New automobile, new model to the UK. We get behind the wheel of the dinky Leapmotor T03 hatchback…
In contrast to many of the different new automobile manufacturers from China, Leapmotor is a three way partnership with Stellantis – the group which already consists of Peugeot, Vauxhall, Fiat, Citroen, Jeep – to call however a couple of.
So, slightly than having to arrange from scratch, Leapmotor is leveraging Stellantis’ expertise, which incorporates entry to dealerships and an after-sales community.
Leapmotor is launching within the UK with two all-electric vehicles – the pint-sized T03 hatchback and mid-sized SUV, the C10.
I’ve pushed each, however this week I’m concentrating on the awkwardly-named T03 (a cute moniker might need been an thought, however there you go).
Priced from simply £15,995, it’s the UK’s second-cheapest EV, at simply £1,000 greater than the Dacia Spring.
I’m not 100% positive in regards to the T03’s kerb attraction. Whereas it’s not ugly, it’s definitely no Fiat 500, and there’s a touch of Daewoo Matiz about it.
One factor is for positive – it’s a powerful all-round bundle. Thanks partly to its top (it’s taller than the Fiat 500e and Dacia Spring), it’s surprisingly spacious, with loads of headroom all through, and simply sufficient legroom for grownup passengers within the again.
Boot area is a comfortable 210 litres, rising to 880 litres with the rear seats folded, so sufficient for a small purchasing journey or carry-on baggage.
Leapmotor has saved issues easy with the T03. It’s solely accessible in a single (well-equipped) specification – all you do is select the color (Gentle White, Starry Silver and Glacier Blue).
For such an reasonably priced hatchback, the checklist of goodies consists of 15-inch alloys, a ten.1-inch central infotainment touchscreen, 8.0-inch digital driver’s show, panoramic sunroof, reversing digicam, local weather management, digital parking brake and keyless begin.
Security and driver help tech, corresponding to blind spot detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise management and autonomous emergency braking (AEB), is all normal too.
The guts of the little T03 is a 37.3kWh battery which affords a claimed 165 miles of vary (extra in metropolis driving).
The electrical motor on the entrance axle pushes out 94bhp and 117lb-ft of torque, which is sufficient for a 0–62mph time of 12.7 seconds and a prime pace of 81mph.
The one apparent indicators of cost-cutting are the shortage of rear wiper, plasticky inside and lack of steering wheel attain adjustment. That stated, it appears nicely put collectively, the infotainment tech accessible is spectacular for a automobile on this sector and the doorways shut with a satisfying clunk.
Sadly, my sat nav froze throughout my check drive and among the infotainment display screen textual content appeared on the small facet to me, so it’s not excellent and there would appear to be a couple of early glitches.
It also needs to be famous that there’s at present no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility. That may very well be sorted with an Over-the-Air (OTA) improve, however it might be a purple line for some clients. Within the meantime, there’s Bluetooth connectivity.
When you get used to the pretty excessive seating place, the very first thing you discover on the transfer is an irritating whine from the electrical motor. Fortunately, it disappears over 20mph, nevertheless it’s not fairly the whisper-quiet expertise of many EVs and street/wind noise is noticeable the quicker you go.
On the street, the Leapmotor T03 bowls alongside surprisingly nicely. It’s not the quickest EV on the market, however completely nice for nipping round and there’s sufficient energy to maintain up with most visitors, even at motorway speeds.
A mixture of its gentle weight (1,175kg), small footprint, wheel-at-each-corner design and tight turning circle lead to a pleasing driving expertise, even when it’s nicely wanting placing a smile in your face.
The suspension is a tad stiff, nevertheless it soaks up many of the potholes. For probably the most half it feels settled and all-round visibility is sweet.
It’s properly been fitted with a set of stylish Continental tyres, so there’s first rate grip, whereas the steering is gentle. Delve contained in the touchscreen and also you’ll discover three steering settings – Consolation, Normal and Sport. They’re value a attempt, with Sport simply edging it for me.
There are additionally three drive modes (once more hidden contained in the infotainment system) – Eco, Consolation and Sport. As ever, persist with Consolation, which affords one of the best steadiness of financial system and ‘efficiency’.
Sadly, there aren’t any flappy paddles to regulate the brake regeneration behind the steering wheel, so it simply varies in line with the drive mode chosen (Eco for max), and also you received’t discover a one-pedal possibility. On the plus facet, the brakes usually are pretty progressive.
Regen will claw again a little bit of vitality misplaced throughout braking and coasting, however naturally you’ll need to plug in for a full cost.
Most homeowners will cost in a single day at residence, however if you happen to’re on the transfer, a 30 to 80% top-up utilizing a fast charger ought to take simply over half an hour.
I’d have to spend every week with the T03 to provide you with a extra correct real-world financial system estimate, however I achieved round 3.5 miles/kWh throughout my check drive on blended roads, so I reckon a 120-mile vary is feasible on a run – and nearer to 200 miles in gradual metropolis driving.
Inevitably, the Leapmotor T03 will likely be in contrast with the Dacia Spring. Simply from first impressions, I’d say the T03 has more room for passengers, higher high quality supplies are used and it appears extra strong. It additionally has an extended vary and it comes with a four-year guarantee.
All in all, Leapmotor and Stellantis must be counseled for serving to to convey reasonably priced electrical motoring to the lots.
Verdict: The Leapmotor T03 isn’t fairly the most affordable, however it’s the greatest worth EV on the UK market. Surprisingly spacious, comfy, well-equipped and with a good vary, it’s a great zero emissions city runabout.
Leapmotor UK 
