Chery is ready to launch one other new model in Australia with the arrival of Lepas in the center of subsequent yr.
However what’s Lepas, you could effectively ask? And what is going to set it other than the Chinese language automaker’s different spin-off manufacturers like Jaecoo and Omoda?
Nicely, Lepas (a portmanteau of Leaping and Ardour and subsequently pronounced Leap-Ass) will change into the group’s fashion-forward model with a extra vibrant and chic vibe about it.
The boldest of the 4 Chery manufacturers will give attention to distinctive shapes, brilliant colors and inventive interiors to attraction to trend-setters and the next feminine skew in comparison with the mainstream, value-focused Chery model.
In distinction, Jaecoo follows a more durable, city/off-road theme, whereas Omoda goals to attraction to style-driven clients who need one thing sportier and extra expressive. These two manufacturers are twinned in markets like Australia, the place they’re offered in the identical showrooms.
Lepas is anticipated to be launched domestically beginning with this – the 2026 Lepas L8 – a five-seat mid-size SUV with an prolonged wheelbase and plug-in hybrid powertrain. Will probably be joined not lengthy after by two smaller SUVs, the L4 and L6.
Till then, we obtained to pattern the L8 with an unique first drive throughout a flying go to to Chery’s headquarters in Wuhu, China, final week.
Observe: We have been provided a restricted set of pictures for this evaluation, which is why now we have leaned closely on advertising imagery
How a lot does the Lepas L8 value?
Chery continues to be months away from finalising particulars of its launch plans for Lepas, and subsequently it hasn’t launched any concrete details about pricing or specs for the L8.
However we all know it’s primarily based on the identical platform because the Tiggo 7 Tremendous Hybrid mid-size SUV, which arrived in Australian showrooms just lately, priced from $39,990 drive-away for the base-level City and $43,990 drive-away for the flagship Final.
The L8 is anticipated to command a value premium over the Tiggo 7 and sit someplace between it and the higher-tech, all-wheel drive Omoda 9 – most likely at round $50k – because of its vary of distinctive options, unique exterior design parts, and an upgraded two-tone inside.
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What’s the Lepas L8 like on the within?
Right here’s the factor concerning the Lepas L8 – it’s all about making a extra upmarket aesthetic by color, consolation and comfort, relatively than any vital mechanical variations between it and the Tiggo 7.
So, the inside design and remedy will dictate a variety of its attraction, and subsequent success.
And I’ve to say it does a fairly good job at it, notably with the two-tone black and Tiffany Inexperienced configuration of the check automobile we drove in China, which definitely makes it stand other than its mainstream sibling.Â
It is likely to be a bit too garish for some, however others will find it irresistible. And I feel that’s the purpose… providing one thing completely different. Past the color remedy, the general design and format are additionally completely different within the L8, with a horizontal primary part of the dashboard separated by a trendy decrease lip completed in a stripey textured sample.
The console flows upwards into the centre of the sprint through a portrait-style 13.2-inch tablet-style touchscreen outlined by refined chrome trim, and it has a separate 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, whereas the Tiggo 7 sandwiches two 12.3-inch screens collectively throughout the sprint.
There are treasured few bodily controls, save for a rotary dial for the multi-mode drive settings and necessities just like the hazard lights round it, with most capabilities managed by the touchscreen.
Fortunately, the Lepas working system is essentially just like that in different Chery fashions, providing a logical menu construction, clearly labelled phone-style widgets, and shortcuts for air flow controls throughout the underside edge.
The L8 additionally has a column-mounted gear selector in comparison with the Tiggo’s extra typical shifter, releasing up house within the centre console for a pair of cellphone holders – one with a wi-fi cellphone charging pad – two cupholders and a lidded cubby with an armrest.Â
There’s an extra open storage space underneath the console that’s sufficiently big for a purse, in addition to USB and 12V energy retailers. The entrance seats are tremendous comfy with supple cushioning and good lateral help, plus they’ve heating and air flow controls, and a good unfold of adjustment to go well with most sizes.
There’s loads of headroom throughout each rows, and acres of legroom within the again – greater than sufficient for 2 adults to stretch out comfortably. General, it’s a really nice place to be.
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The Lepas L8 shares its plug-in hybrid powertrain configuration with the Tiggo 7 Tremendous Hybrid, which pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a single-speed devoted hybrid computerized transmission, which includes an in-built electrical motor that drives the entrance wheels.
Chery – and, subsequently, Lepas – doesn’t quote mixed output figures like different automakers, however says the petrol engine by itself produces 105kW of energy and 210Nm of torque, whereas the electrical motor generates an extra 150kW and 310Nm.
Power is supplied by an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack that may present as much as 93km of zero-emissions driving vary within the Tiggo 7, which is prone to be similar for the L8.
It’s the identical for its claimed gasoline consumption determine of 1.4L/100km on the WLTP cycle.
How does the Lepas L8 drive?
The most important drawback Lepas can have is that the L8 doesn’t actually have its personal distinctive driving character.
For all intents and functions, it performs similar to the Tiggo 7 and subsequently its premium price ticket goes to should be justified purely by its brilliant exterior color palette and spacious upgraded inside.
However that’s not such a nasty factor, because the latest-generation Tiggo 7 has steered effectively past the center of the highway the place it began.
We’ll reserve closing judgement on the Lepas L8’s dynamic attributes till we get to pattern it on native roads, but it surely was comfy and competent in the course of the few hours we spent in it behind the wheel in China, on a mix of rutty city streets, super-smooth freeways, and at Chery’s check observe.
The general suspension calibration might be somewhat too tender and ponderous for many Aussie tastes, and the electrical energy steering is gentle and lifeless.Â
However that’s how the Chinese language desire their autos, and Chery understands now we have comparable calls for to European drivers when it comes to physique management and steering precision, and claims this might be taken into consideration with the ultimate chassis settings for export fashions.
What gained’t change a lot – if in any respect – is the best way the powertrain operates, which is seamless in its transition from absolutely electrical to hybrid mode, and delivers loads of punch from the e-motor when known as for.Â
It’s extra apparent to the ears when the petrol engine involves life and underneath heavy acceleration, however the engine observe shouldn’t be overly raucous or unrefined.
What do you get?
We should look ahead to a full rundown of normal gear for the Lepas L8, however it’s anticipated to return with a complete checklist of creature comforts.
Anticipated highlights embody:
- 20-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and tail-lights
- Energy home windows
- Energy-operated tailgate
- Optionally available two-tone artificial leather-based trim
- Energy adjustable entrance seats
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Heated rear seats
- Keyless entry with automated ignition
- Twin-zone local weather management with rear air vents
- Full-length panoramic sunroof
- 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Premium audio system
- Voice command
- LED ambient inside lighting
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
Is the Lepas L8 protected?
The Lepas L8 has but to be examined by an impartial NCAP security authority, though it’s anticipated to match the Tiggo 7’s five-star ANCAP ranking.
Anticipated customary security gear consists of:
- 8 airbags
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Ahead collision warning
- Adaptive cruise management
- Lane preserving help
- Blind spot detection
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Driver monitoring
- 360-degree parking show
- Entrance and rear parking sensors
How a lot does the Lepas L8 value to run?
Once more, we’ll have to attend and see whether or not Lepas does something completely different from Chery – or its Jaecoo and Omoda manufacturers – when it comes to aftersales provisions.
However it’s anticipated to not less than match Chery’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee with capped value servicing and roadside help. Or go one higher, like Jaecoo and Omoda, with an eight-year assure.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Lepas L8
The introduction of Lepas might be an attention-grabbing case research.
For those who take away the brilliant color decisions and upgraded inside, the L8 drives similar to the Tiggo 7. And for many suburban households, that might be all they need – and possibly all they should spend.
However if you happen to like to face out from the group and may launch the purse strings somewhat extra, then the L8 does really feel somewhat extra particular – particularly from the within.
Nevertheless, whether or not will probably be value the additional money is a query we’ll have to attend somewhat longer to reply.
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