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A DIFFERENT KIND OF HYBRID (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

The Leapmotor B10 looks a better proposition in this partly fossil-fuelled EV Hybrid range extender form, thinks Jonathan Crouch.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 38

Leapmotor's B10 lower-mid-sized electric crossover didn't really impress us much as a full-EV. But it makes much more sense in EV Hybrid range extender form. As, as with the EV, looks smart, is well equipped and tightly priced.

Backgroundword count: 107

So you've decided. For your next compact family SUV, you don't want the range anxiety of an EV. Hybrids aren't frugal enough. And Plug-in Hybrids are too expensive. Doesn't leave you too many options does it? Except perhaps for this car, the Leapmotor B10 Hybrid EV. This version of the Chinese maker's B10 isn't fully electric - you can't plug it in. But it's arguably more full-electric in everyday operation than a Plug-in Hybrid model would be. Without the expensive price tag you normally get with a PHEV. All of this is thanks to Leapmotor's range extender technology. Which is what we're going to check out here.

Driving Experienceword count: 256

This Hybrid EV version of the B10 uses a 1.5-litre petrol generator unit paired with a 28.4kWh battery capable of around 53 miles of EV range - and (if the 50-litre fuel tank is topped up) as much as 559 miles between stops once the combustion element is factored in. Total output is 218hp. The B10 Hybrid EV offers a number of different drive modes which allow you to select when you want the engine generator to engage. It can cut in automatically when the battery's at 9%, 25% or 80%. Or you can force the engine generator to run continually in order to extract the maximum performance from the powertrain. That performance is slightly blunted by the fact that this Hybrid EV B10 weighs 10kgs more than the EV model; and the 0-62mph time is about a second slower. We can't imagine that would be a deal breaker. As usual with the brand, a greater issue is the over-intrusive nature of the many ADAS systems, particularly the lane keep assist system, which tugs away at the wheel when it has no business in doing so; it's fortunate that you can disable many of them with a provided shortcut button on the steering wheel. But Chinese makers really should be better at this sort of thing by now. Around town, the rear-driven format aids an ultra-tight 10.7-metre turning circle. Leapmotor also includes a 'Comfortable Stop' feature for smoother braking; and Hill Descent Control, which might help in the depths of winter on a steep slippery driveway.

To see the full road test text contact us on 0330 0020 227