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By Jonathan Crouch

Telsa's Model Y has been rejuvenated. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 59

Over the last few years, the Model Y has defined the way we think of Tesla in Europe, establishing a template for a business-minded electric mid-sized hatch that the mainstream brands are only just getting to grips with. Just as they have, Musk's men have introduced this considerably upgraded 'Project Juniper' design, with sleeker looks and a classier interior.

Backgroundword count: 159

The Model 3 may have been the car that brought Tesla mainstream in worldwide markets but it's hatch stablemate, the Model Y, is the car that's sold in greater numbers since its original launch in 2020. It's been produced in Europe for Europeans at the Tesla Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory since 2022 and was the world's best selling car in 2023. Even well into its initial production run, it still managed to be the U.K.'s fifth best seller in 2024. But competition is intensifying in the mid-sized EV segment and going forward, the Model Y will sit in a range also populated by the smaller Tesla Model 2. Time then for a much needed update package known during development as 'Project Juniper'. Many of the changes are similar to those made as part of the 'Project Highland' update visited upon the Model 3 in early 2024. But this updated Y gets much more distinct exterior styling. Let's take a closer look.

Engines and Tech Specword count: 318

This updated Y launched in the form most customers ideally want - the mid-level Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant. The entry-level Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive and flagship Performance All-Wheel Drive variants (which for the time being remain available in old-shape form) will shortly follow. In Long Range All-Wheel Drive form, the Dual Motor Model Y benefits from the sleeker body to offer 353 miles of range; performance stats have improved too, with 60mph just 4.1s away (it was 4.8s before) en route to 125mph. For reference, the original single motor Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive base version manages 351 miles of range and 60mph in 5.7s; while for the original top Performance All-Wheel Drive Dual Motor version, the figures are 319 miles and 3.5s. Expect the stats of those two variants to also improve when they come on stream. Tesla says it's improved the driving experience of the new 'Project Juniper' design, with added comfort, retuned suspension and more responsive steering. Model Y regulars should notice an improvement in refinement. With the introduction of acoustic glass on every surface, paired with new sound-dampening materials, a whisper quiet ride is promised. Tesla says that road noise has been reduced by 22%, impact noise by 20% and wind noise by 20%. There's now no gear selection stalk, that functionality having now been moved to the centre screen. And Tesla has added a new front camera, located in the front fascia, which offers drivers an expanded view of their surroundings and is equipped with a fluid washer and integrated heating to prevent fogging and defrost in cold weather conditions.  Otherwise, things are much as before. There are still no drive modes or brake regen settings - and no fake engine noise options either. Handling is sharper that you might expect it to be and, helped by the damping changes, ride quality should be significantly better than it was with earlier Model Ys.

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