Leapmotor Enters New Zealand With C10 Electric SUV 

Auto Distributors New Zealand Limited will handle the Leapmotor brand in New Zealand, with its first product, the C10 large-medium five-seater electric SUV, dotting down soon. It goes on sale early next year with an MRP of $54,990 plus ORCs. That’s in RAV4 and CR-V territory, and will compete with BYD Atto 3 and Sealion 6. 

Leapmotor is handled globally by a joint venture company that is 51 per cent owned by Stellantis. Here, Stellantis product handled by Auto Distributors includes Peugeot, Citroen and Opel.

Michael Filazzola, Managing Director for Stellantis Australia and New Zealand says, “It is exciting to announce the appointment of Rick Armstrong and Auto Distributors to represent Leapmotor in New Zealand. We look forward to the strong launch of Leapmotor’s first global product, the C10 fully electric SUV”. 

Rick Armstrong commented, “The product being produced by Leapmotor is some of the best from across all brands. We are excited to be part of this Global strategy”.

“To reduce the country’s carbon footprint…it is critical we continue to embrace this technology and be part of this positive EV-focused development in our market”.

What is the C10?

The Leapmotor C10 combines technology, aesthetics, and a refined driving experience, according to Auto Distributors. It also offers plenty of space, and all the expected safety features. Main dimensions are: length of 4739mm, width of 1900mm, height of 1680mm, and a wheelbase of 2825mm. 

The C10 is Leapmotor’s first global product based on the LEAP 3.0 platform. Launching with one “Design” variant, the C10 comes as standard with 20-inch wheels, a 14.6-inch high-definition central display, surround view camera and over-the-air update capability.

Other features include heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and a panoramic glass roof.

A special feature is a Maserati-tuned suspension package that encompasses MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link rear. Ventilated discs are located at all four corners.

Single motor rear-wheel drive

The Leapmotor C10 uses a 160kW/320Nm electric motor that drives the rear wheels. It is hooked up to a 70kWh LFP battery pack, and has a claimed WLTP driving range of 420km. The firm says the C10 can accelerate from stopped to 100km/h in 7.5sec.

With a maximum DC charge rate of up to 84kW (400v architecture), a 20-80 refill takes around 40 minutes, while equivalent AC charging will take roughly six hours with an onboard charger capable of 6.6kW. The vehicle comes with both mode 2 and mode 3 charging cables and Vehicle-to-Load capability (V2L adaptor is sold separately). Mean energy is a quoted 19kWh/100km (WLTP).

The driver can choose between four drive modes (Eco, Comfort, Sport and Custom) and three levels of regenerative braking. One-pedal driving is possible and there are also three steering modes.

What’s Inside?

The C10 family-oriented electric SUV offers a spacious interior, and generous cargo space of 581L. This expands to 1410L when the second-row seats are folded flat. The interior offers 26 storage spaces. In the armrest box are concealed USB ports and a wireless charging pad. Seats are finished in silicone leather. 

For the driver, the C10 is said to be user friendly with an uncluttered aesthetic.

The infotainment system includes a customisable operating system for the 14.6-inch high-definition display. The driver gets a 10.25-inch digital instrument readout. It is further complemented by five-way scroll buttons on the steering wheel and voice recognition.

Ambient lighting works with the surround audio system when using Bluetooth audio and embedded apps. DAB+ and FM radio play through a twelve speaker audio set-up.

Other features include smartphone Bluetooth key support, real-time car location, and remote air-conditioning control. Embedded apps include Spotify, TikTok, and Zoom and these have their own 4G connection.

Users can also operate their Leapmotor keycard. This uses Near Field CommunicaLon (NFC) technology to unlock the vehicle via the reader, located on the driver-side exterior rearview mirror.

Safety creds?

Safety features include seven airbags, and 17 ADAS functions. Leapmotor is hoping for a five-star ANCAP crash test rating but neither this nor EuroNCAP testing has yet been undertaken. 

The C10 carries a four-year, 100,000km warranty while the battery is guaranteed for eight years, and 160,000km.

Expect more product from Leapmotor in the coming year, but the T03 is an unlikely starter, more’s the pity. Someone will do an inexpensive electric city car at some point and compete alone in that area.

Initially, the C10 will be on sale in Armstrong Leap dealerships in Auckland, Wellington (Lower Hutt) and Christchurch, with further metropolitan centres opening in 2025.

For more on the C10, go here.