Righto, so we’ve finally got the Tesla Model 3 here in NZ and I’ll tell you, plenty of folks around Hamilton are pretty keen on them. We had one in the shop last week, and it’s easy to see why people want to know all about what’s going on under the bonnet. The Model 3 is smaller and more wallet-friendly than the Model S or X, but still a step up from anything else I see buzzing around the car parks at The Base or cruising down Te Rapa Road. Basically, it’s got heaps going for it, especially for everyday drivers around the Waikato.
Range That Suits Real-World Driving
A lot of people ask me, “Will this Tesla cope with proper NZ driving?” And yes, it properly does. With a claimed 620 km range, that’s enough to get you from Hamilton out to Raglan, back to Cambridge, and maybe even a cheeky run up to Huntly without needing a top up. Not saying I’d want to play roulette on those last Ks, but you get what I mean. Dead handy if you’re running the kids round between sports or doing the Hamilton to Morrinsville commute on the daily.
Charging can be done at heaps of spots now – from Superchargers by the Chartwell mall to fast chargers popping up at places like Rototuna. Thirty minutes plugged in and you’ve got about 270 km back in the tank (so to speak), which is about the same as running to Auckland on a Friday and braving the traffic up the Expressway there and back.
Easy on Safety (No Joke)
Tell you what, the safety side on these is right up there. Model 3 scored 5 stars across the board with NHTSA. Feels solid too, not tinny like some of the lighter European stuff we’ve had in – few Citroën C4s and Peugeot 308s for comparison. The frame is built from aluminium and steel, so it still takes those Hamilton city potholes and speed bumps around Dinsdale and Frankton like a champ. Plus, the battery pack underneath gives it a nice low centre of gravity. That means less chance of tipping if you end up in a sticky spot – pretty reassuring for anyone, whether you’re carting the kids or doing the Sunday shop.
Ridiculous Acceleration
Had a customer from Matangi bring her Model 3 in for a WOF and, fair to say, the acceleration almost knocked my gumboots off. 0-100 in about 3.4 seconds – reckon you’ll spook the odd Subaru WRX or Audi S3 at the lights. Goes to show, doesn’t matter if you’re used to a Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, or the more unusual stuff like a MG ZS EV, you’ll notice this thing scoots. No petrol needed, just zip and go.
Autopilot, Not Just for Show-offs
People keep asking about all the autopilot jazz – and yeah, it really does work. Autopilot lets your Tesla steer, brake and accelerate all by itself. Seen it parallel park for a lady from Glenview the other day – hands off, foot off, neat as. Handles lane changes on the expressway no worries either. Almost feels like something out of the Jetsons, but now you can actually try it for yourself. If you want to dig deeper, check out Tesla’s official website for all the techy details.
So… Can You Get Your Tesla Serviced Locally?
This is the biggie: “Where can I actually get this thing sorted if it breaks?” Cause not every mechanic wants to touch electrics – had a few Nissan Leafs and BYD Atto 3s come in where the owners said the same. Luckily, our crew here at Grimmer Motors are pretty handy on all things electric. We’ve been at the pointy end of EV servicing, repairs and checks for a while now, so don’t stress. Whether you’re in Hamilton, Ngaruawahia, Cambridge or out in Tamahere, we’re an easy stop for EV owners looking for proper car service Hamilton style.
If you want more info on what we can sort for you, here’s the link for our EV and hybrid repair services.
We love seeing more electric cars on the road – quieter, cleaner and less hassle at the pump. It’s a no-brainer these days. Any questions, or if you’re keen to book in, give us a bell anytime.