First drive: Leapmotor T03 could tempt EV converts to Stellantis

Launches of electric vehicles have mostly been focused on the mid-size family and premium segments due to the production costs involved and a recognition that company car fleets will lead the way.

But demand for more affordable EVs is leading to smaller cars reaching the market. Stellantis, in a joint venture with China’s Leapmotor, is about to start sales of the T03, which it hopes will tempt consumers with a list price starting at below £16k. Even the spectre of import tariffs won’t deter the partnership and its low-price offerings as the backing of Stellantis and a manufacturing plant in Poland rather than the far east ensures Leapmotor has positioned itself well to avoid some of the highest rates on the T03 and its bigger brother, the Leapmotor C10 SUV.

A chance to experience the cheap-as-chips supermini EV that’s packed with tech and a generous provision of amenities as standard enticed Car’s Seth Walton to sign up for an early drive.

Leapmotor developed the T03, including its battery, and launched it back in 2020 in China. Now, like other Chinese rivals, it sees a strong opportunity in the European car markets and Stellantis's retail networks will be the conduit.

The T03’s driving dynamics reflect its city car focus. With just 93 bhp, it isn’t designed for high-speed performance, but it holds up well in comparison to its primary competitor, the Dacia Spring. While the suspension is on the firm side, it isn’t uncomfortable, although the car lacks agility and the playful feel of more expensive small EVs like the Fiat 500e.

On urban roads, the T03 feels in its element, with light and direct steering, especially in Sport mode, which sharpens the throttle response. On the downside, at motorway speeds wind noise is noticeable, and the electric motor emits a synthetic whine that can become annoying in city driving.

It has a modest power output of 93bhp and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in 12.7 seconds. Its 37.3 kWh battery provides a WLTP-rated range of 165 miles – further than the similarly-priced Dacia Spring - and our 60ish mile drive returned a result of 12.8 kWh/100km compared with the official 16.3kWh/100km Leapmotor quotes.

Realistically, buyers will use the Leapmotor T03 for suburban and city trips, so at this price point there should be few complaints. If they want a longer range supermini they’ll need deeper pockets as Stellantis’s Fiat 500e is almost another £10k for 25% more range. The T03 is slightly shorter than the 500e, which is useful for on-street parking.

Despite the budget price, the T03 comes with a generous array of standard features. Leapmotor has kept the T03’s sales strategy simple. There is only one trim level on offer, with the one battery size and power output, but it is generously equipped, with a panoramic sunroof, digital displays, voice control, a Bluetooth key with access via a smartphone, 10 driver assistance functions including adaptive cruise control and an electric parking brake.

Inside, it’s far from the last word in opulence, but T03’s interior is respectable, well-built and roomier than some might think. Hard, scratchy plastics line most of the dashboard and door trims, no surprise there, but the dash has the feel and resemblance of a more upmarket Suzuki Swift – cheap and practical but with a greater sense of style.

There isn’t great legroom in the back for adults, but headroom is consistently good from the front to rear of the car. A couple of children would likely feel at home back there.

A few niggles aside, the Leapmotor T03 is a thoroughly decent car. It doesn’t have the sheen or character of some rivals, particularly the Fiat 500e, but offers dealers a great low-cost option to market to the EV-curious.

Does it feel as cheap as it is? Honestly, no. It only has a three-year warranty, which could be troubling given that it’s a new player in the market, and if the government were to slap a lofty set of new tariffs on the T03 to bump its price up then it would make it a harder sell.

But the Leapmotor T03 will appeal to buyers seeking those zero emission and running cost benefits for a sticker price that won’t break the bank.