The South African automotive landscape in 2026 is no longer just about petrol vs diesel; it's also about New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), which serve as the bridge South Africans have been waiting for during the transition from pure combustion to electric power. Leapmotor’s C10 REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) aims to occupy the Goldilocks zone of the SUV market—offering the silent, torque-rich experience of an EV without the tether of a charging station on long hauls. Backed by the global Stellantis group, this newcomer is looking to disrupt the established order. I recently spent a week in the C10.
Related: Leapmotor C10 REEV (2025) First drive review
Styling
While many Chinese rivals lean into "inspired by" aesthetics, the C10 Design opts for a more minimalist approach. It features clean lines and a balanced silhouette that wouldn't look out of place in a European parking lot. The "Design" trim level adds a touch of flair with gloss-black roof rails and striking 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/45 R20 tyres. It isn't as polarising as the Haval H6 GT, for example.
Space and interior
Inside, the C10 Design punches above its R799 900 price tag in terms of quality. The cabin is dominated by a massive 14.6-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Sadly, the C10 is a letdown in many ways: the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the poor driver assistance systems(which have to be switched off each time you drive the car), and an ineffective climate control system are key considerations. The over-reliance on the central screen for nearly all vehicle functions is also very frustrating, making something as simple as a side mirror adjustment an exercise in navigating menus.
The C10 also does not have a key; instead, it uses a card that unlocks the car via an NFC sensor on the right-hand side mirror. This is the only way to unlock your car unless you have the Leapmotor app, which I think would be an absolute necessity if you're interested in a C10. To switch the car on, the card must be placed on a sensor in the centre console.
To give you an example of how this card can frustrate you, I approached the car's boot with hands full of shopping, in a busy grocery store parking lot, and since it was locked, I had no way to open the boot, so I had to shuffle between the C10 and the car next to me, somehow tap the key card on the mirror, walk back to the boot and try click the boot button to load my groceries, a simple task turned into something unnecessarily complicated in the name of making things as minimalist as possible.
The Drive
The REEV system is impressive. Unlike a traditional hybrid, the C10 is always driven by its 158kW/320Nm electric motor. The 1.5-litre petrol engine acts purely as an on-board generator. I commuted to work on all-electric power (reaching up to 145km in EV mode), and then on a longer weekend trek, the petrol generator kicked in to keep the battery topped up.
This means that most of your daily commute can be powered by electricity alone, leaving your 50-litre petrol tank full for longer journeys. Throughout the week, it was quite easy to keep fuel consumption around 6.7 L/100km when the battery wasn't charged, which is respectable for a vehicle of this size. The ride quality is equally impressive—supple enough for Jo'burg potholes but composed enough for the open road. With a combined range of nearly 1 000 km.
Performance Specifications
| Feature | Leapmotor C10 REEV Design |
| Engine | Electric Motor + 1.5-litre Range Extender |
| Power/Torque | 158kW / 320Nm |
| Transmission | Automatic (Electric Drive) |
| 0-100 km/h | 8.5 Seconds |
| EV Range | 145 km (claimed) |
| Combined Range | 970 km |
The Figures
Price: R799 900 (at time of review)
Fuel Consumption: 5.5 L/100 km (Combined)
Warranty: 5-year/100 000 km (vehicle), 8-year/150 000 km (battery)
Service Plan: 5-year/100 000 km
Key Rivals
BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD (R797 900): The primary PHEV rival. Offers solid performance (0-100km/h in 5.9s) and All-Wheel Drive, but has a shorter electric-only range.
Haval H6 GT 1.5T PHEV Ultra Luxury (R799 900): Boasts more power (212kW engine + electric) and aggressive styling, but the C10 offers a more refined, EV-centric driving experience.
Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi GT Line Plus (R790 995): The traditionalist's choice. A frugal diesel engine and a massive 571-litre boot.
Verdict
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is a flawed but nice-to-drive product in an increasingly crowded segment. With less emphasis on minimalism and more on true functionality, there would be a very competent product for those looking at getting into an electric car without many of the associated pitfalls, but until the brand addresses these issues, I cannot recommend it.
