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Review: The Leapmotor C10 – Perfect For You?

Electric SUVs have rapidly become a cornerstone of the automotive industry’s shift toward sustainable mobility. Combining the practicality and versatility of traditional SUVs with the eco-friendly benefits of electric powertrains, these vehicles offer a compelling option for modern drivers.

With advancements in battery technology, enhanced driving ranges, and innovative features, electric SUVs blend performance, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

The EV market in Malaysia is mostly dominated by big and popular Chinese brands such as Chery, BYD, GWM and more. However, there are a few underrated brands that people seem not to notice. One of them is Leapmotor.

Leapmotor, established in 2015 in Hangzhou, China, is a rapidly growing EV manufacturer focused on delivering innovative and accessible electric mobility solutions. The company was founded with a vision to create smart, high-quality, and affordable EVs that cater to diverse market needs. Leapmotor specialises in the design and production of electric cars and emphasises integrating cutting-edge technologies such as intelligent driving systems, advanced connectivity, and efficient powertrains.

The brand’s lineup includes a range of EVs from compact cars to SUVs, targeting urban commuters and families alike. Leapmotor’s proprietary technologies, such as in-house developed batteries and smart cockpit systems, position it as a serious contender in the competitive EV market. The company has also embraced sustainability, striving to reduce carbon emissions across its production and product lifecycles.

This writer is not particularly interested in EVs, but as the saying goes “you never know unless you try” has played a major role in my life. So I was given the opportunity by Stellantis, the parent company of Leapmotor, to try out their electric SUV, the Leapmotor C10.

Mature Looks

When you first look at the C10, you will notice that it does not look like any of the other Chinese brands. The C10 looks simple and mature. No sophisticated bumpers or weird designs, no unnecessary parts that make it look cheap, just simple and elegant.

It features fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, dual rear fog lamps and not to mention the rear illuminating lightbar which I am a fan of. Some even say there are hints of a Porsche Macan around the rear.

The C10 rides on 20-inch Trident aluminium wheels which suit the whole aesthetics of the car and give it a sportier look with 245/45 Dunlop e.Sport Maxx tyres.

Spacious and Comfortable Interior

Step inside and you will see what we mean by comfort and space. This writer has a big build, so interior space is crucial when testing cars. Despite how big they look from the outside, we have sat in SUVs that are not that spacious. However, I can confidently say that the C10 is big people friendly.

The driver’s and front passenger seating is spacious with ample amount of leg room and for the rear passengers, you could fit at least three regular “nasi kandar, tambah nasi” eaters.

Comfort is omnipresent throughout the SUV from soft-touch instrument panels to leather front and rear armrests, heated and ventilated front seats and the rear seats can be adjusted, which is what allowed me to sleep like a baby during our long drive to Pahang.

To enhance this in-car experience, the C10 comes equipped with rhythmic ambient lighting, wireless charging, 12 high-quality speakers and a 14.6-inch control touch screen.

The Big Screen

Now, every car has its flaws and one common flaw in most cars nowadays is the lack of physical buttons and controls for simple things such as adjusting the air-conditioning. Everything is controlled via the big infotainment screen that you get at the centre. Yes, it’s futuristic and very modern but it is also a hassle at the same time.

The C10 comes with concealed air vents, which means you will not be able to adjust the vents by adjusting them using a traditional knob. You will have to go through the centre screen to do so. This can be fairly frustrating for the driver because you have to take your eyes off the road.

Many other functions can be accessed through the screen as well, but we did not have enough time to learn the car and mess around with all the other settings. This is a learning curve and there are plenty of “oh it does that” moments, so be prepared to spend a couple of days, or weeks to get to know the intricacies of the car.

Another flaw of the C10 is that it does not come equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Yes, you read that right. So for navigation, you have to use the in-built one and it also comes with a Spotify application. To use this, you will need internet access which can be done if you purchase a sim card or use your mobile hotspot.

Maserati-Tuned

Tyres play a huge role when it comes to a vehicle’s handling performance but many people overlook the fact that the driving dynamics of the car play a major role too. So how did the C10 perform? We were actually surprised at how well the grip and handling were. We tackled the hills of Genting with no issues whatsoever. This is possible because the driving dynamics have been tuned and optimised by Maserati.

It simply did not feel like we were in an SUV. It was agile and smooth, and we could barely feel the turns because of how well the SUV manoeuvred. Given the fact that this is a family SUV, it was not built for speed so this rear-wheel-drive SUV can do 0-100km/h in 7.5 seconds and the top speed is around 173km/h. The best part is that even at this speed, the cabin is quiet because of how good the NVH levels are.

The 69.9kWh Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery offers a range of up to 424km (WLTP), and the C10 can charge from 30% to 80% in just 30 minutes using a DC fast charging. The single motor configuration produces 218PS and 320Nm of torque which is more than enough to drive this 1,980kg SUV.

We found the power to weight to be balanced, because of how our fellow Malaysians drive and ride, we had to do some quick manoeuvres to avoid hitting them and the steering response was sharp enough to pull off these quick stunts without losing control.

What is that beeping sound?

Safety systems are a crucial part of a vehicle and the question people ask nowadays is “Got ADAS ah?”

Well, safety is paramount in the Leapmotor C10, which comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of seven airbags and Level 2 ADAS (Leap Pilot). This includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering Control, Autonomous Emergency Braking, and many other advanced driver assistance features that are too long to be listed here.

The thing is, there are too many functions for us to remember so we had to learn them on the go. Every now and then there will be a different beeping sound and we will be like “That one is new, what is that beeping sound?” So we experimented with most of the functions and decided to turn some off because of how sensitive they were. In order to turn certain safety features off, you will need to put the car in park, otherwise, the system will not allow you to do so.

We were even shown a demonstration of how effective the Autonomous Emergency Braking is and we can safely say that it is one of the best ones out there.

Is this the SUV for you?

If you are a fan of EVs then yes. With everything the car offers, it is only priced at RM159,000! That pricing and how much the SUV has to offer is considered a steal. Stellantis told us that they want to offer a D-segment SUV with a C-segment price so that people can afford luxury, comfort, space and performance all in one. We can say that the C10 delivered what it was designed for.

The Leapmotor C10 is available in four colours: Glazed Green, Pearly White, Canopy Grey, and Tundra Grey. Interior options include Criollo Brown (exclusive to Glazed Green) and Midnight Aurora.

It comes with a six-year or 150,000km warranty, and an eight-year or 160,00 km Battery warranty, whichever comes first.

Specifications
Motor: Single-electric motor
Power: 218PS
Torque: 320Nm
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 7.5 seconds
Top speed: 173km/h
Price (As tested): RM159,000

We like: Mature looks, spacious interior and handling
We don’t like: No Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

Hyundai and BAIC Bolster China Joint Venture with $1.1 Billion Investment Amid Sales Decline

Hyundai Motor and BAIC Group are committing $1.1 billion to revive their struggling joint venture, Beijing Hyundai Motor Co., as they aim to reposition themselves in China’s fiercely competitive auto market. The funding is set to stabilize the joint venture’s financial health and accelerate its transition toward electric vehicles (EVs), a segment dominated by domestic manufacturers like BYD.

Facing Challenges in a Shifting Market

Beijing Hyundai has experienced a sharp decline in fortunes, with sales plummeting 41% year-on-year to just 137,300 vehicles through October 2024. This stark drop reflects broader struggles faced by foreign automakers in China, who are losing market share to rapidly rising domestic EV brands.

Financially, the joint venture is in dire straits. Losses amounted to 2.6 billion yuan in the first nine months of 2024, following a 5.4 billion yuan after-tax deficit in 2023. Asset values have also shrunk by nearly 14 billion yuan from the end of 2022 to September 2024, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

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Kos Bateri EV Turun 20% pada 2024

Pek bateri kenderaan elektrik (EV) kini lebih mampu milik berbanding sebelumnya, dengan kos purata menurun sebanyak 20% pada tahun 2024 kepada $115 (RM517) setiap kilowatt-jam (kWj), menurut tinjauan harga bateri tahunan BloombergNEF. Penurunan mendadak ini, yang paling ketara sejak 2017, disebabkan oleh lebihan bekalan kapasiti pengeluaran, pengurangan harga bahan mentah dan komponen, serta peralihan yang semakin meningkat ke arah bateri lithium iron phosphate (LFP), yang lebih menjimatkan kos berbanding varian lithium-ion tradisional.

Keterjangkauan pek bateri EV telah lama menjadi faktor penentu utama bagi daya maju kenderaan elektrik. Dengan harga yang jatuh dengan begitu cepat, pakar meramalkan bahawa EV boleh mencapai pariti harga dengan kenderaan berkuasa petrol menjelang 2026, satu pencapaian penting yang dijangka akan memacu penggunaan besar-besaran. Unjuran ini bergantung pada penurunan harga pek bateri di bawah $100 (RM450)/kWj, satu paras yang dianggap penting untuk memastikan keterjangkauan EV secara meluas.

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Honda dan Nissan Berbincang untuk Bergabung dalam Usaha Memacu Dominasi EV

Dua pembuat kereta terkemuka Jepun, Honda Motor dan Nissan Motor, dikatakan sedang dalam perbincangan untuk bergabung di bawah satu syarikat induk. Langkah ini bertujuan memperkukuh kedudukan mereka dalam menghadapi pesaing utama dalam sektor kenderaan elektrik (EV) seperti Tesla. Menurut laporan, kedua-dua syarikat berkemungkinan menandatangani memorandum persefahaman untuk mewujudkan entiti baharu.

Selain itu, Mitsubishi Motors, di mana Nissan memiliki kepentingan besar, juga mungkin menjadi sebahagian daripada struktur baharu ini. Penggabungan ini berpotensi membentuk salah satu kumpulan automotif terbesar dunia, menawarkan kelebihan skala yang signifikan.

Tiada Pengesahan Rasmi tetapi Potensi Kerjasama Diterokai

Walaupun laporan ini mencetuskan spekulasi, Honda dan Nissan telah menjelaskan bahawa tiada pengumuman rasmi telah dibuat. Bagaimanapun, kedua-duanya mengakui sedang meneroka peluang kerjasama, selaras dengan usaha sebelumnya untuk memanfaatkan kekuatan masing-masing dalam industri automotif.

Memperkukuh Hubungan di Tengah Persaingan EV

Perbincangan ini berlaku selepas perjanjian pada Mac 2024 di mana Honda dan Nissan bersetuju untuk menjalin kerjasama strategik dalam pengeluaran EV. Sebagai pengeluar kereta kedua dan ketiga terbesar Jepun selepas Toyota, kerjasama ini mencerminkan usaha mereka untuk mengejar pesaing global dalam pasaran EV yang berkembang pesat.

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Honda and Nissan Reportedly in Merger Talks to Bolster EV Competition

Japanese automakers Honda Motor and Nissan Motor are reportedly entering discussions to merge under a single holding company in a bid to strengthen their position against electric vehicle (EV) industry leaders like Tesla, according to reports.

Reports also stated that the two companies are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to establish the new entity. Mitsubishi Motors, where Nissan holds a significant stake, may also be included in the structure, potentially forming one of the largest auto groups globally.

Honda and Nissan issued statements addressing the report, clarifying that neither company had made any official announcements. However, they acknowledged their ongoing exploration of collaborative opportunities, leveraging each other’s strengths, as previously disclosed.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Dilancarkan Secara Rasmi – 3,000 Pelanggan Pertama dapat rebat RM 4,000

Proton, pada hari ini melangkah ke era baharu dalam pasaran kenderaan elektrik (EV) apabila cabang kenderaan tenaga baharunya, PRO-NET, melancarkan Proton e.MAS 7 sebagai kenderaan elektrik pertama negara. Pelancaran bersejarah ini telah disempurnakan oleh YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Perdana Menteri Malaysia dan menandakan satu babak baharu dalam usaha Malaysia memperkukuhkan komitmen terhadap mobiliti lestari dengan mendorong penggunaan EV untuk pengurangan jejak karbon.

Memanfaatkan Kerjasama Teknikal dalam Memperkasakan Malaysia untuk Peralihan ke Mobiliti Lestari

Proton melihat pelancaran EV nasional pertama Malaysia sebagai langkah ke arah kelestarian dan inovasi dalam sektor pengangkutan negara. Usaha ini selaras dengan Plan Peralihan Tenaga Nasional (NETR) yang bertujuan menjadikan Malaysia sebuah negara dengan pelepasan karbon sifar menjelang 2050. Pelancaran jenama e.MAS serta Proton e.MAS 7 adalah antara langkah utama yang diambil untuk mencapai matlamat ini.

EV nasional pertama adalah hasil usaha gigih Proton dalam membangunkan kenderaan elektrik sulungnya. Proton e.MAS 7 menonjolkan komitmen syarikat terhadap inovasi dan menjadi bukti kerjasama erat dengan rakan kongsi, Geely. Proton dan GEELY telah meluangkan lebih 700,000 jam kerja untuk membangunkan model ini dan kemudian menjalankan ujian sejauh 100,000 km merentasi pelbagai jenis permukaan jalan di Malaysia serta dalam pelbagai keadaan cuaca yang mencabar.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Officially Launched – RM4,000 Rebate for the First 3,000 Customers

Proton made history today as it took its inaugural step into the electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the highly anticipated Proton e.MAS 7, Malaysia’s first national EV. The launch, officiated by Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, marks a significant milestone in Malaysia’s journey towards sustainable mobility and a lower carbon footprint.

A Collaborative Effort for a Greener Malaysia

The Proton e.MAS 7 represents the culmination of over 700,000 man-hours of engineering and testing by Proton and its strategic partner, Geely. The electric SUV underwent rigorous trials, including 100,000km of testing across Malaysia’s diverse terrains and extreme weather conditions, solidifying its status as a groundbreaking vehicle.

The launch is aligned with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR), which aims to transform Malaysia into a net-zero emissions nation by 2050. The e.MAS 7 underscores Proton’s commitment to contributing to this vision while also strengthening its position as a leader in the EV segment.

A Technological Marvel with Advanced Features

The Proton e.MAS 7 is offered in two variants—Prime and Premium—and is available in five distinctive colours: Platinum Silver, Turquoise Green, Slate Grey, Quartz Rose, and Lithium White. The SUV is built on the Global Modular Architecture (GMA) platform and is powered by an innovative 12-in-1 intelligent electric propulsion system. It also incorporates Cell-to-Body (CTB) battery technology and features the cutting-edge Aegis Short-Blade Battery, a next-generation lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery designed for exceptional safety, efficiency, and performance.

The e.MAS 7’s electric drive unit delivers 214hp of power and 320Nm of torque, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.9 seconds. Its stopping power is equally impressive, with the vehicle able to brake from 100km/h to a complete stop within 35 meters. The Prime variant is equipped with a 49.52kWh battery offering a WLTP range of 345km, while the Premium variant boasts a 60.22kWh battery, extending the range to 410km. Both models support DC fast charging, allowing for a 30% to 80% charge in just 20 minutes.

Inside, the e.MAS 7 combines cutting-edge technology with comfort. Features include ventilated seats, a 15.4-inch 2.5K resolution touchscreen, 16-speaker Flyme Sound with WANOS System, and best-in-class 256-color ambient lighting. The SUV also offers practical storage solutions with 33 compartments and provides access to an integrated charging map, which covers over 1,700 charging points nationwide through partnerships with leading charge point operators.

Competitive Pricing and Special Launch Benefits

Proton has priced the e.MAS 7 competitively to ensure its accessibility. The Prime variant is priced at RM109,800, while the Premium variant is priced at RM123,800.

To celebrate the launch, Proton is offering special rebates of RM4,000 for the first 3,000 customers, bringing the prices down to RM105,800 (Prime) and RM119,800 (Premium). Additional benefits worth up to RM8,000 include a complimentary 7kW home charger, a V2L adapter, unlimited internet data for five years, and extended warranties for the vehicle and its high-voltage battery.

Future Plans and International Ambitions

Proton has ambitious plans to expand its footprint in the EV market, both locally and internationally. PRO-NET CEO Zhang Qiang shared that the company plans to export the e.MAS 7 to markets such as Singapore, Trinidad & Tobago, Mauritius, and Nepal starting next year. The company has also appointed 37 dealers nationwide, with 30 of them expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024.

With the launch of the Proton e.MAS 7, the company has set a new benchmark for innovation and sustainability in the Malaysian automotive industry, driving the nation closer to a greener, electrified future.

Renault 5 Turbo 3E: Ikon Klasik yang Dilahirkan Semula

Renault Group kini menjadi tumpuan dalam dokumentari empat bahagian bertajuk Anatomy of a Comeback, yang ditayangkan di Prime Video. Siri ini mengisahkan perjalanan luar biasa syarikat keluar dari krisis pada awal 2020-an, didorong oleh pelaksanaan pelan strategik Renaulution. Dengan pendekatan yang berani dan inovatif, Renault mentakrifkan semula identitinya dan mencipta kebangkitan luar biasa, yang menjadi fokus utama dokumentari ini.

Dokumentari ini menawarkan pandangan eksklusif ke dalam operasi dalaman Renault, termasuk inovasi reka bentuk dan pembuatan model ikonik seperti Renault 5. Penonton juga mendapat akses eksklusif ke paddock Pasukan Formula Satu Alpine, memperlihatkan dedikasi dan daya tahan tenaga kerja Renault. Siri ini menghidupkan semula kejayaan syarikat melalui kisah pekerja yang menghadapi cabaran, mengatasi halangan, dan membawa Renault kembali ke tahap kegemilangannya.

Siri ini memuncak dengan pendedahan dunia pertama kenderaan revolusioner dalam episod akhirnya, iaitu Renault 5 Turbo 3E. Model ini bukan sahaja simbol kebangkitan Renault, tetapi juga tafsiran semula moden yang menggabungkan warisan sejarah dan teknologi masa kini.

Renault 5 Turbo 3E: Ikon Klasik yang Dilahirkan Semula

Renault 5 Turbo 3E adalah penghormatan kepada Renault 5 Turbo yang legenda, 44 tahun selepas debutnya. Diumumkan sebagai kenderaan elektrik sepenuhnya, ia memadukan reka bentuk retro-futuristik dengan prestasi moden yang mengagumkan.

Reka Bentuk dan Teknologi: Struktur ringan dengan super karbon mengekalkan semangat asal Renault 5 Turbo. Soket pengecasan yang disepadukan dalam salur udara belakang menunjukkan kepintaran reka bentuk moden.
Prestasi Hebat: Dua motor elektrik yang memacu roda belakang menghasilkan kuasa 500 bhp, dengan pecutan dari 0 hingga 100 km/j dalam hanya 3.5 saat.
Nostalgia Rali: Livery kenderaan ini diilhamkan oleh sejarah rali Renault pada 1980-an, memberikan penghormatan kepada warisan sukan permotoran.

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Mercedes-AMG’s High-Performance Electric SUV Embarks on Winter Testing

Mercedes-AMG has reached a significant milestone in the development of its forthcoming high-performance electric SUV, the second model to feature the innovative AMG.EA electric vehicle architecture. Early prototypes are undergoing rigorous cold-weather testing in northern Sweden, where sub-zero temperatures push all components to their limits. These extreme tests are designed to validate the durability, performance, and integration of the SUV’s systems under the harshest conditions.

The AMG.EA Platform: Setting New Standards in EV Performance

At the heart of Mercedes-AMG’s electric future is the AMG.EA platform, which will debut in 2026 with the four-door production version of the Vision AMG concept. This cutting-edge architecture is engineered for unparalleled performance, featuring an 800V electrical system for ultra-fast charging and efficiency. The platform employs axial-flux electric motors, available in twin and tri-motor configurations, delivering outputs exceeding 1000bhp.

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EU Melancarkan Geran $1 Bilion untuk Memperkukuh Industri Bateri EV Domestik

Kesatuan Eropah (EU) telah melancarkan inisiatif geran $1 bilion untuk memperkuat industri bateri kenderaan elektrik (EV) di rantau ini. Langkah ini adalah sebahagian daripada strategi yang lebih luas untuk mengurangkan pergantungan kepada komponen buatan China dan memupuk pengeluaran domestik teknologi tenaga bersih. Dengan keperluan penyumberan yang ketat, dana tersebut bertujuan membantu EU mencapai matlamat iklimnya secara bebas sambil membina kapasiti pengeluaran yang lebih mampan.

Inisiatif ini bertujuan:

Meningkatkan daya tahan rantaian bekalan tenaga bersih di Eropah.
Mengurangkan pergantungan kepada bahan mentah dari China, seperti katod dan anod, yang merupakan komponen penting dalam bateri EV.
Melindungi harta intelek, dengan mewajibkan semua paten daripada projek yang dibiayai didaftarkan di negara anggota EU.

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