Tesla's Model Y has become Australia's best-selling car, marking the first time an electric vehicle has topped the monthly sales charts. The achievement comes amid a love-hate relationship with the brand and its CEO, Elon Musk.
A personal journey to electric
James MacSmith, a journalist for News Corp Australia, shares his experience as one of the many Australians who made the switch to the Tesla Model Y. After test-driving several vehicles, including the Ford Ranger, which was Australia's bestseller for three years, MacSmith was impressed by the Model Y. A year later, he remains delighted.
Sales boost and challenges
The introduction of a six-seat model helped boost Tesla sales. However, the brand's divisive nature was highlighted when its Parramatta showroom was firebombed just a month before Tesla topped the sales charts. MacSmith notes that you don't have to like Musk or his views to appreciate the car's quality and technological lead.
Safety and features
The Tesla Model Y and Model 3 have been rated as Australia's safest cars by ANCAP. MacSmith praises the car's easy and fun driving experience, lack of phone connectivity issues, perfect ride height, minimalist interior, and well-designed user interface that minimizes distractions.
Adapting to new technology
Piloting the Model Y takes some getting used to, much like transitioning from a landline to a smartphone. Features like the screen swipe to change gears may initially seem odd, but MacSmith believes it won't be long before drivers smirk at those using traditional gear sticks.
MacSmith, a former V8 Commodore owner, now feels the same attachment to the Model Y and could drive it forever. He describes it as a great family car with silent grunt for V8 lovers, a TV screen for kids, and a safe, smooth ride for his wife.
