Leap engine C10 Reev: chic and cheap

Why do you no longer worry about the range with this version? Because Reev stands for « Range Extended Electric Vehicle ». This means that this version has a combustion engine. Then why do you speak of an electric SUV? Because the engine is not connected to the bikes, but only generates electricity. In practice, Leap engine takes its C10, replaces the 70 kWh battery with a 28 kWh battery. The vacant room is taken by a 50-liter petrol tank that supplies a 1.5 liter engine under the bonnet. The purely electrical range therefore drops from 450 to about 145 kilometers, but thanks to the « generator carried », you can cover a total of up to 950 kilometers before you have to refuel. For the average consumer, who always thinks of the vacation when buying a car (especially with a family vehicle), this is much more calming – and therefore more attractive. Of course, one should mention that the values ​​specified are rather optimistic as usual. But our test shows that in real life you can expect well over 100 kilometers purely electrically and over 750 kilometers. The Leap engine C10 Reev is therefore « vacation -friendly ».

Now don’t talk that much!

And how does the overall C10 work? First of all, the vehicle surprised us with its general comfort and processing quality. The suspension is pleasantly soft, and the ambience in the interior looks high quality. The interior reflects the external design: simple, but not as undemanding – as is often the case with Chinese vehicles (subjective assessment, of course). The space in the interior does justice to the claim as a family vehicle, with enough space in the rear also for large adults. Only the trunk with 435 liters is somewhat tight for a 4.74 meter long vehicle.

As for driving behavior, the C10 is a thoroughly honest vehicle – in the sense of down -to -earth and without everywhere. He doesn’t want to pretend sporting skills for a while. Its task is to be safe and good -natured – for example with a front axle that clearly but gently signals when it reaches its limits and a very balanced, predictable rear. No wonder: Before his career began in Europe, the C10 completed a few months « internship » in Balocco, the test center of Stellantis near Milan. The SUV chassis was tailored to the requirements of European drivers-and you can clearly see that.

Comfortable, gentle, efficient, economical – does the C10 also have weaknesses? Naturally. On the one hand, almost everything is controlled via the touchscreen – even the setting of the exterior mirrors. Fortunately, the 14.8-inch screen is easy to read, and the entire infotainment system reacts very quickly. The second point of criticism – and the unpleasant – affects the extremely sensitive and intrusive driving assistance systems. Constant beeping, unwanted steering interventions … that was extremely annoying during the test – until we found out how to switch off everything. However, this procedure must be carried out again at every start – and only if the car is standing. After that you experience a completely different vehicle: gently in the company, calming, quiet.

The good news is: these defects could soon be fixed. The C10 is « over-the-air » update-compatible-via 5G connection. According to the manufacturer, many smaller criticisms that customers or the press expressed has already been forwarded to the work and remedied with the next update. So it is quite possible that what you read here is already in correction – and will no longer apply in a few weeks or months. Not only for vehicles delivered in the future, but also for circulation already in circulation, which of course also benefit from updates. To be honest, we are not among those who particularly welcome the “smartphonization” of the car – but the opportunity to correct everything with a few program lines can only be approved.

In short: Leap engine still has some work ahead of you to really adapt to European habits – but you work on it, tireless. In any case, for a base price of 37,400 euros, with almost everything is already included, you don’t feel over advised.