European car companies are worried about the possible influx of Chinese-built electric cars to our continent. However, most car manufacturers already have a plant in China to build their own cars, so they all know the score.
Motor Distributors are the Irish agents for the popular BYD brand and now Stellantis, who are part of the Gowan Group have been appointed Irish agents for Leap Motors. Last week I drove their first two cars from Leap, the neat T03 and their C10, which is a proper SUV.
Leap are based in China but Stellantis, who distribute brands like Opel, Peugeot, Citroen, Alfa Romeo and Fiat in Ireland, now have a 51% share in their European operation.
I drove the T03 from Gowan’s headquarters in Citywest to Kilkenny for the official launch at Mount Juliet. We took a slight detour via Athy which I really enjoyed as I hadn’t travelled that road and visited places like Ballylinan for a long time. The T03 reminded me of the old Fiat 500 and it’s a very neat city car.
With a range of approximately 265km, it would be an ideal car for urban driving. Prices for the T03 start at €18,950, which is very competitive for the small electric car sector.
I spent more time in the larger C10 which is a very spacious and comfortable SUV. Externally the colour of the C10 was Burden Grey, but when you open the doors, Terracotta is the dominant colour inside. I am told the official colour is Camel Brown; it’s a colour that might not be to everyone’s taste, but of course there are other exterior and interiors colours to choose from.
There is plenty of leg and head room for five well-built adults and the seats are really very comfortable. The boot is a decent size, officially 435-litres, but no frunk. To open the car, you click the fob on the right-wing mirror, which was a first for me.
There are two versions; the fully electric with a range of 420km and the REEV (Range Extended Electric Vehicle) version which I drove. A Range-Extended Electric Vehicle runs exclusively on electric power, with a 1.5-litre petrol engine functioning solely as a ‘generator’ to recharge the battery when required.
Unlike plug-in hybrids or self-charging hybrids, the engine never drives the wheels, ensuring the smooth performance and zero-emission driving of an EV, while delivering a claimed combined WLTP range of up to 975km.
Inside, there is a minimalist look and a large infotainment screen on the dash dominates. With that screen, you can do anything and access all the controls. Apart from the usual items like radio, air con etc, you can also stop and take a break from driving by using the ‘Nap Mode’.
If you feel tired, stop the car and select Nap mode; the driver’s seat will recline and you can relax for say, ten minutes. Then you get an alarm to wake you up and then you can continue on your journey. Also, with the radio you can choose to listen in the front, back or opt for a theatre setting.
The range in the regular C10 is 420km with prices starting at €38,995, but if you opt for the REEV (Range-Extended Electric Vehicle) version then the price is €45,420.
Gowan will be using their existing dealer network to sell the Leap cars and already four dealers have signed up as Leap dealers. BYD are doing well, but we have seen one independent Chinese brand disappear; clearly any newcomer to the Irish market needs the support of an experienced local company.
James Brooks, who is the Opel MD in Ireland, will also oversee the Leap segment in Gowans and he says that Leap will benefit from the reputation and experience of their extensive dealer network. He is encouraging Irish motorists to ‘Take the Leap’ and take a test drive in one of their new cars.
