Blog Report: Model 3 Inspired Compact Hatchback Planned for Europe

Tesla is planning a compact hatchback based on the Model 3 to be built and sold in Europe, according to a report from Autocar.

Details are thin, but it seems to line up with recent statements from Musk that Tesla needs a more affordable option.

“We will not succeed in our mission if we don’t make cars affordable.,” Musk said on Tesla’s most recent investors call. “The thing that bugs me the most about where we are right now is that our cars aren’t affordable enough. We need to fix that.” 

Musk added that “it would be reasonable to assume that we would make a compact vehicle of some kind.”

Autocar reported that the Model 3 hatchback will be built at Giga Berlin, which Tesla expects to be operational next year.

Smaller cars, such as a possible Model 3 hatchback, are more practical and preferred in markets like Europe and China. It certainly makes sense for Tesla to be aggressive in targeting those consumers.

Making Tesla’s vehicles more accessible to the masses is an exciting development, but there are still questions about the form of the this new compact and its powertrain.

What would you like to see in a Tesla compact?

 

[SOULPEDL]

A hatchback Model 3 was seriously wanted in the US as well. I'm guessing the hatch likely increased build costs and breaks up the glass roof - hence the small rear glass on the Y. There's always a tradeoff, but I would have loved a Model 3 hatchback... are you kidding? Just for sleeping better at night if need be. Please do, and export to US cuz we'll buy them too, I am certain. 240Z style, why not.

 

[nuts]

A hatchback Model 3 was seriously wanted in the US as well. I'm guessing the hatch likely increased build costs and breaks up the glass roof - hence the small rear glass on the Y. There's always a tradeoff, but I would have loved a Model 3 hatchback... are you kidding? Just for sleeping better at night if need be. Please do, and export to US cuz we'll buy them too, I am certain. 240Z style, why not.

why not? because the US market is focused on SUV's. Because, Murica.

they arent going to build a hatch back for you and maybe a dozen other people who are stuck in the 80's.

 

[Mike_TV]

Hatchbacks did really good in the US when gas was expensive and being rationed. Not so much today. Americans love their big SUVs.

 

[R2019M3]

SUV's may dominate for now, but hard to know what the future holds. I would welcome a small hatchback just to run around town for errands and save the Model 3 for longer runs.

 

[jensk2]

Model 3 Hatchback would be nice in Europe, but to really compete with BMW and Audi a StationWagon/StationCar (or Shooting Brake) would be even better!

 

[SOULPEDL]

SUV's may dominate for now, but hard to know what the future holds. I would welcome a small hatchback just to run around town for errands and save the Model 3 for longer runs.

There's a market and none of us has the US demand numbers. But many here on TMC were bummed bc it didn't have the hatchback. Clearly some here don't see the need for a car/utility/camping/tailgate/security/get-away thing on wheels... with the hatch opened up, a stereo that lasts forever while facing the river or valley below. We don't all get to have 2 or 3 Teslas. That's why.

 

[SOULPEDL]

And sorry, the Y is not a sports car. I just spoke to a lady last week who traded up and already misses her Model 3. And I'm having the same issue and will just have to wait longer. I think Cybertruck and Model 3 are the e-Ticket!

 

[dazizmor]

why not? because the US market is focused on SUV's. Because, Murica.

they arent going to build a hatch back for you and maybe a dozen other people who are stuck in the 80's.

why not? because the US market is focused on SUV's. Because, Murica.

they arent going to build a hatch back for you and maybe a dozen other people who are stuck in the 80's.

While it may be true that the U.S. market is focused on SUVs and other big vehicles, people have been using that logic to justify manufacturers' avoidance of electric vehicles for a long time. Tesla's success has shown everyone not only that the EV market exists, but it can grow. If they can produce a hatchback that's a bit cheaper than even the M3 and make the product available to even more potential buyers, why not give it a shot in the U.S. market?

 

[SOULPEDL]

Hatchbacks did really good in the US when gas was expensive and being rationed. Not so much today. Americans love their big SUVs.

We are in transition. Do you mean in 2019 or 2020?

And so far, most people that I've spoken to who own the Y bought it mainly because they didn't fit in a Model 3 - sadly in some cases.

 

[HAWX 12]

I love little zippy hatchbacks, like the Mazda 3. But I would feel a little uneasy with Tesla's speed and power on a small wheel base car. It would need really good suspension to feel solid at Tesla speeds we drive. (Not the high end Tesla speed, the quick-zippy speed we utilize to make other drivers think we're assholes).

 

[IchDochNicht]

How about this?

2019 Tesla Model 3 Hatchback

 

[Ron Burgundy]

why not? because the US market is focused on SUV's. Because, Murica.

they arent going to build a hatch back for you and maybe a dozen other people who are stuck in the 80's.

I thought the Model S is a hatchback?

 

[Drakadoc]

why not? because the US market is focused on SUV's. Because, Murica.

they arent going to build a hatch back for you and maybe a dozen other people who are stuck in the 80's.

 

[Drakadoc]

The first time I drove the Model 3 I loved it, but because it didn't have a hatchback I didn't order it. Now I'm waiting for my Model Y to arrive, but I would rather have the M3 with the hatchback.

 

[TD99]

Model 3 as hatchback would be prefect!

 

[nuts]

We are in transition. Do you mean in 2019 or 2020?

And so far, most people that I've spoken to who own the Y bought it mainly because they didn't fit in a Model 3 - sadly in some cases.

one of the larger issues i think with the model 3 is a height issue. the car is so low to the ground for taller people (like... 6ft+) its a bit a challenge to get in an out efficiently.

 

[Tessaract]

why not? because the US market is focused on SUV's. Because, Murica.

they arent going to build a hatch back for you and maybe a dozen other people who are stuck in the 80's.

 

[Bodemman]

It would-be nice to build a Tesla model Space 2, based on the peugeot 2008. Not too long and a little higher than the model 3. Price between €28.000-38.000.

 

[Tessaract]

why not? because the US market is focused on SUV's. Because, Murica.

they arent going to build a hatch back for you and maybe a dozen other people who are stuck in the 80's.

A model 3 with a hatch would be a fine vehicle variant. For those who aren't morbidly obese and get stuck in the doorway of anything smaller than a two ton truck bed. Murica.