Tesla Model 3 revealed

Tesla Motors has revealed its smallest, most affordable model ever, the Model 3. The mid-size hatchback, which will sell from $35,000 in the USA, was unveiled on the West Coast of the USA earlier this afternoon.

With 115,000 orders already taken, it looks set to quickly become be the world’s best selling electric car once deliveries commence in late 2017.

Tesla claims the base model variant of the Model 3 will boast an electric driving range of 350km and 0-100km/h in less than six seconds. There will be faster and longer range versions, company founder Elon Musk claims.

Also standard across the range, says Tesla, will be the US car-maker's AutoPilot self-driving technology, Supercharger fast-recharge capability, a glass roof that extends from bonnet to bootlid, five seats and a landscape touch-screen infotainment system to replace the oddball portrait unit in the Model S.

Few other details were provided in the global online reveal this afternoon.

No official regional sales figures will be revealed. motoring.com.au believes, however, that Australian buyers have already placed more than 1000 reservations for the new car.

Australia opened the sales campaign for the Model 3, thanks to our time zone. Yesterday people queued at the maker’s Sydney and Melbourne retail stores to put down a $1500 refundable deposit to secure a Model 3.

Pricing for the Model 3 is expected to start from around $65,000 here.

First local deliveries won't take place until 2018, with production due to start in 2017.

Tesla's new 'Gigafactory' will build the batteries for the Model 3, however, the car will be produced alongside Model S and X at the ex-GM/Toyota Fremont facility. Tesla says that plant has a capacity of 500,000 vehicles annually.

"Like every Tesla, Model 3 is engineered to combine range, performance, safety and utility," said Tesla today.

"Smart design maximizes interior space, to comfortably fit five adults and all of their gear.

"Tesla makes fast cars, Model 3 is no exception. The high efficiency electric motor provides zero to 60mph acceleration in less than six seconds. And when equipped with electric all-wheel drive, Model 3 provides safe and dependable traction in all conditions.

"Designed with safety as a priority, Model 3 should be the safest car in its class once testing completes.

“This, combined with over 200 miles of range while starting at $[US]35,000 before incentives, makes Model 3 an extraordinary mid-size sedan."