Tesla started sales of the Model 3 in Korea last Tuesday, more than three years after it started taking pre-orders.

Although the range and function of the electric vehicle slightly improved compared to specs revealed at the time of pre-orders, the price tag has also soared.

Consumer responses were mixed. Some said the price actually halved, given that the Model 3 boasts similar specs to the Model X and Model S. Others said there is no thrill as it no longer represents the cutting edge.

Tesla made automotive history in April 2016 when entrepreneur Elon Musk started taking orders for an EV costing US$35,000 that could travel up to 346 km on a single charge. Consumers raved about the new car that could be bought for around W20 million once they subtracted the W12-15 million state subsidies for green cars (US$1=W1,212).

More than 270,000 customers around the world signed up for pre-orders in just three days and the number rose to 550,000 in a year.

Although Tesla did not reveal the exact number, one high-ranking executive said Korea ranks among the top five countries in terms of pre-orders. Tens of thousands of Koreans are estimated to have paid the $1,000 deposit. It can be returned if pre-orders are canceled.

But the Model 3's release faced several delays until it was finally launched in the U.S. in July 2017. Factories could not roll out the cars fast enough, which prompted some critics to question Tesla's capacity to produce them on a large scale at all.