KATHMANDU: The Leapmotor C10, the brand’s first SUV in Nepal, has completed one year in the market. In that time, around 449 units have been sold across the country.
The C10 gained quick popularity for its large size, nearly 400 km range, premium seats, 20-inch wheels, and a powerful 160 kW motor. Its design also stands out with flush-type door handles and a body shape that gives it a traditional SUV look with a modern luxury touch.
The C10 is considered one of the more affordable electric SUVs. Initially launched at Rs 69.99 lakh, its price has now been adjusted to Rs 6.499 million, a reduction of Rs 500,000.
15,000 km test drive experience
We test-drove one of the two demo vehicles brought to Nepal a year ago. Despite being used for over 15,000 km as a test drive car, there was almost no noticeable difference in performance. The range, power, and overall driving experience remained consistent.
Inside, the dashboard, seats, and body paint still looked new. Although we expected minor issues due to heavy test use, the vehicle performed smoothly throughout the drive.
The route covered Kathmandu–Kulekhani–Hetauda–Chandrapur–Birgunj and back to Kathmandu, roughly 400 km. Even at speeds up to 160 km/h, the cabin stayed quiet with no vibration or noise from the body.
The C10 also handled mild off-road sections comfortably, showing that it suits Nepal’s mixed road conditions.
Spacious and feature-rich
The C10 comes with five seats and offers generous legroom and headroom. Storage space is also well-planned.
As Leapmotor’s first global model, it includes several advanced features like ADAS 2.0, adaptive LED headlights, wireless charging, 12 speakers, and a panoramic sunroof.
Safety and strength
The C10 holds a 5-star safety rating from the Australian NCAP. Its strong cell-to-chassis (CTC) design provides solid protection and stability. The SUV can tow up to 1,500 kg and includes vehicle-to-load functionality. The cabin is also well soundproofed, keeping outside noise minimal.
Minor drawbacks
To keep prices competitive, some features have been trimmed. For instance, the front passenger seat does not get a grab handle, which feels like a small cost-cutting measure.
The suspension works best on smooth roads, offering a firm and confident feel. However, on rough or uneven roads, it feels slightly stiff. The setup includes a MacPherson strut at the front and a multi-link independent suspension at the rear.
Overall, the Leapmotor C10 continues to perform impressively even after 15,000 km offering strong value, comfort, and reliability in Nepal’s EV SUV segment.
