Leapmotor T03 review

At £15,995, there are few new cars being sold in the UK that undercut the T03. That gives it a strong selling point, but how many people will be willing to take a chance - or as Leamotor puts it, take a leap - on a little-known brand is another question. Understandably Leapmotor doesn’t have a sales target for the UK, it just wants to do what so many other Chinese start-ups haven’t: survive.

So what do I get for my pittance?

The T-nought-III rides on 15in aluminium alloys with skinny tyres, and comes with a two-tone finish as standard. As mentioned on the Overview, your colour choices are Light Wight, Starry Silver and Glacier Blue. A panoramic sunroof (surely in a city car it’s just… a sunroof?) lets a bit more light into the cabin.

The screens and multifunction steering wheel are coupled with 4G connectivity and Bluetooth to hook up your smartphone with, but this’ll be for media playback only. There are three driving modes - Standard, Sports and Eco - which adjust the regen and throttle response accordingly. Voice control also exists, though we’re yet to try it.

As discussed, there’s a handful of driver assist systems all competing for your attention (ugh). You get rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, automatic air con, an electronic parking brake and keyless start (you just get in and the car is on immediately). The driver’s seat is manually adjustable six ways; the front passenger’s only four. Meanwhile the steering wheel is finished in synthetic leather. Mmm, rubbery.

When can I get one?

Orders open in October 2024 with the first deliveries slated for December. The warranty is only three years, which in the context of Kia’s seven-year standard is a bit miserly.