WeeklySA_AdminLEAPMOTOR C10 REEV: The premium mid-size SUV powered solely by an electric motor provides all the benefits of extended electric commuting but not without some cross lines…
By Ali Mphaki
It has a card instead of a key.
To lock and unlock you’re required to tap said card against driver wing mirror.
There is no stop/start button and to switch the car on, the card must be placed on a sensor in the centre console.
This is the Leapmotor C10 REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) which made its debut on SA soil a tad year ago ostensibly to bridge the gap between full electric cars and more traditional hybrids.
Local buyers have two derivatives to choose from, the ‘Style’ version priced at R759,900, and the ‘Design’ at R799,900 which we had the opportunity to sample recently.
In case you’ve been having your head buried in the stand, founded in 2015 Leapmotor is a Stellantis-led joint venture with a 51/49 partnership between Stellantis N.V. and Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., headquartered in Amsterdam.
The outfit imagines itself as a forward-thinking Chinese Electric Vehicle manufacturer focussed on redefining the EV landscape by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovation, as well as delivering tech-centric affordable mobility solutions to global customers.
The global joint venture between Leapmotor International and Stellantis, owners of Citroen, Opel, etc is rapidly expanding to overseas markets, including Europe, the UK, Australian, New Zealand – and, now, South Africa.
Design wise the C10 design opts for a more minimalist approach with a closed-off grille, a slim full-width LED light bar that gives it that modern EV “smile” without being flashy.
With its clean lines and a balanced silhouette some say it conjures up images of a Porsche Cayenne which further lends it some premium appeal, ensuring modern, upscale presence on the road.
Bigger than a RAV 4 it is 4,739mm long and stands on 20-inch alloys (18-inch alloy wheels for the entry-level trim).
Tap and ingress to a welcoming, minimalistic, clean and spacious interior space with high end materials.
A folded dashboard with ambient interior lighting, soft, leather-like seats heated and ventilated in front, a massive 14.6-inch central touchscreen, a smaller driver’s screen, no physical buttons, and a panoramic glass roof gives the vehicle an upmarket and airy feel what with front and rear legroom galore – and a boot space at 1 410 litres with rear seats folded.
On the road the C10 is brisk, smooth, quiet, and feels planted, even though it can be a bit uncomfortable over humps and floaty when pushed into corners. The rear wheel drive architecture ensures natural balance while allowing 0-100km/h acceleration of 8,5 seconds.
With Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom driving modes adapting throttle, regenerative braking, and steering feel, there’s a mode to suit every mood.
Where the Leapmotor C10 shines is that it always operates in electric mode, doesn’t require charging infrastructure because it uses it’s 1.5-litre petrol engine as a generator to maintain range whatever the driving circumstances.
It allows owners to commute 145km between charges, but offers a combined driving range of 970km with generator assistance.
While there may be fault lines like the frustrating smart card, erratic lane-keep assist. inconsistent brake pedal and heavy reliance on touchscreens (everything including mirrors are controlled here), this is the ideal EV solution for long-distance South African conditions where the daily commute is interspersed with spread out destinations, removing range anxiety.
Peace of mind is ensured by five years/100 000km of warranty.
