New Chinese Brand Makes SA Debut with Lepas L4

There is currently no shortage of Chinese brands on the new car market. And that list expanded today with the addition of the Lepas L4 into the local listings. The name Lepas blends leap and passion. It is the latest in a number of brands that have been introduced by the Chery Automobile group. As a reminder we have Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo and now Lepas. There is also Jetour, but that isn’t handled by the Chery group in SA, although it is owned by the same parent company. Still with us? Good.

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Standing Oout

Lepas is billed as a premium-leaning, export-only SUV line. In terms of positioning, Lepas sits at the top of the current Chery line-up. Where models such as the Tiggo 4 are aimed at new buyers and families, the Lepas L4 is aimed at global trendsetters seeking individuality. As a result it differentiates itself by a unique design language that the company describes as ‘Leopard Aesthetic’. That design language translates to slim headlamps, a chrome grille and 17-inch alloy wheels. and curvy flanks.

The cabin of the Lepas L4 features, the now almost standard, dual digital screens. The centre unit is a 13.2-inch portrait touchscreen for the infotainment system. Standard specification is high, with leather-feel seats and steering wheel and a sunroof.

Standard Fare

The L4, in all likelihood, shares its underpinnings with siblings from within the Chery group, such as the Tiggo 4. As a result is measures just over 4,4 m in length, 1,8 m wide and 1,6 m in height. A wheel base of 2,7 m should translate to a decent level of cabin space for occupants front and rear.

Sponsored

From a mechanical point of view the Lepas L4 is pretty standard Chinese fare. A 1,5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine is the only option for now. It produces 108 kW of power and 225 N.m of torque. A six-speed dual-clutch, automatic transmission sends all that power to the front axle.

There is also a naturally aspirated engine for the entry-level derivative. This engine is also a 1,5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit. It develops 80 kW and 148 N.m. A five-speed manual transmission is the only choice of transmission with this engine.

L4 Pricing and Range

There are three derivatives in the Lepas L4 range. The aforementioned manual version and the two versions with the turbocharged motor. The manual variant is referred to as Amur with the Javan and Pantera having more powerful engines and increasingly levels of specification.

Amur – R299 900
Javan – R369 900
Pantera – R419 900