Leapmotor, a Chinese manufacturer partially owned by Jeep and Fiat parent Stellantis, is set to launch its first model in Australia after it was officially approved for sale locally.
Known as the C10, Leapmotor’s first Australian vehicle will be a five-seat electric SUV to rival the Tesla Model Y.
Stellantis Australia has told CarExpert that the C10 will arrive in dealerships this November.
The mid-sized C10 is confirmed to produce 160kW in Australia, 10kW less than its Chinese home market output.
It measures 4.7 metres long, 1.9m tall and 1.7m high, with a tare weight of 1995kg.
100s of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
The model approved for sale comes standard with disc brakes front and rear, and the choice of 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels. It sits on Macpherson strut front suspension with multi-link rear suspension.
Braked towing capacity is quoted at 1500kg.
While we don’t have any further details on local specifications at this stage, overseas specs hint at what the C10 may offer.
In China, the C10 has claimed driving ranges of 410km or 530km on the lenient CLTC test cycle from 52.9kWh or 69.9kWh LFP battery packs.
China market models feature a rear-mounted electric motor, capable of accelerating the C10 from 0-100km/h in 7.3 seconds.
Prices range from 128,800 to 168,800 yuan in Leapmotor’s home market, equivalent to about $27,000 to $35,000, however it’ll likely land here with a higher price tag due to the cost of importation.
Leapmotor International is a joint venture between Dutch conglomerate Stellantis, which has a 51 per cent stake, and the Chinese arm of Leapmotor, which has the remaining 49 per cent.
In addition to the C10, Leapmotor plans to bring the T03 city car to Australia as part of its international expansion.
MORE: Jeep-backed brand bringing budget Chinese EVs to Australia
