• Cabin is airy with plenty of room front and rear
• Rear boot is usefully large – and there’s one at the front, too
• Lots of storage space in the cabin for your gadgets

How much space is there?

The Tesla Model 3 is agreeably roomy and welcoming inside with its light interior colours and generous glass area. It’s very different to traditional compact executive saloons, that’s for sure.

It’s worth noting that the quality inside has been enhanced with the latest models, and this is very evident on all of the touchpoints, such as the seat trim and steering wheel. Quality has long been a pain point for the Tesla, so this improvement should help soothe the nerves of more conservative customers coming out of more conventional rivals.

You really can get five adults in a Model 3, which is quite a feat in this market sector. They’ll still need to be good friends, though. A full-length glass roof is also standard in the UK, bathing the interior in light all day long. It’s a clever trick that makes this cabin even more appealing.

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Boot space and storage

The Tesla Model 3’s boot has 425 litres of luggage space, which means it’s slightly smaller than the BMW i4 (470 litres), but ahead of the BYD Seal, Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Polestar 4, all of which are around 400 litres.

It’s also worth noting that the Tesla gives you some extra room in the Model 3’s front boot for a couple of additional bags, so it’s probably more than practical enough for its intended market. Given its shape, it’s a shame it’s not a hatchback like its larger Model S sibling.

Inside the cabin there are a couple of decently-sized cupholders between the seats. Plus, under the armrest and in the centre console, there’s ample space for phones and other paraphernalia – with decent provision for wireless charging and USB connections.

Is it easy to park?

The Model 3 isn’t too big for UK parking spaces, has good forward visibility and is absolutely peppered with cameras. The low-set dashboard makes parking in even the tightest spots a piece of cake.

Rear parking sensors and cameras come as part of the package of all Model 3s – a good thing, given that it’s not exactly easy to see out of the back.

Safety

• Euro NCAP five-star result in 2018
• Excellent collision avoidance technology
• It’s an American car which means excellent passive safety

The Model 3 earned five stars in its ability to protect adults, children, vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians, as well as its safety assistance features. In this latter ‘Safety Assist’ category, it earned the highest score that Euro NCAP has awarded to date under its 2018/2019 testing protocols.

It’s had some tweaks for 2024 including a new locking blade that helps keep the door and sill together in the event of an accident. However, it’s not been re-tested by Euro NCAP, so we can’t verify whether it would still score five stars in the current test.

The Euro NCAP results also demonstrate the importance of the Model 3’s electric architecture and powertrain design. Its fortified battery pack and rigid passenger compartment help keep the body stable in an accident, while its low centre of gravity means it’s far less likely to flip over if side swiped.

Watch: Tesla Model 3 Euro NCAP safety test video