LEAPMOTOR C10 REEV: A QUIET DISRUPTOR WITH A MIND OF ITS OWN

I recently had the pleasure of spending time behind the wheel of the Leapmotor C10 REEV, a premium range extender electric family SUV that quietly arrived on South African roads in late 2025. Quietly in launch terms perhaps, but not quietly in presence. This is a vehicle that announces itself not with noise or aggression, but with confidence, comfort and curiosity. T he first thing that strikes you when you drive the C10 is just how refined it feels. The electric motor creates a calm driving experience that immediately sets the tone. In traffic, on the open road, or pulling into a parking bay, the absence of traditional engine noise makes you realise how far electric mobility has come. Pair that with a plush ride and well sorted suspension, and you have a car that feels genuinely relaxing to drive. In Durban’s heat, however, comfort is not just about silence and ride quality.

It is about temperature. This is where the C10 scored some serious bonus points for me. The ventilated front seats, with their cooling fan function, were a gift during humid summer days. It is one of those features you do not think you need until you have it, and once you do, it becomes non-negotiable. What also became clear very quickly is that the Leapmotor C10 is a conversation starter. Wherever I went, the car attracted attention. From the golf club in Umkomaas to the gym, and even at Durban Country Club, it was not long before people were asking questions. What is it? Is it electric? Who makes it?

The design has a clean, modern appeal that stands out without trying too hard, and the novelty of a new brand on the local market only adds to the intrigue. Inside, the cabin continues this minimalist theme. The dashboard is dominated by a large 14.6 inch touchscreen, and physical buttons are almost entirely absent. The displays are visually impressive, giving the interior an uncluttered feel.

That said, I quickly learnt that this is a car that likes to think for itself. With so many functions controlled digitally, the C10 sometimes feels like it has a mind of its own, adjusting systems and prompts in ways that remind you this is a very smart vehicle, perhaps even smarter than you expect at first. Under the skin, the Leapmotor C10 REEV makes a strong case for range extender technology in South Africa. Powered by a 158 kW rear wheel drive electric motor producing 320 Nm of torque, it delivers smooth and confident performance, with a 0 to 100 km per hour sprint in a respectable 8.5 seconds.

The 1.5 litre petrol engine does not drive the wheels at all, instead acting as a generator to charge the battery. This setup offers around 145 km of pure electric driving from its 28.4 kWh battery, while the total combined range stretches to an impressive 970 km. For local conditions, where charging infrastructure is improving but still uneven, this is a compelling solution. Charging is also well catered for, with support for 65 kW DC fast charging, allowing a 30 to 80 percent top up in around thirty minutes. Practicality has clearly been a priority too, with no fewer than 26 storage spaces dotted throughout the cabin.

Pricing places the C10 firmly in the competitive heart of the family SUV segment. The Style model starts at R759,900, while the Design model comes in at R799,900. The Design trim adds desirable extras such as 20 inch wheels, heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof and a power operated tailgate. Importantly, the vehicle is sold and serviced through the established Stellantis dealer network, which should give buyers added peace of mind. Stellantis, the parent company of brands such as Jeep and Peugeot, partnered with Leapmotor to bring this vehicle to market, and that global backing shows.

The Leapmotor C10 REEV has already been recognised as a semi f inalist in the 2026 South African Car of the Year competition, and after driving it, the nomination makes sense. It is comfortable, intelligent, distinctive and extremely well thought out for local driving realities. This is not just another new SUV. It feels like a glimpse into where family motoring is heading.

www.leapmotor.net/za

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Our cover profile on Rachael Gillespie, director and major shareholder at Rotacon Engineering