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Tesla teases entry level hatchback ahead of debut

The upcoming entry level model could be called the Model 2 and rival the globally popular VW ID 3.
2 min read28 Feb '23
Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News Desk
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Elon Musk run Tesla could take the wraps off the much-awaited Model 2 hatchback at the brand’s Investor Day event on March 1, 2023. Along with the Model 2, the brand is also expected to announce a new EV platform that will spawn multiple future Tesla models.

  • Model 2 will sit on a new EV platform
  • Expected to have around 400km range
  • Likely to be built in China for global markets

Could get new Gen 3 platform

Along with what appears to be sketches of a facelifted Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y, a side-profile drawing of what would be Tesla’s smallest model – and its cheapest – was shown in a preview video for the major event. The model had three doors and much smaller, squatter proportions than the Model 3. Although not officially confirmed, it's likely that it could be the first car to use the American firm's next-generation EV platform – codenamed Generation 3 – and be called the Tesla Model 2.

Musk had previously said that the platform will ensure that Tesla can cut production costs, and therefore vehicle prices, and double its current output.

The incredibly successful Model 3 is currently the most affordable Tesla offering globally. As reported by InsideEVs, Musk said the firm’s new platform will mean producing EVs at half this cost, which suggests that a mass-market, affordable hatchback is viable. For this price, we can expect a 50kWh battery with a range of around 400km (its smallest pack so far), as the firm takes a stab at the VW ID 3, Nissan Leaf and Kia e-Niro internationally.

The new hatchback will be produced in China, as reported by Teslarati, with Tesla China posting a job offering to prospective factory workers on a poster showing the same nameless compact hatchback.

Tesla’s India entry

Tesla was planning an India entry in 2021-22, however, after months of lobbying the government in a bid to reduce import duties, and eventually failing, the brand put its India entry plans on hold. The brand had already started scouting for locations for research and development centers and showroom spaces.

While Tesla has not officially make it to India so far, we have driven the Tesla Model 3 on Indian roads. Click here to read our review or here to watch our video.

Should Tesla attempt entering the Indian market again with local manufacturing? Let us know in the comments section.

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Audi Q3 Sportback bookings open for Rs 2 lakh

The Audi Q3 Sportback is the first coupe-style SUV in the entry-level luxury SUV segment in India.
2 min read6 Feb '23
Pradyumna KalagiPradyumna Kalagi
Audi Q3 front quarter
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Audi Q3 Sportback launched at Rs 51.43 lakh

The Q3 Sportback gets the same 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine from the standard Q3 SUV.
2 min read13 Feb '23
Akhil DalviAkhil Dalvi
2023 Audi Q3 Sportback front quarter
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Citroen eC3 launched at Rs 11.50 lakh

Like the petrol-powered Citroen C3, the eC3 EV is available in two variants – Live and Feel.
2 min read27 Feb '23
Pradyumna KalagiPradyumna Kalagi
Citroen eC3 front quarter
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Mercedes-Benz GLE, GLE Coupe facelifts unveiled

With the facelift, the entire GLE range is now electrified.
4 min read1 Feb '23
Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News Desk
Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift front quarter
Mercedes-Benz GLE facelift rear quarter
Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe facelift front quarter
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Nissan working on all-electric Qashqai, Juke and X-Trail SUVs

The electric Nissan X-Trail, Qashqai and Juke will sit on the same platform as the Ariya EV SUV.
3 min read19 Feb '23
Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News Desk
Nissan X-Trail front

Nissan X-Trail shown for representation only.

Nissan Qashqai front

Nissan Qashqai shown for representation only.

Nissan Juke front

Nissan Juke shown for representation only.

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