In the last nine months we’ve seen a number of new Chinese electric
brands arrive on the market and whilst EV’s may be slow sellers at this
point of time the competition has become intense. I have just finished
testing the Leapmotor C10, a mid-size five-seat EV SUV, the first product
from Leapmotor which was formed only in 2015 and majority backed by the
giant Stellantis group – an impressive first effort but spoilt by overly
intrusive active safety elements – lane keep assist in particular, plus a
series of warning chimes that are simply distractive and counter intuitive.
Why the Chinese think we need so much intervention is hard to fathom but
the Leapmotor C10 is like driving a computer screen on wheels – designed
by tech heads instead of car designers and the experience is simply not
enjoyable. I’m David Berthon