Leapmotor B03X First Drive Review

In a sardine-packed, tiny country like Singapore, compact cars are always a welcome. From hatchbacks and compact sedans to crossovers and compact SUVs, these genre of cars offer manoeuvrability and convenience - whether it's around town or on highways. 

Car in question is the Leapmotor B03X that you see here, also known as the A10 in China, and this compact SUV faces stiff competition such as the Aion UT as well as the BYD Atto 2. Hence, big question is: Is this the kind of car that your neighbour brags about, or is it the kind of car they wish they had bought?

The Leapmotor B03X has an appearance that will appeal to many

Looks that last long

While the Aion UT offers ample comfort and the BYD Atto 2 brings about high specifications, the Leapmotor B03X approaches audience in a rather pragmatic manner. Think of the compact SUV as a sensible pair of shoes that is starting to look cool.

On first glance, the B03X has an appealing disposition of sorts, rather calm, clean and confident. It neither shouts nor screams, unlike other electric cars (EVs) we've encountered. Instead, it speaks clearly in full sentences, with a design that's clean and contemporary, doing without any complex lighting signatures. In short, it's the kind of car that you won't be embarrassed to park outside your office or when meeting a client. 

In that sense, I suppose the designers from Leapmotor understands that buyers do want a car that looks good for 10 years, and not something that dates faster than a casual tech product.

Space should not be an issue for all five on board

Cabin that remains calm

Speaking of tech, on the inside, you'll be faced with a 14.6-inch infotainment system that's easy on the eyes and responsive to the fingers. As with most modern Chinese-made cars today, the screen is sharp and crisp. You'll also be faced with an 8.9-inch instrument cluster where you'll find all the information you need to know about the car. 

Importantly, the B03X hasn't fallen into the trap of burying everything in the touchscreen. Core functions such as air-con vents are still physical by nature, as with steering wheel adjustments. Unfortunately, rear passengers do not get any air-con vents, which can be a fuss in Singapore. 

Elsewhere, from what I can see during my short stint with the car, is that head and legroom is sufficient of three full-sized Singaporeans adults while there is a generous 602-litres of boot space. Knock the seats down and the space increases more than twice to 1,549 litres

Headroom (as you can see here) will not be a problem while boot space is sufficient for your daily barang barang

Drive that continues to be comfortable

On the go, the Leapmotor compact SUV isn't shabby at all. While the specifications for Singapore aren't confirmed yet, there are two options for the China market. Locals here get to choose from a 39.8kWh or 53kWh battery, providing a range of about 400km and 500km respectively on a full charge. 

On top of that, the Chinese are able to choose between a 121bhp or a 94bhp variant, both of which are capable of 150Nm of twisting force. As such, the zero to 100km/h sprint ranges from 10.5 seconds to 12 seconds.

During my time with the car, it's clear that ride comfort is tuned towards compliance and comfort, though rear occupants may feel vibrations intruding the cabin over harsher bumps. Steering and handling remain to be predictable and convenient, rather than sporty for sport's sake. 

The Leapmotor B03X should arrive to our shores in the fourth quarter of this year

Product that persists humility

All in, I reckon the Leapmotor B03X isn't trying to reinvent electrification. Instead, it manages to redefine the idea of what is affordable. Sure, this may not apply in Singapore, no thanks to our COE system, but it manages to showcase what a modern EV should be. It's the kind of car that's practical without being boring. The kind that's tech-savvy without being a smug. The kind that's stylish without having to scream about something it's not.

Hence, in a market full of overstyled products and overpriced promises, the B03X feels like a breath of fresh, sensibly conditioned air. It won't be the kind of car that your neighbour brags about, but it could well be the kind of car they wish they had bought.

The Leapmotor B03X should arrive in Singapore by the fourth quarter of this year.