A second automobile from a brand new model to the UK. We get behind the wheel of the Leapmotor C10 household SUV…
Sure, the Leapmotor C10 is yet one more SUV from yet one more Chinese language producer.
The distinction is that 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 number of.
So, relatively than having to arrange from scratch, Leapmotor is leveraging Stellantis’ expertise, which incorporates entry to dealerships and an after-sales community.
I’ve already reviewed the dinky Leapmotor T03 metropolis automobile. Now it’s the flip of the C10 mid-sized SUV.
One factor is for positive – it has its work reduce out. It’s a vastly aggressive sector and its many rivals embrace the big-selling Tesla Mannequin Y, the Xpeng G6, BYD Atto 3, Omoda E5, Skoda Enyaq, Nissan Ariya, MG ZS EV, Vauxhall Grandland and Hyundai Kona Electrical.
About the identical measurement because the Tesla, the Leapmotor C10 follows the high-riding SUV template that’s made this kind of car so well-liked the world over.
I don’t imply that in a derogatory manner. It’s a handsome automobile with a no-nonsense design that’s well-proportioned with the deal with practicality.
And the Tesla-style flush-mounted door handles that pop-out routinely as your method, or retract when the automobile is locked or transferring, are a cultured characteristic.
Oh, and there’s a rear wiper hidden below the spoiler on the high of the tailgate – an important that’s not a given on all EVs.
It not in contrast to Elon Musk’s automobile’s inside too, with an opulent, minimalist appear and feel, and loads of tech – particularly for the worth level. Construct high quality will get the thumbs up too.
Beginning at a really aggressive £36,500, the C10 is launching within the UK with only one model that includes a excessive stage of specification as customary.
Out there in 5 colors – Cover Gray, Pearly White, Tundra Gray, Metallic Black and Glazed Inexperienced (my favorite) – it comes customary with 20-inch alloy wheels, electrically adjustable heated and ventilated entrance seats, panoramic sunroof, privateness glass, computerized LED headlights and taillights, plus electrically operated heated and folding exterior mirrors.
There’s additionally a big central 14.6-inch touchscreen, 10.25-inch driver’s show, plus a full suite of security and driver help options together with adaptive cruise management (ACC) and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). Actually, the C10 was awarded a most 5 stars by unbiased security testing physique Euro NCAP.
On the coronary heart of the automobile is a 69.9kWh battery and a single electrical motor on the again axle producing 215bhp and 236lb ft for 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.
So, it’s rear-wheel drive and its claimed vary is a good 263 miles. Its DC fast charging charge is capped at 84kW, which is lower than the common 150kW you’d count on on this class, however its 30 to 80% capability cost time of half-hour is affordable, all the identical.
Inside passenger area is superb, back and front, however the 435-litre boot (1,410 litres with the rear seats folded down) is helpful, however not class-leading.
That mentioned, visibility is superb, and if you happen to want additional reassurance when manoeuvring, rear parking sensors and a 360-degree panoramic digicam, make parking simpler and safer in tight areas.
Oh, and a cool characteristic of the C10 is you could fold the entrance seats again to create an almost-flat area for lounging, or sleeping, ought to the necessity come up!
To get transferring, there’s no begin button. Simply flick the column-mounted gear selector up or right down to drive both forwards or backwards.
On the highway, the Leapmotor C10 is brisk with out being savagely quick, like some EVs. The accent is extra on consolation and refinement, and judged on these phrases, it fulfils the temporary.
The suspension set-up is on the agency aspect and it tends to thud over poorer surfaces at low velocity. Decide up the tempo on higher A-roads and motorways, and it smoothes out imperfections higher.
On the town, its mild steering and tight turning circle are simply the job. The C10 drives nicely sufficient on more difficult roads, however there’s a little bit of physique lean in quicker corners and the brakes are grabby.
Grip is nice, helped on my take a look at automobile by the Dunlop e-Sportmaxx tyres fitted, little question.
There are three driving modes – Eco, Consolation and Sport – which change throttle response, steering really feel and regenerative braking sensitivity. As ever, Sport is okay for enjoyable, brief bursts, and Eco additional dulls the engagement issue, so finest to remain in Consolation for the most effective mix of efficiency and effectivity.
The Leapmotor C10 provides selectable ranges of brake regen, together with a ‘one-pedal’ mode and a ‘freewheeling’ operate with no regenerative braking. Sadly, there aren’t any steering wheel paddles to regulate the extent of regenerative braking.
Identical to the Tesla Mannequin Y and another rivals, too most of the automobile’s necessities are managed through the infotainment display screen and there aren’t any bodily buttons for brief cuts and local weather, for example.
On the plus aspect, there’s a respectable driver’s show for vital info resembling velocity, remaining cost and site visitors signal recognition.
There are a number of glitches too. The sat nav dropped out at one stage and the infotainment display screen’s ‘evening mode’ was triggered too simply once I drove by means of a shady woodland space.
And sadly, like most new vehicles, the infinite bongs and chimes from the motive force help programs are very intrusive.
Nonetheless, the deal-breaker for some would be the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity at launch.
I’d must drive the Leapmotor C10 for every week or so to provide a correct estimate of real-world vary. Based mostly on my take a look at drive on blended roads in Kent, the place I achieved a creditable common effectivity of three.8 miles per kWh, I’d say it’s able to round 210 miles on a full cost, although colder climate and an aggressive driving fashion will knock it down.
Lastly, the C10 is roofed by Leapmotor’s four-year/60,000-mile guarantee, plus an eight-year/100,000-mile guarantee for the battery. Leapmotor additionally reckons the C10’s battery has an anticipated lifespan of greater than 372,000 miles. Fairly the declare.
Together with the pint-sized T03, the C10 is one other competent debut automobile providing critical bang in your buck from a brand new model to the UK. Now Leapmotor must work on making a wow issue for its fashions.
Verdict: The Leapmotor C10 is a welcome addition to the fiercely aggressive electrical household SUV scene. Nice worth for cash, protected, and nice to drive, there’s a great deal of area for passengers, and it has the back-up of the established Stellantis dealership community.
Leapmotor UK
