In today’s growing cashless society, the Leapmotor C10 REEV Design arrives as the first tap-and-go car in the market, the locking and unlocking process effected by tapping a credit card like entity on the driver’s exterior mirror.
However, drivers want to cut fuel costs and lower emissions, but plenty of people still worry about running out of charge in a pure electric car. The C10 tries to solve that problem and, after looking at how it performs in local tests, you can see where it hits the mark—and where it does not.
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Right away, the C10 keeps things simple. There is nothing flashy about the design, but it looks modern, with clean lines, a light bar stretching across both ends and a shape that sits somewhere between a wagon and a crossover. It is neat, understated, and not trying too hard to stand out. Build quality looks solid for a newcomer—panel gaps are tight, the paintwork is good, and while the interior materials feel tough, they do not reach the level of luxury you would find in pricier rivals.
Step inside and you get a stripped-back, tech-focused cabin. The huge central touchscreen controls pretty much everything—climate, settings, you name it. It takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you like real buttons for common tasks. Oddly, the power window buttons work in reverse to ‘normal’ with forward for down and backward for up.
The digital instrument cluster is sharp, easy to read and can be customised to your taste. What really stands out, though, is the space. The cabin feels open and roomy, especially in the back and the boot is practical—about 410 litres, and way more if you fold down the seats. The vibe leans more towards family practicality than luxury, but everything feels well thought out.
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Driving the C10 REEV Design, the dual-powertrain setup shapes the whole experience. If the battery’s charged, you are driving a pure EV: it is quiet, smooth, and the instant torque makes city driving or getting up to speed on the highway a breeze. The official electric range is 125 km (WLTP), which covers most daily trips if you plug in at home or work.
But the real trick here is the range-extender. When the battery runs low, a 1,5-litre petrol engine kicks in—not to drive the wheels, but to generate electricity for the battery and motor. That means you do not need to stress about range. Fill up the petrol tank and you are good for over 800 km.
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The transition between electric and generator modes is smooth and you will hear the engine when you push hard, but it stays in the background most of the time. The ride is geared for comfort, soaking up bumps well enough, but it can get a bit unsettled on rougher roads. Steering is light, handling feels safe and predictable, and the whole package is aimed squarely at families, not driving enthusiasts.
Power-wise, the C10 puts out 170 kW and 320 Nm, so 0-100 km/h takes about 8,5 seconds. That is plenty for overtaking and daily driving. Where it really shines is efficiency. In mixed real-world driving, there are meaningful fuel savings compared to regular petrol SUVs, thanks to the clever mix of electric and petrol power. Fast charging the 28,4 kWh battery from 30% to 80% takes around half an hour.
Bottom line, the Leapmotor C10 REEV makes a compelling case for itself as a practical, forward-thinking choice for South African families. It is not here to dazzle with crazy performance or plush interiors. Instead, it delivers on space, tech, and a smart powertrain that lets you enjoy electric driving without the usual range worries.
Pricing – R799 900 – will make or break its appeal against established hybrids and Evs (think BYD Sealion 6 and Haval H6 GT 1.5 PHEV), but if you want fewer fuel stops and lower emissions without diving headfirst into EV-only life, the C10 feels like a well-judged, sensible alternative.
It is all about practical progress, not flash.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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