KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 18 — There is a lot hype about Tesla automobiles in Malaysia, particularly since electrical automobiles aren’t a large factor right here but.
Just like all new factor available in the market, Tesla has despatched Malaysians into a frenzy after the corporate formally entered the market right here with the launch of its Model Y in July.
The identify, its founder Elon Musk and the entire idea of the automobile are sufficient to spark numerous curiosity in any automobile fanatic.
To get a really feel of what Tesla has in retailer, eNews Malaysia took Model Y for a half-day journey.
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Tesla Model Y comes with a simplistic inside design that is largely centered on a futuristic idea. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
The really feel
Put technical specs apart, the automobile is designed with unique features.
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It definitely doesn’t really feel like a typical automobile and desires some explorations earlier than you may get going for the primary time.
The automobile key comes within the type of an entry card and you’ll even use your smartphone as a keycard after organising your profile on the Tesla cellular app.
Once you faucet the cardboard on the door, the automobile is able to drive.
There is no begin button and the automobile is able to speed up as quickly as you get behind the wheel.
All you must do is press the brake pedal and choose the drive mode by shifting the stalk up or right down to get going.
The gear stalk is located behind the steering wheel on the right-hand aspect to make gear shifting as handy as potential.
Model Y is a compact crossover and also you sit barely excessive to get a higher street view.
Tesla Model Y is a compact SUV and also you sit barely excessive to get a higher street view. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
The drive
Once you’re in drive mode, the automobile stays standstill till you press the accelerator.
What’s very noticeable within the automobile is the quietness of the engine.
You hardly hear something even while you speed up.
The automobile is extremely customisable and it’s possible you’ll even pre-select the kind of acceleration you like to expertise whereas driving.
The automobile’s touchscreen show has all of the features listed for customisation.
Under the pedals and steering tab, it’s possible you’ll regulate the quantity of acceleration you’ll wish to expertise when urgent the ability pedal.
If you go for the “customary”, it supplies the traditional degree of acceleration on non-performance automobiles whereas the “chill” choice limits the acceleration for a easy journey.
There is additionally the “sport” mode for a extra punchy acceleration.
Generally, the drive was pleasurable and the pick-up was sharp.
However, when you let go of the acceleration pedal, there is a sudden drop in pace and the automobile prepares to cease even with out urgent the brake.
This, nonetheless, may also be adjusted by means of the management panel relying on the motive force’s choice.
The cabin is additionally spacious and also you get sufficient legroom no matter whether or not you sit in entrance or on the again.
The seats provide customisation and you’ll even change on the seat heater or cooler from the management panel.
There is additionally a big selection of infotainment and gamification features to maintain the passengers entertained whereas driving.
The automobile comes with 2,100 litres of cargo house accessible by way of back and front trunks.
Tesla Model Y depends closely on expertise and most of its features are managed by means of its show display. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
Technology reliance
Tesla is identified for its high-tech features and the automobile depends a lot on pc programming.
One of its distinct features is its autopilot capabilities.
Depending on the specs, all Model Y automobiles come with some degree of autonomous features however none of them are supposed to change you as the motive force.
The automobile that was examined by eNews Malaysia had primary autopilot features that included traffic-aware cruise management and autosteer.
To activate it, it’s essential preserve your pace and press the gear stalk down twice to get to the autopilot mode.
Once the autonomous characteristic switches on, the touchscreen show turns into vibrant and reveals the street and automobiles forward.
The characteristic helps to keep up your pace primarily based on the pace restrict and retains the gap from the vehicle in entrance of you whereas protecting you within the lane.
You might completely go hands-free when the autopilot is on however after a whereas, the automobile offers a sign to put at the least one hand on the steering wheel to make sure the motive force is aware.
The characteristic is somewhat primary and is helpful if you must reply to an pressing textual content or simply really feel like getting your arms off the steering wheel for a quick whereas.
For improved autonomous features, it’s possible you’ll go for the Enhanced Autopilot add-on choice with extra features similar to auto lane change, auto park, and summon to maneuver the automobile ahead or backwards even when you find yourself outdoors the vehicle.
For final autonomous features, it’s possible you’ll add on the Full Self-Driving Capability characteristic to the spec for visitors gentle and cease signal management and in addition autosteer perform to navigate following street curves, roundabouts and making left or proper turns.
When the autonomous characteristic switches on, the touchscreen show turns into vibrant and reveals the street and automobiles forward. — Picture by Shafwan Zaidon
Safety is key
Model Y is designed with security in thoughts.
The automobile physique is outfitted with eight cameras throughout it to assist the motive force with blind spots or an emergency.
Thanks to its lane help characteristic, the automobile screens the markers in your lane and surrounding areas for the presence of automobiles and different objects.
When you flip in your left or proper indicators, the aspect digicam prompts and you’ll have a higher aspect view of the automobiles subsequent to you on the show display.
The automobile additionally has an automated emergency braking system to cut back the influence of collision in harmful conditions.
During the pace take a look at, the automobile by accident ran over a bumper at a excessive pace of over 190km/h and as a result of influence the automated braking system was activated to stop the vehicle from skidding.
The exterior cameras additionally monitor the world in entrance for any objects similar to automobiles, bikes or pedestrians.
In any case of potential collision, the automobile sounds a chime and highlights the objects in entrance in crimson on the show display.
Overall, the automobile is designed to supply a totally different lifestyle and driving expertise.
Malaysians might not be absolutely able to undertake EV driving as a result of lack of supercharging stations however the nation is catching up rapidly to facilitate charging options.
Tesla has up to now opened two supercharging stations in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and Sunway Big Box Retail Park in Johor with extra spots within the pipeline.
The authorities has additionally reiterated its dedication to organising 10,000 EV charging stations throughout Malaysia by 2025 to make sure everybody can have entry to charging options.
Presently, there are 1,267 charging stations throughout the nation.
The mannequin is available in three ranges rear-wheel drive, long-range and efficiency with beginning costs of RM199,000, RM246,000 and RM288,000 respectively.
