Tesla's Full Self-Driving Expands to South Korea, Marking Its 7th International Market

Tesla has officially launched its Full Self-Driving (FSD) Beta software in South Korea, its seventh international market. This expansion signifies a significant step in the global rollout of Tesla's advanced driver-assistance system, bringing its capabilities to a new set of drivers and road conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Tesla's FSD Beta v14.2 has been released, showing notable improvements over previous versions.

• The new version addresses major complaints regarding brake stabbing and hesitation at intersections.

• Speed profiles are now more refined, offering distinct driving styles.

• Overall driving smoothness and decision-making have been enhanced.

• A slight regression in parking performance has been noted, though future improvements are expected.

FSD Beta v14.2: A Step Forward

The latest iteration, FSD v14.2, has been rolled out to Early Access Program members, bringing substantial upgrades. Teslarati reports that while v14.1.7 had some regressions, v14.2 demonstrates significant progress. The most celebrated improvement is the near-elimination of "brake stabbing" and hesitation, particularly at intersections. This issue had previously made navigating four-way stops a nerve-wracking experience, with the car often lacking assertiveness. V14.2, however, is described as more assertive when needed but also more patient, understanding when it's not its turn to proceed.

Refined Speed Profiles and Smoother Operation

Users who previously felt the loss of a "Max Speed" setting will likely find v14.2 more accommodating. The speed profiles have been refined, offering more distinct driving styles. Freeway driving, in particular, benefits from this, allowing drivers to select profiles that better match their desired speed and driving behavior. The difference between profiles like "Standard" and "Hurry" is now much more apparent, suggesting Tesla's goal of making the active profile discernible even without looking at the screen.

Overall operation feels smoother, with improved decision-making and more natural lane changes. The ride is described as comfortable, marking a significant enhancement in the system's performance.

Parking Performance: An Area for Improvement

Despite the advancements, v14.2 exhibits a slight regression in parking quality. In testing, the system required manual adjustment when parking in spots, a departure from previous versions. While parking at Superchargers remains flawless, general parking performance needs attention. The release notes acknowledge this, promising improvements in parking spot selection and quality in future updates.

This parking issue was the sole significant complaint noted during testing, with the overall driving experience being overwhelmingly positive.