The Dacia Spring had carved out a place in the spotlight by being the only affordable electric car on the market. It was without counting on the Leapmotor T03.

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The electric car will have to be adopted by all, according to the European government. It is still necessary that everyone can adopt it, both logistically and financially. On this last point, the Chinese manufacturers have a nice card to play. Among them, Leapmotor, which presents here its affordable and well-equipped small city car, the T03, which comes with some significant flaws.

Europe’s vote to stop the sale of thermal vehicles in 2035 was the “open sesame” of Chinese car manufacturers. They have applied the same method as their counterparts in mobile telephony: offering more for less. “Plus” meaning a better finish, more equipment, and more autonomy. All for a price similar to that of the Dacia Spring, or 20,900 euros once the bonus of 5,000 euros has been deducted. A unique price and a unique finish for this Leapmotor T03, whose only option is two-tone paint. Inevitably, at this price, there are concessions to be made (concessions, cars, you understand?). It remains to be seen whether they are acceptable or not.

A design copied here and there but which (obviously) works

Copying is part of the game. Chinese companies wishing to establish themselves in Europe know that to attract customers, they must be inspired by what works. We see this with Xiaomi, Oppo, Huawei and Honor. The first products were literally modeled on existing best-selling models. This is the case of the T03 which seems to be the illegitimate child of a Smart Forfour (therefore a Twingo 3) and a Fiat 500. the car. In reality, it works, both front and rear. Even the general line goes well, with a little Kei Car side directly inspired by Japan.

The format is ideal with a length of 3.62 m, 11 cm less than the Dacia Spring or 1 cm more than the Twingo. The width of 1.62 m made it possible to accommodate 2 car seats in the back. Sold as a 4-seater, you can put 2 adults or 2 children in their respective seats (or booster seats) on the bench seat which folds down in one piece.

In terms of height, the 1.58 meters make it possible to accommodate tall people. Which is funny when you know that some large coupe SUVs don’t allow it.

The daytime running lights which form an outline of the optics are aesthetic. But from the front, I can’t help but see the snout of a pig. Moreover, this snout hides the charging socket.

The back is not very attractive. Stranger, the cutout of the bezel is made in such a way as to glue the bench seat, which leads to the absence of a rear parcel shelf.

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In terms of finish, the T03 oscillates between “very correct” and “horrible”. Nothing squeaked in our test model and the interior finish, such as the steering wheel or the controls, was of high quality. However, the amounts that appear to be covered with tape and the gaps in the joints, comparable to the width of a football field, may not reassure potential customers.

Inside, the meter is a screen that’s come to be known as the “virtual cockpit” (or retina night burner). It is accompanied by a 10.2-inch touch pad which is not great, both in terms of touch (touch and responsiveness) and display quality.

The interior presentation, like the general finish (interior, let us specify) puts a slap in the Dacia Spring.

Overall the car is good. It especially appeals to those looking for an affordable vehicle that still has a certain look. This confirms the theory stated at the start of the trial: taking inspiration from what works and offering an attractive product at a competitive price is an effective strategy.

Everyday in town

Imagine 4 people moving smoothly and quietly through dense urban areas. Without harm, because between the reduced size, the large wheelbase, the turning radius which allows you to make a U-turn in a single maneuver on a lane and the general visibility, you will be at your ease. Noiseless for the remarkable work on soundproofing. More expensive models do not offer this sound isolation. In town, in the general hubbub, it’s relaxing. If you add a little music, on a sound system that is not incredible but sufficient, you will feel in your bubble.

But that’s not all. Electric requires, the 158 Nm of torque respond immediately and allow insertions on the fast lane or in roundabouts in complete safety.

All is not rosy, however. Finally, our test model is. But some points are problematic. The trunk, for example, is nothing fancy. Admittedly, this is never the forte of city dwellers. But here it is limited. With this tilted bezel concern, you will not climb very high. Two packs of water to wedge among the cables and you won’t get much in there.

There is neither Android Auto nor Apple Car Play. Just kind of mirror your phone. This mirror is functional (note: the touch works on the screen) for Android but not for iOS. Worse, if your smartphone screen is vertical, so is the display. It is useless.

Unresponsive, too bright, the integrated screen offers mediocre ergonomics. And it will have to do with the questionable interface because there is neither Android Auto nor Apple Car Play.

However, there is still Bluetooth, which works well.

To park, the template helps, but that’s not all. The reversing camera, supplied as standard, offers more than adequate quality. The very short rear overhang makes paralleling even easier. It’s almost like it’s “cheating”.

The big negative point comes from the management of the temperature: it is IMPOSSIBLE to adjust that of the interior. The data sheet refers to a heat pump. This is the case, and the heat also takes time to arrive, helped by some resistors to accelerate the heating. But on the air conditioning interface, the PTC (therefore heat pump) is only one of the 3 tabs. Above, air conditioning; below, ventilation. Each mode allows you to adjust the temperature thanks to a slider oscillating between blue and orange which is strictly useless! Thus, the air conditioning quickly becomes too cold. The PTC gives, admittedly slower, too hot. It is unmanageable and really penalizing.

Despite everything, we have here an almost ideal urban and peri-urban transport vehicle. Special mention for the blackout panoramic roof which offers a little more light. It’s the very pleasant little extra that can make the difference.

A big battery and a debit… correct

From 20.5 to 24 kW. This will be the maximum charging speed you will get. Obviously, next to the big numbers advertised by other brands, this may seem low. But actually, it’s not that bad! Already because this power is constant throughout the charge. There is a drop to 10 kW on the last percentages to be filled. This is not the case of the models announced as capable of cashing 150 kW, but which can only do so on a very small range. Certainly, other cars are more efficient in this regard. But they cost the price of 3 Leapmotor T03.

In short, to make it short, you recover 200 km of guaranteed autonomy (by not sparing your car and in winter by 5°C) in 40 minutes. There is the possibility of preheating the battery to optimize the efficiency of the charge, which will then rise a little above 25 kW.

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The battery is 41.3 kWh according to the sheet. A maximum capacity and not nominal, but who cares. What matters is that you will travel at least 230 km on a full charge. Minimum means that by absolutely not practicing eco-driving, at a temperature of 5°C, you will cover 230 km on a single charge. That is 200 real km insofar as you allow yourself 30 km of safety.

It will take 40 minutes to recover 190 km real charge and 1 hour for full DC charge. In alternative (in other words on a mains socket delivering 7kW), count 3h30 according to the sheet and 3h18 according to our test.

This is clearly the strong argument of this Leapmotor T03. The price/autonomy ratio is pretty crazy.

Our consumption during the test was 18 kWh/100 km. It may seem like a lot, but in winter conditions and with driving that does not spare the battery. After a reset and playing a little more eco-driving, we got down to 13.6 kWh/100 km.

Driving: it helps a lot (too much)

Driving an electric car allows you to accelerate quickly. The 10 seconds for the 0-100 km/h of this T03 are misleading. The car accelerates quickly to 70 km/h, then more gradually to 100 km/h. It is fitted with low rolling resistance tyres, known in the jargon as “soaps”. The ESP, supplied as standard, is constantly activated at the slightest touch of the accelerator pedal. It is accompanied by an unpleasant beep that makes you feel like you don’t know how to drive. And this, even by adopting eco-driving. It gets annoying very quickly. Unfortunately, it cannot be disabled.

The T03’s steering is quite special, with electronic assistance that quickly stiffens as speed increases. This contrast may surprise, but you quickly get used to it.

The brakes are excellent and the pedal is progressive, allowing good proportioning of the braking. However, ABS often engages on wet ground due to poor tire grip. Understeer is ubiquitous, mostly due to the low rolling resistance tires. It is recommended to change these tires to improve handling and driving pleasure, even if this slightly affects the autonomy.

The performance of the T03 is honorable in town, but overtaking on the motorway requires patience and courage. This limits its use mainly to urban and suburban driving, and for motorway journeys a second car might be necessary. Thus, the 20,900 euros requested for the T03 must be put in perspective with the cost of another vehicle, which can make affordable electric less profitable than expected.

In terms of passenger-carrying capacity, the Leapmotor T03 does well, even with four adults weighing a total of 390 kg. The car retains its liveliness in the city, which is an asset for those looking for an affordable and practical electric car for urban use.

The distribution of this small Leapmotor T03

We are indeed at a turning point in automotive history, where the costs of new vehicles, especially electric ones, are starting to rise due to technology and environmental regulations. We must now consider that 21,000 euros represent the entry price for a new car.

By opting for a Rental with Option to Purchase (LOA), the monthly cost can be more affordable. With an ecological bonus of 5,000 euros, you could pay 180 euros per month after a contribution of 2,500 euros. If you are eligible for the conversion bonus, this contribution can even be eliminated, further reducing the initial cost.

However, it is important to consider their financial situation and needs before committing to such a purchase. If you are eligible for the conversion bonus, buying an electric car at 20,900 euros may not be the best financial investment for you. In this case, it is recommended to examine other options, such as buying a used vehicle or exploring other more economical mobility solutions.

Speaking of dealerships, Leapmotor France has its own network with 40 points of sale, all listed here.

Finally, be aware that the three big negative points of this T03 were brought up to the mark after our test. It is therefore possible that the brand will make changes to the Leapmotor T03 in future updates or versions of the model to solve these problems.

Conclusion: she does more than the job for less than the others

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After a long test of several days (13 exactly), the T03 proved to be convincing. Its format, face, look, range, driving, soundproofing, interior finish, inspiration from the Smart, consistency with the urban use for which it is intended and the response it brings to the Spring and , therefore, to the electric car market are all positives.

Most faults can be corrected through system updates. As for “made in China”, if that bothers you, it might be time to rethink your approach to vehicles. China is indeed the most advanced country in this field, with the best resources and capable of dazzling progress.

It is true that before the COVID pandemic, a similar sum would have made it possible to acquire a very well equipped Seat Ibiza, more serious in many respects, but with a combustion engine. This last aspect now seems less of a concern.

OUR OPINION

Finally a real competitor for the Dacia Spring, which until now dominated sales of electric vehicles. The Leapmotor T03, a Chinese proposal, announces a storm coming from the East. It has a better finish (without being perfect), a much greater autonomy and a much more attractive design, largely inspired by the Fiat 500 and the Twingo.

The power is also there, even under load. The trunk is certainly tiny, but the driving remains fluid. Roundabout entrances and exits are no problem, and 0-50 km/h acceleration outperforms many of the competition’s vehicles. Too bad the tires aren’t up to snuff.

However, some negative points remain: a distribution network that is still young, a touch screen with an interface that could be improved and poor readability in direct sunlight. You will have to do without Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.

In addition, the air conditioning system is faulty, not allowing you to adjust the temperature according to your preferences. These problems were reported to the manufacturer after this test.

It is possible to find better than this Leapmotor T03, but it will require spending 10,000 euros more.