TRIED AND TESTED
Leapmotor C10
Stellantis expands its portfolio via a joint venture with the Chinese manufacturer offering value-for-money EVs. John Challen checks out the first offerings
TRIED AND TESTED
Leapmotor C10
Stellantis expands its portfolio via a joint venture with the Chinese manufacturer offering value-for-money EVs. John Challen checks out the first offerings
Less than two years ago, Leapmotor occupied a large stand at IAA Mobility in Munich with production-ready models. But, at that point, there were no plans to enter the UK market, we were told. Within a month, Stellantis had become a ‘strategic shareholder’ in the company and, by May 2024 a joint venture (Leapmotor International B.V.) had been formed to “explore the international market”. Just goes to show how quickly things can change…
In a development that is similar to Omoda&Jaecoo’s relationship with Chery, Leapmotor’s backing from one of the world’s biggest car manufacturers gives it confidence to not just survive but also thrive in European markets.
First up for the UK are two models that essentially bookend the company’s product range – the T03 and C10, sitting in the A-segment and D-segment respectively.
With both cars, there will be a single spec – the only thing that drivers can choose is the colour. However, there is plenty of depth when it comes to quality, performance and available technologies in either model. The C10, for example, is the first Leapmotor product designed for the global market and, as a result, meets the high design and safety standards that are required for such a vehicle.
Powering the C10 is a 69.9kWh battery, which offers a WLTP driving range figure of 263 miles, with 218hp and 320Nm of torque. The SUV has been designed using cell-to-chassis technology, improving the battery layout, torsional rigidity and, as a result, safety and handling. Leapmotor says that the electric drive unit that supports the overall performance of the car has been designed to last in excess of 370,000 miles, which is peace of mind for any driver wavering when it comes to battery performance over time.
Inside the C10, there is, as you might expect, plenty of space and the now-standard multiple screens – a 10.25-inch instrument panel complemented by a 14.6-inch central display. Both have been laminated to reduce glare and are completely touchscreen. There are, however, steering wheel buttons for all major controls, should you favour them over screens or voice control (which is also included). The central screen does take a bit of getting used to and there were a few issues with some of the audible warnings that had a mind of their own, but these are early cars. There is a bit of a visibility issue with the driver display partly being hidden behind the steering wheel.
“The C10 is the first Leapmotor product designed for the global market and, as a result, meets the high design and safety standards that are required for such a vehicle”
The C10 is a nice place to be – there’s a relatively minimalistic cabin layout, but plenty of room and a concerted effort has been made to ensure a certain level of quality. Decent and durable materials are used throughout and there’s soundproofing to match some luxury vehicles. There are also two smart systems for access – locking and unlocking the car via smartphone and an NFC digital key that unlocks the car when held near the rearview mirrors.
At the opposite end of the C10 is the T03, gunning for the title of ‘best value for money vehicle in the UK’. Fitted with a 37.3kWh battery with 95hp and 158Nm, the city car can travel for up to 165 miles (WLTP) on a single charge.
It offers DC charging (to 45kW), a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 8.0-inch instrument cluster and enough room for four. Like its larger sibling, the T03 has a panoramic sunroof and a wide range of ADAS – 10 in this instance. Directly mentioning the Dacia Spring, Leapmotor says it can’t compete on price (priced from £15,995, it’s a grand higher than its Romanian rival) but, given the higher spec, it believes the value proposition favours the Stellantis brand.
Like the C10, it’s a compelling option and is a ‘get what you pay for’ kind of offering. Our brief spell in the little car didn’t spring any surprises – good or bad – but you can’t argue with the thinking when it comes to value. The quality standard is more than acceptable and, while it is not going to come out on top when it comes to performance or desirability, there will doubtless be a lot of initial interest in the T03 from fleets.
Powering the C10 is a 69.9kWh battery, which offers a WLTP driving range figure of 263 miles, with 218hp and 320Nm of torque. The SUV has been designed using cell-to-chassis technology, improving the battery layout, torsional rigidity and, as a result, safety and handling. Leapmotor says that the electric drive unit that supports the overall performance of the car has been designed to last in excess of 370,000 miles, which is peace of mind for any driver wavering when it comes to battery performance over time.
Inside the C10, there is, as you might expect, plenty of space and the now-standard multiple screens – a 10.25-inch instrument panel complemented by a 14.6-inch central display. Both have been laminated to reduce glare and are completely touchscreen. There are, however, steering wheel buttons for all major controls, should you favour them over screens or voice control (which is also included). The central screen does take a bit of getting used to and there were a few issues with some of the audible warnings that had a mind of their own, but these are early cars. There is a bit of a visibility issue with the driver display partly being hidden behind the steering wheel.
“The C10 is the first Leapmotor product designed for the global market and, as a result, meets the high design and safety standards that are required for such a vehicle”
The C10 is a nice place to be – there’s a relatively minimalistic cabin layout, but plenty of room and a concerted effort has been made to ensure a certain level of quality. Decent and durable materials are used throughout and there’s soundproofing to match some luxury vehicles. There are also two smart systems for access – locking and unlocking the car via smartphone and an NFC digital key that unlocks the car when held near the rearview mirrors.
At the opposite end of the C10 is the T03, gunning for the title of ‘best value for money vehicle in the UK’. Fitted with a 37.3kWh battery with 95hp and 158Nm, the city car can travel for up to 165 miles (WLTP) on a single charge.
It offers DC charging (to 45kW), a 10.1-inch touchscreen, 8.0-inch instrument cluster and enough room for four. Like its larger sibling, the T03 has a panoramic sunroof and a wide range of ADAS – 10 in this instance. Directly mentioning the Dacia Spring, Leapmotor says it can’t compete on price (priced from £15,995, it’s a grand higher than its Romanian rival) but, given the higher spec, it believes the value proposition favours the Stellantis brand.
Like the C10, it’s a compelling option and is a ‘get what you pay for’ kind of offering. Our brief spell in the little car didn’t spring any surprises – good or bad – but you can’t argue with the thinking when it comes to value. The quality standard is more than acceptable and, while it is not going to come out on top when it comes to performance or desirability, there will doubtless be a lot of initial interest in the T03 from fleets.
Which model is right for you?
As mentioned, there is only one model, which is a high spec – but there is a choice of colours: two greys; white; green and black. The C10 sits on 20-inch alloys and standard equipment includes electric front seats, dual-zone air-con, automatic LED lights (front and rear) and electric mirrors. There’s also a panoramic sunroof, which incorporates an electric sunshade.
Another panoramic item is a 360° camera, which works with rear parking sensors to aid parking. A level 2 ADAS pack includes 12 sensors to provide 17 advanced safety features to keep driver and passengers safe. Other items of note in the spec are wireless phone charging, OTA updates, rear privacy glass and a heated steering wheel.
EXPERIENCE
Leapmotor C10
VERDICT
One of the key points from Leapmotor about the C10 was to offer a D-SUV for C-SUV money. Mission accomplished, because the price is incredibly competitive. Leapmotor knows it won’t have the cheapest models, but wants to win when it comes to value. Officially, the aim is to be “the best-value EV brand with the highest level of technology”. This mantra clearly shines through in the C10, which offers a lot of kit for the money, even if drivers don’t get a choice in the matter. Simplicity is going to be the key to the company’s success and, at those prices, we’re sure it will gain a lot of admirers.
