Same drivetrains, but altered looks with improved ranges.

FAMILIAR in general look, but sleeker nonetheless for improved aerodynamic efficiency and around 50 percent of  parts are new compared to the outgoing model.

That’s the claim made by Tesla in respect to the facelifted Model 3 sedan, unveiled today and expected to become available here from early 2024.

Despite previous talk, the battery and drivetrain are unchanged, but ranges are slightly better, mainly because of wind-cheating refinements.

Absent from the range, for now, is the dual-motor all-wheel drive Performance, but the base rear-drive and all-wheel drive Long Range carry over.

Claimed WLTP range is up 22km to 513km for the RWD, and up 27km to 629km for the Long Range.

Design changes have improved the aerodynamic efficiency by eight percent to achieve a 0.219 drag coefficient, down from 0.225 previously.

The 2024 car is also identified by having slimmer LED headlights with a skewed C-shape daytime running light signature, a sharper one-piece C-shape tail-light.

The front bumper is smoother with a wider intake, but removes the fog light housing, and the rear bumper introduces additional plastic cladding with rear fog lamps.

Under the skin, the updated Model 3 features a revised suspension setup with new springs, dampers, and subframe mounting points designed to deliver a more comfortable ride.

Changes have also been made to the Michelin tyres, which are designed to offer more compliance through softer sidewalls – along with better noise suppression than is currently offered.

Inside, the new Model 3 has a new centre screen, albeit with the same dimensions (15 inches) and processor as before.

Overseas media report the steering wheel is new and the current car’s column stalks for indicators and cruise control are dropped in favour of tcapacitive touch buttons on the wheel.

An ambient lighting strip runs along the base of the windscreen, and it’s now possible to turn off the passenger air vents.

Rear passengers get an 8.0-inch display to control media and climate, along with air vents and USB-C ports.

Wheel stylings are altered, with 18-inch 'Photon' and optional 19-inch 'Nova' wheel designs. The Ultra Red of the car here is a new hue.