- Leapmotor is able to increase its lineup with a brand new five-door hatchback.
- The Lafa 5 is predicted to share its underpinnings with the B10 crossover.
- The absolutely electrical mannequin will probably be unveiled on the IAA Mobility Present subsequent week.
A brand new participant is about to affix Europe’s compact EV hatchback scene, and it comes from a model gaining momentum. Leapmotor, backed by Stellantis, has provided a primary glimpse of its upcoming Lafa 5 earlier than the official unveiling on the IAA Mobility Present in Munich on September 9. Positioned immediately towards Volkswagen’s ID.3, it marks the corporate’s first step into the aggressive hatchback section.
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The shadowy teasers reveal a five-door silhouette with clear proportions and a sporty edge. Up entrance, the headlights carry Leapmotor’s recognizable LED design language, tying the automotive visually to the remainder of its lineup.
Design Cues with a Twist
The entrance finish with the brief hood is barely paying homage to the pre-facelifted Kia EV6, the pronounced rear shoulders ship Renault Megane vibes, whereas the full-width LED taillights on the again have a touch of Porsche (for those who squint…). We will additionally see a roof-mounted LiDar sensor that hints at superior driver help tech.
The hatchback is predicted to take a seat on the identical LEAP 3.5 structure because the B10 crossover. That platform at present helps a rear-mounted motor with as much as 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and a battery pack providing as a lot as 67.1 kWh, so the Lafa 5 will probably share related numbers.
A File Month for Leapmotor
Leapmotor shared the Lafa 5 teasers on its social media accounts, celebrating a brand new document month when it comes to gross sales. The model delivered 57,066 models in August, which is an all-time excessive and represents an 88% improve in comparison with the identical month final yr.
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The corporate’s vp Cao Li described the Lafa 5 as a automotive designed for “younger individuals who refuse to settle, conform, or be abnormal.” That ambition will put it immediately in competitors not solely with the VW ID.3 but in addition with the Cupra Born, Peugeot E-308, Opel Astra Electrical, MG 4, BYD Dolphin, and Renault Megane E-Tech.
Extra particulars are set to be revealed when the Lafa 5 takes the stage on the Munich Motor Present subsequent week, so keep tuned for mow.