Leapmotor T03... am I the only one?
Leapmotor T03... am I the only one?
Author
Discussion

SirGriffin

Original Poster:

250 posts

95 months

Friday 19th December 2025
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Yes, I thought it would draw some lively responses! smile

But you can still find enjoyment in different aspects of motoring - I've had 2 Alfa Romeo's, so I think I qualify as a petrol head.

But in the same way that the reward from driving a Silver Shadow is from the delicacy of the controls, and not destroying apex's with it, there is a subtle pleasure to be had from the inherent refinement of rolling along the road quietly, silently waiting at junctions, and smoothly gliding through busy urban areas with something soothing on the sound system.

Werther's Original entirely optional.

Richard-390a0

3,415 posts

118 months

Friday 19th December 2025
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Well done for posting & dealing with some of the comments in a good humoured fashion. It wouldn't be my choice of car (be boring if we all wanted / needed the same wouldn't it!?) but it's been interesting to read your ownership review all the same. I hope your new car serves you well.

boyse7en

8,104 posts

192 months

Friday 19th December 2025
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It's not a looker, is it...Looks like a cross between a Fiat 500 and a Capybara .

But on the plus side it sounds like a decent "getting around" car. Would be a decent ride for my partner, who has no interest in clipping apexes or smoking tyres but needs to get to friends/shops/gym on a regular basis.

MC Bodge

28,677 posts

202 months

Friday 19th December 2025
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Sir Griffin said:
Werther's Original entirely optional.
I'd assumed (expected) that they were standard equipment.

The cheapskates.

Peanut Gallery

2,704 posts

137 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2025
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Just to add I saw one driving around Aberdeen recently, I really liked the look of it. Lots of glass, small turning circle, capable of keeping up with traffic, small, enough range for most daily driving.

Yeah, its not going to be a motorway cruiser, but a number of people never go near a motorway - Elderly person near me is wondering why her little polo is giving grief, she probably averages 10 miles a day, done in 10 different trips.

Please do keep us updated.

SirGriffin

Original Poster:

250 posts

95 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2025
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Keep us updated, eh?

Well the latest update is er...nothing really. Nothing has broken/fallen off or otherwise failed to function. Which was the whole point of me getting it - it's my first ever new car, after a lifetime of fixing older models.

It's done about 1400 miles in 5 weeks - far more than I expected to do, and all of them quiet and comfortable.

I'm even warming to the looks...

I purchased a set of mats from eBay for it, as the genuine ones are a ridiculous £90 plus from the manufacturer - they'd need to be made of finest cashmere, sewn with gold thread at that price.

I ordered a screen protector for the main screen, as it seemed sensible to protect it from scratches etc, however I managed to break it applying it, so that went well. I haven't got round to ordering another one to try again...

Otherwise, it's a very good little car, that punches well above it's weight in terms of capabilities. I'm already planning a road trip early next year...

MC Bodge

28,677 posts

202 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2025
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The Telegraph (not mine, it was at my in-laws' house!) reviewed a bigger Leapmotor at the weekend. They gave it a slating, but that may have been due to it being Chinese and EV?

SirGriffin

Original Poster:

250 posts

95 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2025
quotequote all
Yes there likely some reais to the Chinese brands.

I'm not blind to the potential issues - if they are to be taken seriously, they really will have to ensure proper backup and service.

There have been been reports of charging issues with some of the Leapmotor's, but mines been fine. The important thing is that the manufacturer has listened, and an ota update is due imminently to resolve it. A recent update already sorted previous issues with the ADAS suite. This is the kind of response often lacking with the European brands, who must be quaking in their boots.


crofty1984

17,057 posts

231 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2025
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SirGriffin said:
Not when you consider the better finish and equipment levels. Just watch the numerous YouTube videos of them shutting the doors on both cars to see the difference...and the Spring got 1 star crash rating. In fairness though, the T03 hasn't yet been tested by NCAP.

One loud criticism has been the lack of Android Auto/Carplay, can't see the issue about it personally as the built in satnav is fine, and you can Bluetooth your music/phone calls. But, we're told that Android Auto is arriving via an update soon, likely January, for those for whom it's a deal breaker.
That would totally be a deal breaker for me, I've even retrofitted it into my 40 year old Lotus!
I think something like this would really suit my parents for their next car.
I had an e-golf for a while and think EV works for a lot of people.

SirGriffin

Original Poster:

250 posts

95 months

Tuesday 23rd December 2025
quotequote all
crofty1984 said:
SirGriffin said:
Not when you consider the better finish and equipment levels. Just watch the numerous YouTube videos of them shutting the doors on both cars to see the difference...and the Spring got 1 star crash rating. In fairness though, the T03 hasn't yet been tested by NCAP.

One loud criticism has been the lack of Android Auto/Carplay, can't see the issue about it personally as the built in satnav is fine, and you can Bluetooth your music/phone calls. But, we're told that Android Auto is arriving via an update soon, likely January, for those for whom it's a deal breaker.
That would totally be a deal breaker for me, I've even retrofitted it into my 40 year old Lotus!
I think something like this would really suit my parents for their next car.
I had an e-golf for a while and think EV works for a lot of people.
Apparently Android auto will be added via the ota due in a week or so, so problem solved. But personally it's not a problem for me, and despite complaints about the inbuilt sat nav, I've not had any issues with it. It may different, but that's not the same as being "bad."

SirGriffin

Original Poster:

250 posts

95 months

Wednesday 24th December 2025
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An update!

I have finally achieved my efficiency goal, and am currently achieving 5.1 pkwh! Woo!

Now repeat after me class: " nothing has broken or fallen off..."

Next bit of exciting news - apparently there's an OTA update on the horizon, to fix things that I haven't had any problems with, but others have apparently. I've never felt so techy in my life... smile

ScoobyChris

2,298 posts

229 months

Thursday 25th December 2025
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Saw one of these in our village yesterday and had to do a double take as it looked much better in the flesh (face is much less pronounced!).

MDMA .

10,517 posts

128 months

Thursday 25th December 2025
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SirGriffin said:
And some people with solar panels can charge almost for free - these can be extremely cheap cars to run indeed.

Edited by SirGriffin on Thursday 18th December 07:42
I gave my local petrol station £10k cash the other year. I haven’t paid a penny for topping up since.

Mr Tidy

30,680 posts

154 months

Thursday 25th December 2025
quotequote all
Peanut Gallery said:
Lots of glass,
Did you not notice those tiny windows in the back doors?

Mikebentley

8,528 posts

167 months

Thursday 25th December 2025
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Not my cup of tea I think the front could be better resolved as it looks like a Daewoo Matiz mated with a Perodua Nippa.
I have ICE and EV and fully respect your choice. If it’s fulfilling your needs it means it’s working perfectly and I wish you many safe miles.

SirGriffin

Original Poster:

250 posts

95 months

Thursday 1st January
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Forget the Porches, BMW'S etc on this site, this is the update you're all waiting for!

Er...I had to put air in a tyre. That's it.

Now repeat after me, class: " nothing else has broken or fallen off."

I went for a weekend away and it handled the long trip really well, except the adaptive cruise control, which is a bit rubbish, however that's a well documented issue and you can switch it to standard cruise control, so we'll forgive that.

Still motoring on...whoosh!

MC Bodge

28,677 posts

202 months

Thursday 1st January
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But how fast around the Nurburgring?

200Plus Club

13,262 posts

305 months

Thursday 1st January
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It's the Austin Allegro of its day.

Konan

2,630 posts

173 months

Thursday 1st January
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SirGriffin said:
Now repeat after me, class: " nothing else has broken or fallen off."
As much as I get that your keen to head off the immediate 'Chinese tat' comments, maybe set the bar a little higher than one month before being pleased a brand new car is proving reliable.

hidetheelephants

34,986 posts

220 months

Thursday 1st January
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200Plus Club said:
It's the Austin Allegro of its day.
It's been assembled by Bobs?