LeapmotorT03

The Leapmotor T03 (from £16,000) is an electric city car from Leapmotor. It offers a claimed range of 165 miles and 95 hp.

The Leapmotor T03 is one of the cheapest new electric cars in the UK: a five-door city car about the size of a Fiat 500e, sold through Stellantis dealers in a single, well-equipped version.

Battery, range and charging

A 37.3 kWh battery gives up to 165 miles on the WLTP combined cycle and up to 245 miles in town. AC charging runs at 6.6 kW (30–80% in about 3.5 hours) and DC rapid charging at up to 48 kW (30–80% in about 36 minutes) – fine for a car that will mostly charge at home.

Performance and driving

A 95 hp (70 kW) front motor with 158 Nm is lively enough in the city, and top speed is 81 mph. Reviewers say it drives better than its price suggests: light, nimble and very easy to park. Faster roads and motorways are not its natural habitat.

Interior and space

Standard kit includes a panoramic sunroof with electric blind, automatic air conditioning, an 8-inch digital instrument panel, a 10.1-inch touchscreen, keyless start, synthetic-leather steering wheel and electric windows all round. Four adults fit for short trips; the boot is small.

Technology and safety

Driver assistance is unusually complete for the class: adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot detection, door-opening warning, intelligent speed assistance and driver-drowsiness warning, plus a rear camera and parking sensors. The infotainment works but can be fiddly.

Who is it for?

Anyone who wants an affordable second car or city runabout with big-car equipment. Rivals include the Dacia Spring, BYD Dolphin Surf and Citroën ë-C3.