The South African automotive market is experiencing a significant transformation as Eastern brands continue to establish their presence. Among these newcomers, Leapmotor stands out with a unique advantage – the backing of the global Stellantis Group. The brand’s debut offering, the C10 REEV Style, presents an intriguing proposition for families seeking electric vehicle benefits without the typical range limitations that concern many South African drivers.
What Makes the Leapmotor C10 Different?
The C10 introduces a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) concept to South Africa’s SUV segment, positioning itself as a bridge between traditional petrol vehicles and fully electric cars. Priced at R799,900 as of February 2026, this large family SUV targets buyers who are curious about electric mobility but hesitant about charging infrastructure and range anxiety.
Unlike conventional hybrids where the petrol engine can directly power the wheels, the C10’s 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine functions purely as a generator. The wheels are driven exclusively by an electric motor producing 158 kW and 320 Nm of torque, delivering the smooth, silent acceleration characteristic of electric vehicles. When the battery depletes to a certain level, the petrol engine automatically activates to recharge it, ensuring you’re never stranded looking for a charging point.
With a claimed electric-only range of 145 km and a combined range approaching 1,000 km on a full tank and charge, the C10 addresses one of the primary concerns holding back EV adoption in South Africa – the anxiety of running out of power on longer journeys between cities. For more insights on emerging automotive technologies in the region, visit imotonews.co.za for the latest updates.
Interior Space and Practicality
One of the C10’s standout features is its generous interior dimensions. Despite being a 2-row SUV, its wheelbase exceeds that of some 7-seater competitors, translating into exceptional rear legroom and headroom. This makes it particularly appealing for families who frequently undertake long-distance trips or simply appreciate extra comfort.
The seats feature a unique soft-touch silicone upholstery that’s both comfortable and durable – a practical choice for families with children. Thoughtful touches like illuminated USB ports and ample storage compartments throughout the cabin demonstrate Leapmotor’s attention to daily usability.
The luggage compartment offers between 435 and 1,410 litres of capacity, easily accommodating a standard set of cooler boxes and family luggage. However, accessing the boot requires an NFC card rather than a traditional key, which may take some adjustment for those accustomed to conventional systems.
For families considering their next vehicle purchase, whether new or pre-owned, exploring options at auto24.co.za can help you compare the C10 against established SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, or Hyundai Tucson – all popular choices available on South Africa’s second-hand market that offer different approaches to family motoring.
The Minimalist Tech Approach
The C10’s cabin embraces an ultra-minimalist design philosophy that will divide opinion. Physical buttons have been almost entirely eliminated in favour of a large, high-resolution central touchscreen that controls nearly every vehicle function – from climate control vents to side mirror adjustments.
While the interface is responsive and visually impressive, there’s a steep learning curve involved. Even simple tasks like adjusting air vents require navigating through digital menus, which can be distracting while driving. This design choice isn’t unique to Leapmotor – many modern Chinese EVs follow this trend – but it represents a significant departure from the tactile controls most South African drivers are accustomed to.
On the positive side, the system supports over-the-air updates, meaning Leapmotor can continuously refine and improve the user experience throughout your ownership period. The digital instrument cluster provides all necessary driving data clearly, and the dashboard materials feel premium and well-assembled.
Driving Experience and Performance
Despite tipping the scales at over 2 tonnes, the C10 feels surprisingly agile thanks to its electric motor’s instant torque delivery. The 0-100 kph sprint takes a claimed 8.5 seconds – respectable for a family SUV of this size and weight.
The rear-wheel-drive layout, combined with the electric motor’s smooth power delivery, makes the C10 feel lighter and more responsive than its kerb weight suggests. City driving is effortless, with the silent operation and low-end torque making traffic navigation stress-free.
On the highway, the C10 settles into a composed, refined cruiser. The ride quality leans toward the firmer side, particularly on the Style model’s 20-inch alloy wheels, but cabin refinement is exceptional. Because the petrol engine isn’t mechanically linked to the wheels, the usual vibrations and noise associated with traditional SUVs are largely absent.
Standard driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, making long-distance journeys between Johannesburg and Cape Town or Durban particularly relaxing. The suite of active and passive safety features that come standard reflects the comprehensive approach typical of modern Chinese vehicles.
Range-Extender Technology: The Best of Both Worlds?
The C10’s range-extender system represents an interesting middle ground for South African buyers. You get the refinement, smoothness, and low running costs of an electric vehicle for daily commutes and school runs, while the petrol generator eliminates range anxiety for longer trips.
The claimed consumption figure of 0.9 L/100 km is impressively low, though real-world figures will depend heavily on driving patterns. If you primarily use the electric range for daily driving and only activate the generator for occasional longer trips, fuel costs could be minimal.
For those interested in exploring fully electric options, EV24.africa offers import services for electric vehicles, expanding the range of sustainable mobility choices available to South African drivers as the country’s charging infrastructure continues to develop.
Should You Consider the Leapmotor C10?
The Leapmotor C10 REEV Style enters a fiercely competitive segment with a distinctive value proposition. At R799,900, it offers more interior space than many similarly priced rivals, introduces a sophisticated powertrain rarely seen in South Africa, and provides the refinement of electric driving without the range limitations.
Ideal for:
- Families seeking spacious, comfortable transport for long journeys
- Tech-savvy buyers comfortable with digital interfaces
- Drivers interested in electric vehicle benefits but concerned about charging infrastructure
- Those who want EV refinement for daily driving with petrol backup for road trips
Consider alternatives if:
- You prefer traditional physical controls and buttons
- The minimalist tech approach feels like a step too far
- You’re not ready to adapt to touchscreen-dominated interfaces
- Brand reputation and established service networks are priorities
The success of the C10 will ultimately depend on whether South African buyers are ready to embrace this range-extender concept and trust a new brand backed by Stellantis. With generous space, refined driving dynamics, and a clever powertrain solution, Leapmotor has certainly brought something different to the table.
For comprehensive automotive news, reviews, and expert insights on the latest vehicles entering the South African market, including detailed comparisons of new brands like Leapmotor, visit imotonews.co.za regularly.
