First Drive: Tesla Model Y – In it’s new shape

I didn’t want to love it. I did. The new-shape Model Y fixes the looks, elevates the drive, and makes a strong case on practicality and cost of ownership

Dealer Experience

Pontprennau, Cardiff did the basics right: easy parking, swift check-in, straight to the keys. Bonus points for Tesla’s online booking—choose venue, date, time and model, upload licence, done. No small talk required: I flashed my licence and was in the driver’s seat before you could say “Department of Government Efficiency”.

First Impressions — Elon who?

I wasn’t a fan when the Y launched in 2020 – bulbous rear, froggy front. The refresh flips that script: cleaner aero nose, tidier lines, and a sculpted rear that turns the ugly duckling into a swan. I slid into the Performance AWD and, despite the day’s “four seasons in one day” weather (hat tip to Crowded House), the ride quality and handling sold me within minutes.

Model Line-up at a Glance

• Rear-Wheel Drive — 0–60 mph 5.6s, WLTP 311 miles, adds +148 miles in 15 mins on a Supercharger.

• Long Range RWD — 0–60 mph 5.4s, WLTP 387 miles, +166 miles in 15 mins.

• Long Range AWD — 0–60 mph 4.6s, WLTP 364 miles, +165 miles in 15 mins.

• Performance AWD — 0–60 mph 3.3s (yes, really), WLTP 360 miles, +151 miles in 15 mins.
  I may have enjoyed a motorway slip road a little too much before self-regulating with something chill. Thank you, From The Heart by Another Level, for saving my licence.

Behind the Wheel

The Performance AWD sits on standard 21″ wheels with firmer springs and a tauter setup. Unlike some rivals, comfort doesn’t suffer: it’s composed at speed and calm over scruffy tarmac. I cruised the M4 with my partner-in-crime (apparently on an endless post-A levels summer—jealousy is unbecoming).

I’ve long sparred with my mate Rob (three Teslas and counting). He loves minimalism; I like knobs, switches, and an old-school “car-ness”. I’m still me—but this interior is the first Tesla that genuinely tempts me over.

Practicality Check

This is where the Y quietly becomes a business case:

• Boot: 854 litres plus 60-litre frunk; seats down to a cavernous 2,138 litres. Small-van operators, take note.

• Range: Officially 311–387 miles WLTP (model-dependent). Based on my drive, 300+ miles didn’t feel like a stretch.

• Everyday details: Two generous cupholders passed the double-shot flat-white test. Multilink suspension kept spills at bay.

Value for Money

£44,990–£61,990 list, and more approachable than many expect once you factor in leasing. BIK at 3% until April 2026, rising by just a point after. Want the numbers for your use case? Ping me for a tailored lease quote.

My Verdict

I didn’t want to; I did. Put politics and personalities aside – the new-shape Model Y is a fantastic car. If the chance arises, it’s joining the Rowthorn fleet without hesitation.