By Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
With the influx of new car brands entering South Africa, it’s easy to lose track of who’s who. So, when Stellantis announced its partnership with China’s Leapmotor brand, curiosity kicked in. The launch of the new C10 REEV promised innovation,
sustainability, and something fresh for our roads. I was on the 06h00 flight to Cape Town to experience it first-hand.
A Green Start to the Day
After wrestling my way through the usual early-morning chaos at OR Tambo, I made it onto the plane, wondering what awaited us on the other side. The Cape Town agenda was clear from the moment we landed: sustainability. Our briefing took place at Hotel Verde, dubbed “Africa’s greenest hotel,” where a fleet of sleek C10 REEVs glistened in the parking lot, a fitting start for a brand built on clean energy.
First Impressions Matter
At first glance, the Leapmotor C10 REEV makes an impact. It’s a midsize SUV that
oozes confidence – think modern lines, a premium presence, and even a hint of
Porsche Cayenne styling. Inside, it’s airy, elegant, and uncluttered, with soft ambient lighting and a large, buttonless touchscreen that controls just about everything. It’s beautiful, yes, but that screen can be tricky, especially when you’re trying to adjust the aircon while on the move.
What Makes It Different
The C10 REEV isn’t a hybrid in the traditional sense. It’s a full battery-electric vehicle with range-extending technology, essentially, a generator keeps the battery charged, giving you the best of both worlds. You can run purely on electric power for daily city trips, and when it’s time for a long-haul journey, switch to fuel mode for a total range of up to 900 km. Charging is flexible too, from a 6.6 kW home charger to 65 kW DC fast charging.
On our test route, we toggled between the different driving modes, impressed by the smooth transitions and quiet efficiency. I was particularly fascinated by how the fuel gauge barely moved, no matter how far we went.
A Drive Through the Cape’s Scenic Beauty
Our journey took us through Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, past vineyards and mountain passes, to the Klipheuwel Wind Farm in Caledon, a fitting stop for a car that champions clean energy. From there, we visited a small Eskom hydropower station and later enjoyed lunch at a solar-powered wine estate big on biodiversity. It was sustainability, performance, and storytelling rolled into one unforgettable drive.
The Verdict
The Leapmotor C10 REEV is a refreshing addition to South Africa’s fast-evolving EV landscape. It’s comfortable, refined, and practical for our mixed infrastructure. While its tech interface could use some simplification (please, give us an easier way to find the aircon settings!), it delivers where it matters most – on range, comfort, and innovation.
With pricing from R750 900 to R799 900, the C10 REEV offers a compelling middle
ground for those curious about EVs but not ready to fully abandon fuel. It’s a sign that the future of driving doesn’t have to be intimidating; it can be smart, sustainable, and stylish. Stylish, efficient, and thoughtfully engineered. As I sat on my return flight that evening, I reflected on how the effortlessly the C10 REEV bridges the gap between electric dreams and real-world practicality.
