Un nouveau constructeur automobile chinois débarqué en Argentine a présenté son deuxième SUV

A new Chinese automotive brand, Leapmotor, has officially launched its second SUV model, the C10, in Argentina. The vehicle is part of the Group Stellantis portfolio, which includes well-known brands such as Fiat, Peugeot, Citroën, Jeep, Ram, and DS. This marks another step in Leapmotor’s expansion into the South American market, following the introduction of the B10 model earlier this year. The C10 is positioned as a large SUV within the D-segment and features a unique powertrain system that sets it apart from conventional hybrid vehicles. The C10 operates under a Range Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) architecture, where the primary propulsion comes from an electric motor, while a 1.5-liter gasoline engine serves solely as a generator to recharge the battery when needed. This design allows the vehicle to achieve an autonomy of over 1,000 kilometers with a fully charged battery and a full fuel tank, surpassing the 900-kilometer range of the B10. This configuration eliminates one of the main challenges faced by electric vehicle users, long-distance travel without access to charging stations. Unlike traditional hybrids, where the internal combustion engine can directly drive the wheels, the C10 relies entirely on the electric motor for propulsion. The 1.5-liter engine activates only when the battery requires additional charge. The system produces 215 horsepower and 320 Newton-meters of torque, utilizing a 28.4 kWh battery. It offers up to 150 kilometers of all-electric range based on the NEDC cycle and features rear-wheel drive. The vehicle also includes a panoramic roof and four driving modes: EV+ prioritizes battery usage, EV maintains electric dominance, Fuel mode is designed for long trips preserving battery energy, and Power+ emphasizes performance. The C10 measures 4,739 millimeters in length, 1,900 millimeters in width, and 1,680 millimeters in height, with a wheelbase of 2,825 millimeters. These dimensions place it within the mid-to-large SUV category. Design elements include LED headlights, a roof bar, connected taillights with a light strip, and a ground clearance of 180 millimeters. The interior features a larger dashboard than the B10, measuring 10.25 inches compared to 8.8 inches, paired with a 14.6-inch multimedia screen offering 2,500 resolution. Practicality is emphasized through a trunk capacity of 435 liters that expands to 1,563 liters when the rear seats are folded down. The cabin includes 26 storage compartments, a panoramic roof spanning 2.1 square meters, and fully adjustable rear seats that create a space resembling a 1.8-meter-long bed. The vehicle is equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels and advanced safety features, including six cameras, six radars, and 16 driver-assistance systems (ADAS). These include adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistance, emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, fatigue detection, and distraction recognition. The car also includes seven airbags and a high-strength body structure. Safety and technology are central to the C10's appeal, alongside practical design elements. The vehicle is available in Argentina starting at US$35,500, with launch promotions offering two alternatives for customers seeking incentives. The introduction of the C10 underscores the growing influence of Chinese automotive brands in the Argentine market, where they continue to expand their presence through innovative models tailored to local consumer preferences.