What’s this new car all about then?
Leapmotor's local model range is expanding downwards. From the launch of the medium/large C10 SUV in 2024, the brand has gained the B10 compact/medium SUV and more recently, the B05 electric hatchback.
Now, Leapmotor has gone truly compact with the B03X baby-SUV, which might be tall but it's also pretty short: just 4275mm long. It's an urban SUV and no mistake.
Hence, there are two fairly modest LFP battery options: a 39.8kWh unit providing up to 292km WLTP range, and a larger 53.0kWh battery with 382km.
DC fast charging supports up to 100kW on the former and 133kW on the latter, while the onboard AC charger supports up to 11kW.
The B03X is based around Leapmotor's "Cell-to-Chassis 2.0 Plus" battery architecture which integrates the battery directly into the vehicle structure. It lowers the centre of gravity and increases torsional stiffness, while minimising weight (1460-1560kg depending on model).
But it's really all about the giggly styling cues and clever cabin packaging. There's lots of Leap-related branding on the outside, the brand's signature checkerboard-style running lights and "ha ha" tail-light illumination that mimicks a happy face. Once you've seen it you can't unsee it; not sure whether that's a plus or minus.
It comes in some perky colours, including Berry Blue, Seaweed Green and Acorn Brown. The car you see here is a more normcore (but still stylish) Tundra Grey.
The wheelbase is long for such a short car, at 2605mm, and the EV architecture gives a flat floor. There's a large "floating" 14.6-inch central infotainment display, and an 8.8-inch digital instrument display. Note the cute cartoon-character graphic holding a balloon that marks the position of the passenger airbag on the dashboard.
There are a claimed 33 storage compartments throughout the cabin, including additional storage beneath the floating centre console, while a 15W wireless smartphone charging pad and dual cupholders are integrated into the console design for both models.
The rear-seat party trick is a Honda Jazz-style seat folding mechanism that allows the rear cushions to be sandwiched against the seatbacks to create additional cargo flexibility.
The boot provides a generous 405 litres of cargo capacity, but there's a further 105 litres available beneath the floor in what Leapmotor calls a "GigaBox". The waterproof and washable storage compartment takes total boot capacity to 510 litres.
How much is it?
The prices are definitely in budget territory, but hardly rock-bottom for the segment. The entry-level B03X Life is $37,990, while the Design sells for $42,990. Both specification names mirror other models in the Leapmotor lineup.
The life has the smaller of the two battery sizes, the Design the larger. The more expensive model also gains eco-leather seats, power-adjustable driver seat with heating, heated steering wheel, power-fold mirrors, front parking sensors and 360-degree camera system, 18-inch alloys, ambient interior lighting and an upgraded 12-speaker audio system.
What’s it like to drive?
You're theoretically getting a similar driving experience regardless of which version you choose, because the smaller-battery Life has a less powerful 130kW electric motor, while the longer-range, 100kg-heavier Design steps up to 145kW.
That means the 0-100km/h times are identical: 8.6 seconds. Both models are front-drive.
We've only had a quick spin in the top Design, which felt appealing perky in city driving but a bit out of its depth on the open road, where the lifeless steering and body roll demands you keep a modest pace. It feels solid and grippy enough, but corners are not its friend.
The cars we drove were not quite finished in terms of final software calibration; NZ is among the very first right-hand markets to see the car and customer models won't be ready until October.
But the active safety stuff seemed pretty well sorted on our car and the littlest Leap will be sold with the brand's excellent "steering wheel customisation button" that allows you select your preferred settings for driver-assistance features (lane centering and so on) and shortcut to them with one touch.
Leapmotor says the overall safety package includes 21 ADAS features, supported by 14 sensors and cameras.
What’s the pick of the range?
Given the B03X is determinedly a city car whose strengths are style and packaging rather than driving dynamics, the less-expensive Life looks like a good option. Around 300km is decent range for a town car and really will get that in urban use, which is where EV efficiency shines.
You're still getting the same performance, a little less weight and essentially the same suite of safety equipment.
There are more places to buy a Leapmotor in NZ now. In additon to its dealerships in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, it's set to announce new outlets in Rotorua, Hawkes Bay and Palmerston North.
It also has a stated aim to open showrooms in Whangarei, Auckland West, Nelson, Dunedin and Invercargill in 2027.
The brand has also recently upgraded its factory warranty from 4 years to 6 years.
What other cars should I consider?
There's been a bit of a boom in $40k-ish baby EVs this year. Take a look at our recent eco-cars guide if you're not convinced (that also includes hybrid models, mind).
Assuming your preference is for a pure-electric model, Leapmotor importer Auto Distributors can offer you a couple of alternatives of its own in the form of the Donfeng Vigo ($37,990, currently on special) and just-launched Arcfox T1 ($34,990); both are just over 4.3m long rather than just under like the Leap, but they're close.
Keeping it compact, there's also the BYD Atto 2 ($40,990-$46,990), new Geely EX2 ($32,990-$37,990), GAC Aion UT ($39,990-$43,990) or MG4 Urban ($38,990).
But the B03X's cutsey styling surely makes the even smaller sub-4m-long BYD Atto 1 ($30,990-$36,990) its arch rival.
