Recently captured spy images from China suggest that Tesla is working on a compact car that will be positioned below the Model 3.
The prototype spotted in China seems to share some of its bodywork with the Mazda CX-30 crossover, with the only noticeable differences being the Tesla head- and taillights as well as wheels and brakes. The pictures were first published by Autospy and could indicate the entry-level vehicle that Tesla has been considering for some time.
Although Elon Musk previously stated that Tesla is not focused on creating an affordable electric vehicle, he later revealed plans for a smaller next-generation car that would be half the cost of a Model 3. He clarified that it would be a smaller vehicle.
The prototype’s zebra skin camouflage further supports the idea that it is still in the testing phase.
One possible reason for the Mazda CX-30 bodywork on the compact Tesla prototype could be because they are similar in size, allowing Tesla to visualize the look of their vehicle. It’s also possible that the CX-30 platform was used to test the car’s hardware, which could have saved on costs for a custom development model.
It would be unexpected if Tesla actually used the Mazda CX-30 body, but it’s not impossible. It’s plausible that Tesla utilized the CX-30’s size to approximate the compact Tesla’s appearance and that the CX-30 platform already had the necessary equipment for a test car, which may have saved on costs. Additionally, Mazda modified the CX-30’s exterior significantly to fit the batteries for the Chinese electric version, which is not the case in these spy shots.
Alternatively, it is possible that a Mazda CX-30 owner has commissioned a conversion of their vehicle to resemble a Tesla, although this seems less likely. It is more probable that the prototype is a test mule for Tesla’s upcoming entry-level vehicle, which Elon Musk has claimed will have a higher production volume than all other Tesla models together.
