Leapmotor T03 Hatchback

70kW 37kWh 5dr Auto [2024]

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Yes, we hear you. What on earth is a Leapmotor?

The simple answer is that it's the latest Chinese manufacturer hoping to widen its profits by selling and leasing its cars in the UK.

It is joining an ever-growing list, too, with BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda, Ora, and Skywell among the brands that have appeared here in the last couple of years. XPeng, Zeekr, and NIO are another three that will be fancying their chances soon.

Some have a long and rich history manufacturing cars for the Chinese market, but others, including Leapmotor, don’t.

Those who don't, have a background in engineering or electronics in a completely different field.

In Skywell's case, one of its co-founders manufactured refrigerator spare parts, while in Leapmotor's case, it was formed from a company that makes video surveillance equipment.

But, before you laugh, these Chinese brands take cars very seriously.

Long-standing manufacturer Geely, another company with a background in refrigerator parts, now owns 78% of Volvo and 51% of Lotus.

Meanwhile, Stellantis, the parent company of over a dozen well-known brands, including Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Citroen, Fiat, Vauxhall and Peugeot, acquired a 20% stake in Leapmotor in 2023.

So, what should we make of this Leapmotor T03?

Well, it’s a dirt-cheap electric car, which might sound too good to be true. But then Dacia, one of its main rivals, has already proven that goodness can come without a massive price tag.

And, moving up a couple of ladder rungs, Chinese-owned MG has also proven that electric excellence can come at a reasonable price with its superb MG4 EV.