The Leapmotor C10 has made its debut entry in the New Zealand market and this car comes with impressive features and affordability. Priced at just $55,000, this family-sized electric vehicle (EV) promises a range of 420 kilometers per charge, making it an attractive option in a crowded crossover segment. So, Let’s get started with the details.
Leapmotor C10: Performance
The Leapmotor C10 is a 160 kW electric motor driving the rear wheels, delivering a torque of 320 Nm. This setup allows the C10 to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds, which is impressive for a vehicle of its size. Despite weighing in at two tons, the C10 feels heavy on the road.
The 70 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery not only contributes to the vehicle’s weight but also enhances its safety profile. LFP batteries are known for their stability and resilience, making them a reliable choice for electric vehicles.
Design and Interior
When it comes to design, the C10’s exterior is sleek and inoffensive, reminiscent of the Volkswagen ID.5. It features flush door handles that pop open when pressed, adding a touch of modernity. However, some may find the design a bit bland, akin to a partner’s new outfit that gets a polite “nice” as a compliment.
Inside, the C10’s interior is functional yet simple, with a black color scheme that can feel dull compared to the vibrant options available in other markets. The panoramic glass roof, complete with a sunshade, brightens the cabin significantly. Mood lighting adds a customizable touch, allowing drivers to change the atmosphere to their liking.
Space and Comfort
One of the standout features of the C10 is its space in that car. With a wheelbase of 2.8 meters, it offers ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The seats are surprisingly large and comfortable, with ventilation and heating options available for the driver and front passenger.
The boot space is generous, especially when the rear seats are folded down, providing enough room for various storage needs. Although there’s no front storage compartment due to the vehicle’s design as a combustion engine in China, the flat floor adds to the spacious feel of the interior.
Technology and Features
The C10 is equipped with a 14.6-inch touchscreen display that controls most of the vehicle’s functions. While this may seem modern, it does come with a learning curve, especially for those accustomed to physical buttons. The 10.2-inch instrument cluster provides essential information, but its fixed position can obstruct the view for shorter drivers.
Voice recognition is included, although it may require some fine-tuning. The vehicle also features built-in maps and a mobile app that allows drivers to control various functions remotely, such as checking the battery status or starting the air conditioning.
Gadgets and Comfort Features
The C10 comes loaded with gadgets, including a 12-speaker sound system with a subwoofer, ensuring a high-quality audio experience. Additionally, it features a heat pump for efficient heating, which is particularly beneficial during colder months.
However, the C10’s most intriguing feature is its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing users to draw 230 volts of power from the car. This is particularly useful during power outages or for camping trips, enabling you to power devices from your vehicle.
Driving Experience
On the road, the C10 offers a quiet and comfortable ride. While the self-driving mode is functional, it may not be as refined as systems found in higher-end vehicles. The car’s handling is surprisingly good for an SUV, largely due to its low center of gravity, which comes from the battery placement.
However, the driving dynamics can feel a bit less fluid when compared to competitors like Tesla. The regenerative braking system has a slight delay, but overall, the C10 provides a pleasant driving experience.
Charging and Efficiency
The C10’s maximum rapid charging speed is rated at 86 kW, which is fairly average for electric vehicles today. It can take approximately 40 minutes to charge from 10% to 80%. While this is not the fastest charging time on the market, it is adequate for most users.
Real-world efficiency shows the C10 consuming just under 18 kWh per 100 km, translating to a city range of around 380 km and a highway range of about 300 km. While these numbers may not match the advertised 420 km, they are still competitive for a vehicle in this category.
Is Leapmotor C10 Value for Money?
When it comes to value, the Leapmotor C10 stands out. Priced significantly lower than the Tesla Model Y, it offers a comparable range and features. The vehicle’s warranty is also competitive, providing peace of mind for potential buyers.
Despite some minor drawbacks, such as the average charging speed and the lack of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (which are expected to be introduced in future updates), the C10 presents itself as a strong contender in the electric SUV market.
Conclusion
Overall, the Leapmotor C10 is an impressive entry into the electric vehicle market. It combines affordability with a range of features that cater to family needs, making it a compelling option for those considering a switch to electric. While it may not be perfect, it certainly ticks many boxes.
For those looking to reduce their carbon footprint without breaking the bank, the Leapmotor C10 is worth considering. With its spacious interior, solid performance, and innovative technology, it proves that electric vehicles can be practical and enjoyable to drive.
As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, the Leapmotor C10 is positioned to make a significant impact, especially among families seeking a reliable and cost-effective electric vehicle.
Hi. I’m Sahariar Ahmed. I’m passionate about Technology, Automobile, and Electric Vehicle (EV). I’ve done my graduation in Mechanical Engineering from Daffodil International University. I love content writing and exploring tech products.
