TESLA MODEL Y Juniper (CAT A) Review

Editor : Mark K | Cars&TechSG

Fun Facts

When Tesla announced a Category A COE–eligible Model Y, it felt like a turning point: a full-size EV SUV suddenly within reach of the "sensible buyer" who wants the Tesla experience without CAT B premiums. After evaluating the CAT A variant in detail, the big question is: does the lower-power version still feel like a real Tesla?
Short answer: yes — and for most Singapore drivers, it might be the smarter choice.

Exterior Impression

From the outside, the CAT A Model Y carries the exact same visual identity as its more powerful CAT B sibling — and that's a very big win for buyers. The car still sports Tesla's signature grille-less front end, defined by broad, clean surfaces and a pair of sharp LED headlights that form a crisp, unmistakable light signature both day and night. The flush door handles keep the flanks smooth and aerodynamic, while also reinforcing that almost smartphone-like minimalism Tesla is known for.

Move to the rear and the full-width LED light bar ties the entire tail together with a futuristic glow, giving the Model Y a strong presence even before the brake lights kick in. The slightly sloping roofline blends into the tail without abrupt cuts, helping the Model Y look sleek without sacrificing practicality. Overall proportions are spot-on — it has the stance of a modern crossover without the bulky footprint that makes some SUVs a chore in tight HDB carparks or narrow condo ramps.

Most importantly, nothing about the CAT A variant looks "downgraded" or "entry-level." Tesla kept the exterior fully identical across both categories, so CAT A buyers enjoy the full aesthetic, full lighting package, and full street presence of the Model Y without compromise.

Step inside and Tesla's minimalist philosophy becomes immediately obvious. Clean lines, open space, and a complete lack of unnecessary clutter define the cabin. The centrepiece is still the sleek 15-inch touchscreen, which controls virtually everything — navigation, climate, mirrors, wipers, drive modes, and more. Despite the all-in-one approach, the interface remains intuitive, fluid, and responsive.

The steering wheel continues this modern simplicity. A clean circular design with two multifunction scroll wheels replaces the forests of physical buttons found in many other cars. These scrolls manage everything from adjusting mirrors to controlling volume, and they're surprisingly easy to master. Steering weight can be personalised via the screen, letting you choose between Comfort, Standard, or Sport to suit your driving preference.

Storage is another area where the Model Y shines. The centre console is deep and practical, offering multiple compartments with sliding covers, spacious cupholders, and a storage bay under the armrest. Door bins are large and usable, and the glove box — while opened via the touchscreen — is neatly shaped for documents and small items. Up top, the vanity mirrors come with built-in LED lighting, useful for quick checks without flooding the cabin.

The panoramic glass roof visually expands the space, making the interior feel bright and airy. Thanks to the flat EV floor, rear occupants enjoy generous legroom and toe space, and three adults can sit comfortably in the back.

The centrepiece of the interior is the large 15.4-inch touchscreen, which controls almost everything in the car. Navigation, music, climate control, drive modes, regen settings, mirrors, steering weight, lighting, camera feeds, charging information — it all lives here.

The interface is fast, intuitive and constantly improved through over-the-air updates. Once you get used to the layout, it becomes natural. It's less about "missing buttons" and more about having the whole car's brain in one place.

Step into the rear cabin of the Model Y and it immediately feels more generous than most crossovers in its price bracket. Legroom is properly adult-friendly, with enough space for passengers to stretch out even when the front seats are set for taller drivers. Headroom is equally impressive thanks to the panoramic glass roof; the ceiling arcs upward without any intrusive dome lights or support structures, creating an airy, open feel that avoids the "EV battery floor squeeze" effect some electric crossovers suffer from.

The seat bench itself is wide and supportive, with a comfortable recline angle that makes longer journeys surprisingly relaxing. The flat floor means the middle passenger doesn't have to awkwardly straddle a hump, so carrying three adults in the back is genuinely feasible — not just a spec sheet claim.

Functionality is where Tesla has quietly improved things. The new rear 8.0 inch touchscreen gives passengers direct control over climate settings, seat heaters, media playback, and even some entertainment options while the car is parked. It's responsive, intuitive, and a very practical addition for families with kids. Beneath it sits a pair of USB-C fast-charging ports for devices, and air vents that distribute airflow evenly across the back row.

Storage is thoughtfully integrated: wide door pockets, a surprisingly roomy under-seat area for small bags, and an armrest that folds down to reveal two deep cup holders which securely fit bottles and takeaway cups. The rear seatbacks also split 40:20:40, allowing you to carry long items such as golf bags or small furniture without sacrificing full passenger seating.

Overall, the back seat of the Model Y feels well considered, spacious, and modern — not simply an afterthought in service of the front cabin and boot. It's the kind of rear cabin that makes the Model Y work exceptionally well as a family EV in Singapore.

Practicality is where the Model Y really shines. You get 822 litres of usable boot space with the seats up, and around 2,130 litres when you fold them down — numbers that outperform many other EVs and crossovers. The wide hatch opening and low loading lip make it easy to load bulky items, and the additional frunk adds another compartment for cables or cleaner storage.

This cargo flexibility is a big reason why the Model Y works so well as a do-everything family EV.

On Road Performance: 

On the road, the ride still feels every bit as composed as the more powerful versions. The low-mounted battery gives it a planted feel through corners, and the steering strikes a nice balance: light and easy in carparks, more reassuring at speed.

The turning radius is friendly enough that U-turns and spiral ramps are painless, and visibility is generally good thanks to the high driving position and the camera system.

Ride quality leans on the firmer side — But that firmness also delivers good stability on expressways and a sense of confidence when changing lanes or taking bends.

Regenerative braking is smooth and well-tuned, making one-pedal driving natural very quickly. Autopark works well in open, clearly marked lots, but like most systems, it's less consistent in dim, cluttered basement carparks.

One thing we wished it was present, drive modes to allow more selection for battery saving scenarios or a bit of thrill at times in Sports mode, although is a CAT A, a tiny boost will do fine too at times!

The Bottom Line:

Putting everything together, the Tesla Model Y CAT A makes a very strong case for itself. It retains the design, technology, practicality and overall Tesla experience that buyers want, while slotting under the more affordable CAT A COE band. You sacrifice some acceleration, but for most Singapore drivers, that trade-off is minor compared to the savings and day-to-day usability gained.

With its massive boot, intuitive software, spacious cabin, efficient regenerative braking, and approachable driving dynamics, the Model Y CAT A emerges as one of the smartest EV choices for practical Singaporean buyers. It is the Tesla for people who want the future — without paying for power they don't need.

If you don't need rapid straight-line performance, well then this is practical, efficient, spacious, and tech-rich — a family EV that feels modern, tech savvy without being excessive.

Check out more images of the ride at our Instagram Page!

For more information, visit https://www.tesla.com/en_sg/modely/design#overview or contact us via email or Instagram DM!