Back in September, Tesla unveiled its new 2024 Tesla Model 3 to the world with a launch in Europe. At the same time, orders for the new model had opened in Australia and New Zealand, well ahead of Tesla’s home market in the US.
Now, just over two months later, the first of these upgraded new Model 3s have landed across the ditch in New Zealand.
A photo of a few Teslas on the back of a car transporter was shared on X by a member of the Tesla community on X. It shows three vehicles being transferred on a highway.
Model 3 Highland is now in New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/tmAKTmKmMA
— Matt (@MattCochrane975) November 8, 2023
Two of the vehicles seen are wrapped in plastic protection which is generally used to protect cars during transport. What does show that these two are the new updated Model 3 are the wheels on these vehicles.
The vehicle loaded on the top deck of the transporter has the 18-inch wheels found on the new Model 3. Tesla calls these “Photon Wheels” which are generally covered with aerocap covers for efficiency on the road.
The vehicle on the lower deck has not only the new 19-inch wheels which Tesla calls “Nova Wheels”. Slimmer lights can also be seen on this particular example which are found on the upgraded car.
There have been several new changes that have been brought to the new Model 3.
A key upgrade is to improve road and wind noise while driving the car. This involved the utilisation of dual-pane glass across all windows instead of just the front. This method helps improve the overall cabin noise levels.
When it comes to driving dynamics, on the suspension front, Tesla has now added new shock-absorbing technology which Tesla calls “frequency selective damping”. This will help to improve the ride quality while maintaining the handling of the new Model 3.
Other interior changes include the use of ambient lighting strips in the front cabin along with a rear passenger entertainment screen.
Design-wise, the new Model 3 is sleeker, helping it be more aerodynamic than the previous generation car which helps with more range with every charge.
The sighting of these cars is exciting news for customers in New Zealand looking at getting the new Model 3 since these vehicles will soon be in showrooms there. Given that the updated vehicles have now started to land, customer deliveries are likely to occur by next month.
It also hints that Tesla’s display vehicles for its Australian showrooms are not too far either which is great news for many Tesla Model 3 buyers, looking at upgrading to the refreshed new car.
Riz is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.