Fast Lane: Tesla Model Y, Hyptec, Polestar

Updated Tesla arrives

Ahead of its official Singapore launch on Jan 24 at Ion Orchard, The Straits Times got an exclusive look at the refreshed Tesla Model Y electric sport utility vehicle.

Besides the obvious exterior design changes, which include a new front end that takes inspiration from the Cybertruck and new light design at the rear, the Model Y’s cabin has also gone through some notable alterations.

Stealth Grey is the standard colour. Opting for other colours costs extra. The show car’s Ultra Red is a $3,200 option.

The cabin has discernibly improved materials – such as the texture cladding on the door panels – and upgrades to rear accommodation with the addition of a touchscreen for infotainment, and seat- and climate-control functions. The base of the rear bench is 15mm longer than before, which, Tesla says, gives better thigh support.

The cabin is supposed to be quieter and more comfortable now, with enhanced insulation and the new silver-coated glass roof that is more effective at cutting out heat and ultraviolet light.

Mechanically, the motor for the Rear-Wheel Drive version has been upgraded to 255kW, up from 220kW.

Detailed tweaks to the car’s aerodynamics and the reduction of friction in the system yield an increase in the operating range of the Model Y by 11km for the single-motor variant to 466km, and 18km for the dual-motor Long Range variant to 551km.

The Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive costs $106,502 before certificate of entitlement (COE), while the Long Range is priced at $130,626 before COE. Deliveries are expected to start in late April.

Gull-winged EV launched

Hyptec, a sub-brand from Chinese electric vehicle (EV) brand Aion, is marking its arrival in Singapore with the launch of the HT, a mid-sized electric crossover vehicle with rear doors that open like a bird’s wings.

The car is said to feature high-quality materials and cutting-edge technology, including high-speed charging – rated at up to 280kW – and the capability for over-the-air updates.

The 230kW, single-motor, rear-wheel-drive EV has an operating range of 520km.

The sub-brand is represented by Vincar EV, which also distributes Aion.

Two trim levels are available – the HT Premium ($230,988 with COE before discount) and Luxury ($260,988 with COE before discount).

The HT will be available for test drives starting on Jan 25 at the Aion showroom at 24 Leng Kee Road. Vincar plans to hold a special delivery event for the first batch of customers after Chinese New Year.

Polestar offers Singapore Tennis Open car deals

Polestar is offering special deals for its models in conjunction with its sponsorship of the first Singapore Tennis Open that will be held at Kallang Tennis Hub from Jan 27 to Feb 2.

These include reserve cars, which have been set aside for the event but are not used. Both the Polestar 2 and larger Polestar 4 are available, with discounts of up to $30,000, along with freebies.

Also for sale are the 15 cars that will be used to ferry the players during the tournament, with slightly different offers, including additional discount for dual-motor versions. The mileage on these cars will be capped at 1,000km.