Lepas is continuing its South African expansion with the introduction of the new L6.
Image: Supplied
Lepas is continuing its South African expansion with the introduction of the new L6, a midsize SUV that aims to combine premium styling, modern technology and a generous list of standard features at what is expected to be a competitive price point.
It follows the launch of the smaller L4 and forms part of Chery's strategy to establish Lepas as a more premium brand.
While the L6 shares its underpinnings with existing Chery products, it has been given its own identity with distinctive styling, an upmarket interior and a strong emphasis on technology.
We got a sneak peak and test drive before its official launch at the end of July while pre-orders are currently being taken.
The L6 adopts a clean, elegant approach with slim LED headlamps connected by a wide curved grille with chrome detailing which I’m not particularly fond of.
My view is obviously not gospel, but I prefer the look of some of the other Chery products.
A full-width LED light bar stretches across the tailgate while 19-inch alloy wheels and subtle satin-finish exterior trim complete the package.
Measuring just over 4.6 metres in length, the L6 slots into one of South Africa's most fiercely contested SUV segments.
Inside the dashboard is dominated by a large 13.2-inch portrait-style infotainment screen and a clean centre console with very few physical buttons as we’ve come to expect with many new cars.
Premier soft-touch materials, leather upholstery and ambient lighting lift the cabin above some of the competitors.
The front seats are electrically adjustable with heating and ventilation. A large panoramic sunroof with an electric blind and powered tailgate also form part of the standard specification.
Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom thanks to the relatively long wheelbase with ample space for taller adults, even behind the driver’s seat set for me.
They also get an air vent, two cup holders and type-A and type-C USB ports.
The boot offers 435-litres of space with a three position adjustable floor and at its lowest setting provides more than enough space for taller objects like a cool box.
There’s a space-saver marie biscuit spare wheel rather than a full sized one, but it’s a lot better than just a puncture repair kit.
The dashboard is dominated by a large 13.2-inch portrait-style infotainment screen and a clean centre console.
Image: Supplied
The touchscreen infotainment system is wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible, paired with a fully digital instrument cluster. You get voice control, wireless smartphone charging and multiple USB charging points.
The 450-degree high-definition camera system provides a normal surround-view image but also displays what's happening underneath the vehicle.
For now the South African L6 will be powered by Chery's familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.
In the L6 it produces 108kW and 285Nm paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission driving the front wheels.
Lepas has also confirmed that plug-in hybrid and fully electric versions form part of its global product strategy, although there is no indication yet of when, or if, those derivatives will reach South Africa.
The Lepas L6 is powered by Chery's1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 108kW and 285Nm.
Image: Supplied
The L6 isn’t the most dynamic of Chery’s offerings and needs quite a bit of throttle input to get the engine to respond accordingly.
There’s some turbo lag on take-off, and you need to be careful not to be too enthusiastic if it doesn’t respond immediately.
Once it gets going there’s enough power to move along effortlessly on the regular suburban drives made more comfortable by the premier feel of the cabin.
Joining highways I used Sport Mode to improve response and also to pass slower traffic. In Normal Mode and loaded with passengers and luggage I believe you will have to plan passing maneuvers carefully.
Steering is light and a touch vague but I doubt it will be a deal breaker for owners.
The ride though is comfortable and makes up for the lack of urgency while the dual-clutch transmission shifts gears effortlessly.
It comes with an extensive list of driver assistance systems, including 19 Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Traffic Sign Recognition and multiple airbags.
Thankfully the systems are not overly intrusive and they can be adjusted or switched off completely.
Official pricing will be released on launch but it is expected to be between the R450,000 and R600,000 mark depending on the specification level putting it in the crosshairs of the Volkswagen Tiguan, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Territory.