Tesla Model 3 review

To keep the Tesla Model 3's dashboard looking as minimalist as a Scandinavian studio apartment, everything from the wipers to the headlights is controlled using the central touchscreen. The downside is that even adjusting the door mirrors requires you to delve into the touchscreen then fiddle with buttons on the steering wheel. It's a real faff, and not advisable while you’re driving.

The same screen also hosts the speedo but, thankfully, the MPH readout is positioned on the top right-hand edge of the screen, so you only have to turn your head a little to read it. Still, we prefer the layout in the Polestar 2, with buttons to operate the mirrors and digital instruments sitting where you expect them – in front of the driver behind the steering wheel.

More positively, the view out of the back is pretty good and all versions come with parking sensors at both ends of the car, along with surround-view camera.

LED headlights are standard and illuminate very well, although you can't have the matrix headlights available on some executive cars, including the Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series, which shape their beams to avoid dazzling other drivers.

The Model 3 has the same touchscreen infotainment system as the Tesla Model Y. The operating system is pretty intuitive, and while some of the smaller icons can be tricky to hit accurately while you’re driving, the system is quick to respond once you’ve made your selection.