In the last nine months we’ve seen a number of new Chinese electric brands arrive on the market and whilst EV’s may be slow sellers at this point of time the competition has become intense. I have just finished testing the Leapmotor C10, a mid-size five-seat EV SUV, the first product from Leapmotor which was formed only in 2015 and majority backed by the giant Stellantis group – an impressive first effort but spoilt by overly intrusive active safety elements – lane keep assist in particular, plus a series of warning chimes that are simply distractive and counter intuitive. Why the Chinese think we need so much intervention is hard to fathom but the Leapmotor C10 is like driving a computer screen on wheels – designed by tech heads instead of car designers and the experience is simply not enjoyable. I’m David Berthon

IMAGE / Leapmotor Australia

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