Mat Watson, the host of the CarWow YouTube channel, recently reviewed the redesigned Tesla Model 3 Performance. He liked the car a lot, calling out its “great value.” But he just wishes it was a bit more like a Hyundai.
If that request sounds a little off, allow me to explain.
Get Fully Charged
The Tesla Model 3 Performance
Tesla recently gave its popular Model 3 sedan its first substantial refresh, adding a new interior and exterior styling. The Model 3 Performance is sportier than ever, but is it missing one key feature?
The Tesla Model 3 sedan received a long-awaited refresh last year that brought revised styling in front and rear, plus a revamped interior. The sportier model, the Model 3 Performance, got updates of its own. Those include new chassis components, adaptive dampers, juiced-up drive units and new software to tie it all together.
Watson sang the car’s praises in his recent video. “Crazy acceleration,” he said, brought the Model 3 Performance from a standstill to 60 mph in three seconds flat in his tests. Before the advent of electrification, that kind of face-melting quickness was reserved for the Porsches, Lamborghinis and Ferraris of the world. The Tesla is fun to drive and carves corners with confidence, he said.
“It feels very, very composed. The steering is sharp and responsive,” Watson said.
2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
All told, Watson said the Model 3 Performance is both a thrilling sports sedan and a comfortable daily driver. (Thank the adaptive dampers for that last bit.)
But one thing could make the Model 3 Performance even more exciting, he reckons: the simulated gear shifting out of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The high-performance variant of Hyundai’s small electric SUV offers up steering wheel-mounted paddles and the ability to “shift gears.” Of course, like nearly all EVs, the Ioniq 5 (including the N variant) has a single-speed transmission. So the sensation of ticking up through an eight-speed gearbox and the complementary whine of a revving engine are both just for fun.
“I wish this had that feature as well, because that really does add to the engagement,” Watson said.
Tesla Model 3 Performance’s new interior
A few months ago, I would’ve said Watson’s take is a controversial one. When Hyundai announced that its upcoming hot hatch would blast synthetic engine rumbles and mimic the feeling of gear shifts, it sounded weird and, frankly, stupid to many people.
But, as it turns out, car enthusiasts really like it. InsideEVs Editor-In-Chief Patrick George dubbed the Ioniq 5 N a “professional ass-kicker” in his recent review, in part due to the replicated gearbox. These are words he does not use lightly.
Ultimately, Watson recommended shoppers shortlist the Model 3 Performance. His highest praise is a “buy” rating, followed by “shortlist,” “consider” and “avoid.”
He said if he was to buy a Model 3, he’d probably just get the Long Range version, which is still very quick, offers longer range (duh) and is considerably cheaper than its Performance sibling. Meanwhile, he said a BMW M2 is a better driver’s car.
Let us know what you think in the comments. Are fake gear shifters the wave of the future? Or just a gimmick that’s destined for the scrapyard.
Contact the author: tim.levin@insideevs.com
Tesla Model 3 Performance Should Be More Like Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Reviewer Says
In the world of electric vehicles, Tesla has long been considered the gold standard. With sleek designs, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance, Tesla vehicles have captured the hearts and minds of consumers around the world. However, a recent review suggests that Tesla’s Model 3 Performance may not be living up to its full potential when compared to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is the latest offering from the South Korean automaker, and it has been turning heads with its striking design, luxurious interior, and impressive performance capabilities. In a recent review by leading automotive publication, Car and Driver, the Ioniq 5 N was praised for its agile handling, powerful acceleration, and overall driving experience.
The reviewer went on to suggest that the Tesla Model 3 Performance, while still an impressive vehicle in its own right, could benefit from adopting some of the features and capabilities of the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. Specifically, the reviewer noted that the Model 3 Performance’s handling could be improved, and that its acceleration, while already strong, could be even more impressive with some tweaks.
While these comments may come as a surprise to some Tesla enthusiasts, they highlight the fact that the electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly competitive. With more and more automakers entering the EV space, companies like Tesla will need to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electric vehicles in order to stay ahead of the pack.
It will be interesting to see how Tesla responds to this feedback, and whether they will make any changes to the Model 3 Performance based on these suggestions. In the meantime, consumers can rest assured that they have a growing number of high-quality electric vehicles to choose from, each offering its own unique set of features and capabilities. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N may be the latest contender in this space, but with Tesla’s reputation for innovation and excellence, it is likely that the Model 3 Performance will continue to hold its own in the competitive world of electric vehicles.