Tesla Model Y

Promised improvements to ride and refinement aim to make Tesla's best-selling car stronger than ever On sale June Price from £44,990

- DOUG REVOLTA

THERE'S NO SUCH thing as bad publicity. Right? Well, Tesla boss Elon Musk seems to be conducting a pretty rigorous test of that theory. Overall European sales for the American manufacturer have sharply declined since this time last year. But why?

Well, some would argue that this was because buyers were holding off from buying Tesla's most popular model - the Model Y - in the knowledge that its replacement was just around the corner. Others, though, would suggest that Musk's outspoken political views have sparked a backlash. Either way, this Model Y remains extremely important for Tesla.

The previous Model Y's slick technology, impressive range and vast practicality made it a thoroughly recommendable electric car. It wasn't without its faults, though, with disappointing ride comfort and refinement its main weaknesses. What's more, since Model Y sales began back in 2020, a wave of new electric SUVs has risen in competition, including the Kia EV6, Renault Scenic and Skoda Elroq.