KATHMANDU: Customs duties on electric vehicles (EVs) in Nepal are calculated based on motor power-just like engine displacement (cc) for petrol and diesel vehicles. To keep prices low, EV importers often opt for smaller motors, typically around 99 kW, to reduce import taxes. However, both the Leapmotor C10 and the Proton e.MAS 7 come equipped with powerful 160 kW motors. Despite this, they are priced competitively compared to rivals with smaller motors. With similar price tags and overall size, these two SUVs make for a close comparison. Here we compare these two cars to determine which gives consumers more value for money.
Both Leapmotor C10 and Proton e.MAS 7 are electric SUVs originating from China. The C10, produced by Leapmotor, is imported to Nepal by Shangrila Motors, a company linked to the European automotive group Stellantis. Meanwhile, the e.MAS 7, manufactured by Proton-a Malaysian automaker with Geely as a stakeholder-is distributed in Nepal by Jagdamba Motors.
Dimensions
The C10 measures 4,739 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width and 1,680 mm in height. It has a wheelbase of 2,825 mm and a ground clearance of 190 mm-well-suited to Nepal’s rougher roads. It comes with a 435-liter boot and 20-inch wheels.
The e.MAS 7 is slightly smaller at 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width and 1,670 mm in height. Its wheelbase is 2,750 mm, which is 75 mm shorter than the C10’s, and it offers 175 mm of ground clearance. However, it makes up for that with a larger 461-litre boot and 19-inch wheels.
Battery and Performance
Both vehicles are powered by 160 kW motors, delivering 215 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. The C10 features a 69.9 kWh battery that provides a WLTP-certified range of 420 km. It supports fast charging through an 84 kW DC charger.
The Proton e.MAS 7, in its Premium variant, uses a 60.22 kWh Aegis Short Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and offers a WLTP range of 410 km. It supports faster charging from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes with a 100 kW DC charger.
Features
Inside, the e.MAS 7 features a 15.4-inch central touchscreen for infotainment, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster for the driver, and a head-up display that projects key information onto the windshield. It also comes with a sunroof, a wireless phone charger, leatherette seats, air conditioning and a premium 16-speaker sound system. Other features include ambient lighting and a power tailgate.
The C10 offers a 14.6-inch touchscreen, a 10.25-inch driver display and two wireless phone chargers. It comes with dual-zone air conditioning, ventilated leatherette seats, sunroof and a 12-speaker sound system. The car also has features like ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera and a power tailgate.
Safety
On the safety front, the Leapmotor C10 has received a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP. It features seven airbags, electronic stability and crash prevention systems, hill assist, and an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) with over 19 features, powered by 13 road-monitoring sensors.
The e.MAS 7 has also earned a 5-star rating, but from an Asian safety agency. It includes six airbags, a Level 2 ADAS with 15 smart safety features, electronic stability control, parking sensors and a 360-degree camera.
Pricing
The e.MAS 7 is slightly more affordable, costing Rs 6.799 million. The C10, which was initially launched at Rs 7.2 million is now available for Rs 6.999 million.
Finally
Both the C10 and e.MAS 7 offer excellent performance, comparable range and a wealth of modern features. The C10 has a size advantage, greater ground clearance and rear-wheel drive, making it better suited for uneven terrain. The e.MAS 7, on the other hand, stands out for its sleek design, efficient battery integration and cutting-edge tech.
In the end, choosing between these two capable SUVs depends on your priorities-whether it’s road capability, design, tech features or brand preference.
