The refreshed Tesla Model 3 gained a wide range of updates and tweaks – including a common safety assist feature that has been on many cars in recent years.
The Model 3 owner’s manual on Tesla’s website, as found by Electrek, reveals the updated model now receives a proper blind-spot indicator. This is in the form of a small red light located in the upper speaker grille of the driver’s side door.
The owner’s manual specifically says this blind-spot indicator is on the driver’s side door. It’s unclear if there’s another blind-spot indicator on the passenger-side door.
The electric sedan has long been offered with a camera-based blind-spot assist system, which with a recent software update allowed for the respective side camera feed to be displayed when an indicator is turned on.
The addition of a light brings Tesla into line with essentially every other “legacy” carmaker. Even Honda has bailed on its camera-only blind-spot system, instead using the simpler light to warn of potentially hidden cars.
This camera-based blind-spot view monitor is retained with the update, along with the visualisation of the what’s around the car on the central touchscreen.
As recently reported, the updated Model 3 is now available to order in Australia in base single-motor RWD and dual-motor Long Range guises. These are priced form $61,900 before on-roads and $71,900 before on-roads, respectively.
Orders for both models will start arriving between January and March 2024.
On the outside, the new Model 3 features a slicker front design with a simpler lower section than before.
Under the skin, the new Tesla 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 screen up front… with the same dimensions (15 inches) and processor as before.
The steering wheel is new, with no column stalks for indicators or cruise control. Instead, there are capacitive 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.
Two new colours have been added to the palette: Stealth Grey ($2300) and Ultra Red ($2600).
New 18-inch alloy wheels are standard, with 19-inch alloy wheels optional on both variants for an extra $1800.
White and black interiors are available, while Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving (which isn’t yet full self-driving) are still available as options.
MORE: 2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range review
MORE: Everything Tesla Model 3