Words by Donal Byrne. Video by Leah Carroll.
Not everyone needs or wants an SUV-type crossover, and the Chinese brand Leapmotor, which currently has four models on the Irish market, is aiming to meet or even create demand for a hatchback with the launch of its new B05.
As with all new Chinese cars, the emphasis is on price and standard equipment levels rather than adventurous styling. The dimensions are familiar for this segment of the market, and the car has a length of 4.3 metres, a height of 1.5 metres and a width of 1.8 metres.
There are two trims, two battery options, and three model variants. The entry-level B05 STYLE has a 56.2 kWh battery, and Leapmotor claims a range of up to 401 km. It’s priced at €28,998.
Leapmotor
The same car is offered with a bigger 67.1 kWh battery, with a claimed range of up to 485 km. It comes in at €31,487.
There is also a DESIGN version with the same 67.1 kWh battery coming in at €32,984.
All three are driven by a 218 horsepower motor, and all prices include government grants.
Our usual caveat on claimed ranges applies, as electric cars seldom return the ranges claimed for them in real-world driving conditions.
Leapmotor B05 interior
Standard equipment on all versions includes 19″ alloy wheels, LED automatic headlights, a 14.6″ central infotainment screen and an 8.8″ driver’s information screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, digital key, automatic air conditioning, seven airbags, 21 advanced driver functions and a 360° parking camera.
The DESIGN version also gets a panoramic sunroof with electric sunshade, eco-leather seats, electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient interior lighting, automatically folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, rain sensors and a 12-speaker audio system.
While interior space is generous, the boot space appears quite limited at 345 litres.
The B05 has a maximum five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating, and there is a six-year unlimited warranty on the car. The battery is covered for eight years, or 160,000 km.
The views expressed here are those of the author and do not represent or reflect the views of RTÉ
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