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In 2009 Tesla established itself as a maker of super-quick electric cars with the introduction of the Roadster model, but since then the US manufacturer has followed this up with the Model S saloon in 2012 and the Model 3 hatchback and Model X SUV in 2017, all offering supercar-rivalling sprinting ability.

Now Tesla has introduced the Model Y which is a premium electric SUV which is essentially a bigger, and more spacious edition of the Model 3. It is longer and slightly wider, but more noticeably taller, meaning it looks more like a shrunken Model X.

With a practical and reliable range, fast charging capability, plenty of space and user-friendly onboard technology, the Model Y will appeal to buyers who need to take care of the family basics, but who also want the kerb appeal and badge status that Tesla provides.

The Model Y was first debuted in 2020 as a seven-seat model directly rivalling the Mercedes-Benz EQB, but it is only available as a five-seater for the time being. Still, passengers in the rear of the car get more head and legroom than in a Model 3, and all the seats are raised up to give a better view out.

It also offers an excellent 2,041-litre load bay with the rear seats down, and there is additional space under the bonnet that is ideal for holding the charging cables. The Model Y can also be equipped with a high-strength steel tow bar and 2” hitch receiver capable of towing up of 3,500kg on all-wheel drive configurations.

Cabin storage is also good, with a large armrest cubby and decent door bins, although opening the glovebox is awkward, because you do it via a sub-menu in the touchscreen, rather than with a physical button or lever.

An all-glass roof lends an airy ambience to the cabin, and it is largely free of buttons and relies mostly on a large 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display centred on a simple dashboard. Everything from climate control to the speedometer is shown on this display, which takes some getting used to. Even adjusting the steering column and mirrors is done via a sub-menu.

The Model Y also offers the same entertainment functions the Model 3, including embedded Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube apps as well as video games to help kill the boredom while waiting for the battery to charge at a public charging station. For safety however, this function, is not available to drivers while the vehicle is moving.

The Model Y comes in rear-wheel drive format with a single motor, and has a driving range of up to 455km, or in all-wheel-drive guise with a driving range of up to 533km in the Long Range Dual Motor specification with a top speed of 217km/h.

Upgrading to the Model Y Performance variant will drop the range down to 514km, but the power on offer goes from 434bhp to a vast 563bhp.

Outside the Model Y, there are parking sensors all round, and there are cameras at the front, rear and to the sides. The array of sensors on board mean self-parking is possible, while Tesla also offers its Summon function, which allows you to drive and steer the car remotely. Autopilot is also available on the Model Y. There are different stages of the system on offer, with some features unlockable via on-line updates.

At the top of the scale, the system can steer, maintain speed and change lanes with the minimum of driver input, although the system only really works at its best on motorways.

Safety equipment includes six airbags, ISOFIX child seat attachments in the back seats, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, speed limit and

traffic sign assist and lane assist.

My Model Y Long Range Dual Motor test car looked great finished in Pearl White

paintwork and contrasting All Black Premium Interior, along with its 19” Gemini wheels. Tesla’s ingenious Autopilot comes as standard, but my car was supplied with optional Enhanced Autopilot (€3,800) and a Tow Hitch (€1,350).

The Model Y connects with the Tesla mobile app to provide additional features such as remote unlock, remote pre-conditioning, location tracking and speed limit mode. Recharging times vary depending on the power source. On a standard domestic power socket it takes about 24 hours to charge a standard Tesla Model Y from empty to full.

There are three types of Tesla fast chargers for domestic use (7wWh, 11kWh and 22kWh), all of which can charge a Model Y from empty to full overnight.

Meanwhile public Tesla ‘super chargers’ can take the battery from empty to full in just over an hour. Tesla ‘super chargers’ are also handy to add up to 241 kilometres of range to the 75kWh battery (with a max charging rate of 170kW) in around 15 minutes.

The new Tesla Model Y is a good family SUV with a roomy and adaptable interior, excellent performance and range, masses of tech and the undoubted benefit of the company’s brilliant Supercharger network.

It has some very interesting and more mainstream opposition to contend with, but the Model Y has already established itself as a strong seller. It is enjoyable to drive, and its battery technology is game-changing.

Pricing starts at €52,990 for the rear-wheel drive Standard Range variant, with the Long Range Dual Motor (All-Wheel Drive) model priced from €66,990.

A 4- year/80,000km warranty comes as standard, along with an 8-year/192,000km battery warranty.

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Naas District Court was told about the alleged offence on Thursday, December 15. File photo

File Pic: The details were heard at Naas District Court on Thursday, December 15.

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