The Tesla Mannequin Y was not solely the best-selling electrical automobile (EV) in Australia final 12 months, it was additionally the best-selling automotive on this planet. No, not simply electrical automotive – automotive, interval.
It outsold different fashionable SUVs just like the Toyota RAV4, in addition to stalwart passenger vehicles just like the Toyota Corolla.
The Mannequin Y positive doesn’t make it simple for rivals in Australia.
For starters, Tesla has the early-mover benefit in relation to EVs, and although the Mannequin Y took its time getting right here in comparison with different markets it nonetheless beat rivals from Toyota, Ford and so on.
Secondly, it opens at simply $55,990 earlier than on-road prices, which is a fairly rattling good worth. Tesla has proven no mercy, slashing costs repeatedly to chop rivals off on the knees earlier than they actually have a probability to pose a menace.
So, best-selling EV, sharp worth… the Tesla Mannequin Y looks like a no brainer for those who’re after an EV, proper? Nicely, it’s a superb automobile, however maybe it’s not for you.
Maybe you don’t like its austere inside or its blobby exterior, otherwise you don’t just like the model’s controversial CEO, otherwise you simply don’t need such a standard EV. Perhaps you’re not even prepared for an EV.
Under, the members of the CarExpert crew have shared what they might get as an alternative.
Alborz Fallah: Strolling
I might somewhat stroll than purchase one other Tesla Mannequin Y. I did purchase one and saved it for precisely 8 days, which was roughly 8 days longer than I want I had owned it.
I gained’t go into why being a Tesla proprietor is the trendy day equal of getting a tissue field at the back of your Camry hybrid, however the as soon as solely reasonable alternative for electrical autos is now practically on the very backside of the choices listing (until public charging infrastructure is your absolute primary precedence).
For a bit much less cash, I might in all probability have a look at shopping for a BYD Atto 3 or for a bit more cash, I might go along with a Hyundai Ioniq 5 or step right into a BMW iX1.
All three of those are higher choices and the great thing about them is that you simply gained’t should personal a Mannequin Y, which is about to get replaced with an up to date one subsequent 12 months.
MORE: Purchase a BYD Atto 3
MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq 5
MORE: Purchase a BMW iX1
Paul Maric: Ford Mustang Mach-E
We cancelled our order for an additional Mannequin Y after getting burned by Tesla on resale values…and easily eager to discover what else was in the marketplace.
I’ve now spent extra time with the Mustang Mach-E and it’s gentle years forward of the Mannequin Y when it comes to inside presentation and engagement behind the wheel.
The app isn’t actually as much as scratch compared to the Mannequin Y, however you by no means realise how a lot you miss the fundamentals of a contemporary non-Tesla automotive – like parking sensors, Apple CarPlay and a head-up show – when you lastly get out of a Mannequin Y.
So whereas the Mannequin Y is an affordable and cheerful choice within the phase, it has develop into so frequent and boring. I’m glad we’ve been capable of spend some extra time in different EVs to see what we’ve been lacking out on.
MORE: Purchase a Ford Mustang Mach-E
Scott Collie: Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Tesla Mannequin Y is a wonderful electrical SUV, however its model of aggressive minimalism is a bit… jarring.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a gentler, extra approachable tackle the way forward for motoring. The pre-update automotive has a stunning, lounge-like feeling on the open highway, and it’s one among only a few electrical vehicles to come back near matching Tesla for vitality effectivity.
An upcoming replace improves on the inside know-how, too, lastly giving this futuristic flagship the infotainment it deserves. I’ll have mine with out the foolish digital rear-view mirrors.
MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq 5
James Wong: 2025 Cupra Formentor e-Hybrid
I’m not fairly able to go full EV but, and that circa-$60,000-$70,000 bracket doesn’t have loads of choices that I might select for myself.
So, I’m going to go to the midway home and say I’d await the facelifted Cupra Formentor PHEV to reach in Australia early subsequent 12 months.
Along with the improved tech suite and the improved cabin finishes which assist justify its semi-premium worth level, the brand new e-Hybrid PHEV ups battery capability to 19.7kWh (internet) which extends EV vary to over 100 kilometers per cost.
And that’s simply the EV portion of the PHEV. The brand new drivetrain brings a brand new 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid system with 200kW (up from 180kW) which boosts efficiency, and the battery can now be DC fast-charged at as much as 50kW.
With the improved battery system the Formentor will be just about pushed solely as an EV till you go on a highway journey or go on a spirited drive and need to name on the engagement of its turbocharged combustion engine.
MORE: Purchase a Cupra Formentor
William Stopford: Hyundai Ioniq 5
There are many good mid-sized electrical SUVs, however after I take into consideration what I might truly need to stay with one stands out.
I’d argue the Hyundai Ioniq 5 isn’t an SUV, even by in the present day’s liberal definition, but it surely’s sensible (if not as roomy as a Mannequin Y).
The know-how is nice, significantly the vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. The inside is snug and filled with intelligent particulars, such because the sliding centre console and glove compartment drawer.
It additionally has a retro-futuristic design that actually stands out, and makes this automotive look as contemporary as when it launched.
Is it significantly costlier, spec for spec, than a Mannequin Y? Regrettably, sure, but it surely’s nonetheless a fascinating providing. And even with the premium, if we’re trying on the high finish of the vary, I’d take an Ioniq 5 N over a Mannequin Y Efficiency any day of the week and twice on Sunday.
MORE: Purchase a Hyundai Ioniq 5
Jack Fast: Mini Countryman E
I do know on paper there’s an enormous worth distinction between the Tesla Mannequin Y RWD and the Mini Countryman E, and it in the end isn’t as environment friendly and capacious, however I’d argue the latter has heaps extra character and attraction.
This German-built crossover has grown significantly in comparison with its predecessor and options a variety of funky touches. It’s now constructed on the identical plant because the BMW X1 and X2 that are each significantly costlier than the Countryman.
Just like the Mannequin Y, the Countryman’s inside is centred round a touchscreen, however the latter has a spherical OLED unit that has vibrant colors and flashy graphics. It’s fairly enjoyable to mess around with the totally different ‘Expertise’ modes.
I’m additionally an enormous fan of the Countryman’s cloth lashings all through the inside, although I’m properly conscious they’re disguising a few of the tougher plastics.
MORE: Purchase a Mini Countryman
Josh Nevett: BYD Sealion 6
Whereas an EV would go well with my use case simply tremendous, a PHEV gives extra versatility to a wider vary of recent automotive patrons. With that in thoughts, it’s exhausting to look previous the brand new BYD Sealion 6.
Like different fashions within the BYD vary, the Sealion 6 is bound to place some potential suitors off primarily based on appearances alone, however for those who’re a fan of the design then there’s loads to love.
At $52,990 earlier than on-road prices, the flagship Premium undercuts even the bottom Mannequin Y by practically $3000 and also you don’t miss out on any package. The highest-spec Sealion 6 comes customary with all-wheel drive and 238kW of energy, along with enormous inside screens, a leatherette-lavished cabin, panoramic sunroof, feature-packed seats, and loads of house to unfold out.
It’ll be environment friendly too, particularly for those who spend most of your time driving in EV mode.
MORE: Purchase a BYD Sealion 6
Max Davies: Mini Countryman SE All4
If you happen to’re one which merely should go for a pure EV, why not make it one thing a bit particular?
My excellent candidate for that might be the brand new all-electric Mini Countryman. Mini has taken an actual step ahead lately, and the newest Countryman is a chief instance of precisely what the model has to supply.
You get quirky but cute retro styling on the skin, you get unorthodox shapes and supplies on the within, and below the pores and skin are the bones of the BMW iX1, which is already a superb EV.
The distinction with the Countryman is its sharp pricing, as a result of its $75,990 worth level locations it comfortably between the Mannequin Y’s Lengthy Vary and Efficiency grades, whereas nonetheless being cheaper than even the base-spec iX1.
It’s nonetheless a couple of thousand {dollars} cheaper than even the base-spec iX1, but it surely brings that further little bit of character you don’t get in most vehicles. You continue to even get 230kW of energy and 494Nm of torque, all of which is put to the bottom by an all-wheel drive system.
Higher but, there’s a hotted-up JCW model across the nook in order for you a bit extra punch. What’s to not love?
MORE: Purchase a Mini Countryman
Tyra Lawler-Cass: Hyundai Kona Electrical
With regards to EVs, driving vary could be a dealbreaker. If you happen to’re in search of an EV with a driving vary near that of a Tesla Mannequin Y, take into account the Hyundai Kona Electrical Premium Prolonged Vary.
The Kona Electrical combines the futuristic, electrified expertise you count on from an EV with practicality and luxury.
One of many standout options of the Mannequin Y is its driving vary, maxing out at 612km (NEDC). The Kona Electrical comes shut, boasting a claimed vary of 557km, additionally on the NEDC cycle. Nevertheless, remember it takes twice as lengthy to succeed in 80 per cent cost (from 10 per cent) in comparison with the Tesla.
Extra importantly, the Kona Electrical has a correct instrument cluster – I believe that claims all of it.
