A new range-extender plug-in hybrid contender vying for your hard-earned Aussie dollar reaches our shores this month, from the Stellantis-owned, Chinese brand Leapmotor. It’s called the C10 REEV.
A battery electric version of the Leapmotor C10 – a very staid and conventional-looking rival to the equally unadventurous Geely EX5 – is already on the market. It lists for $45,990 with a range of 477km and a single 160kW/320Nm rear e-motor.
This platform is now augmented by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine, boosting range to a staggering 1150km (NEDC). Astonishingly, the car features a 28.4kWh battery – for reference, a BYD SeaLion 06 makes do with 18.3kWh. The electric range is listed at 170km and the rear electric motor produces 158kW.
Official consumption is 0.9L/100km with 21g CO2/km – based on the flawed (for PHEVs and range-extended EVs) ADR81/02 testing protocol. It can facilitate up to 65kW of DC fast charging as well. Technically, this could prove to be a disruptive vehicle due to its longer range than other PHEV rivals.
Standard features include a 14.6-inch touch-screen running a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8195 chip, with surround-view cameras, 12-speaker sound system, a wireless phone charger, and dual-zone climate control. There’s also a 10.25-inch gauge cluster.
Stepping up to the Design adds 20-inch alloy wheels (from 18s), heated and cooled front seats, and air quality monitor, a powered tailgate, and selectable interior lighting colours.
The Leapmotor C10 REEV comprises of two models; the $45,990 Style and the $49,990 Design. This is introductory pricing, which applies to all vehicles sold before June 30. The ownership program includes an eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, eight years capped-price servicing and roadside assistance and a six-year/150,000km warranty.
