some unfortunate information to address

The new Model Y actually has less storage space - roughly 20 litres less - due to its sleeker design, but its power folding rear seats make the most of the available space.

The item in question is valued at approximately £55,000 at the current exchange rate.

It's worth noting that the cost of the new model will vary depending on the market, but in the UK it's £9,000 more expensive than the outgoing model. To start, it will be sold in just two colours, black and silver, with couples to choose from including two different wheel designs.

If the price hike was justified by a comparable boost in battery range and performance, the climb in costs would be more understandable. However, the initial specs for this model put the estimated battery range at 353 miles, an increase of just 22 miles over its predecessor.

The 0-60mph acceleration time has been trimmed from 4.8 seconds to 4.1 seconds, which should make the vehicle feel more responsive when moving off the line, although it falls short of the significant increase in battery range and performance customers are looking for in the EV market.

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