New Lepas L4 SUV priced at just R299 900

L4 opens Lepas’ product range in South Africa. Picture: Supplied. China’s newest vehicle brand to these shores, Lepas, has launched in South Africa with the first of three planned models.

Founded last year as a means of bridging the gap betweenCheryandOmoda, the brand describes itself as premium, elegant, sophisticated and technology driven. The Lepas name is derived from “leap” and “passion” – the former referencing a leopard – the official launch in Johannesburg this week involved the L4, which becomes the brand’s entry-level product. Later to be joined by the L6 and L8, the L4 slots in between the most affordable Chery Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo Cross, with a line-up comprising three derivatives.

On the specification front, the three-model line-up comprises a trio of new trim level denominators; the base Amur, mid-range Javan and the top-spec Pantera. In terms of spec, the Amur comes standard with the following: Taking care of safety and driver assistance assist are: Building on this, the Javan swaps the 16-inch wheels for 17-inch alloys and the 8.8-inch display for the flagship 13.2-inch. Also gone are the halogen headlights, replaced by LEDs, and the fabric seats, which are now a combination of fabric and imitation leather.

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Completing the range, the Pantera receives a six-speaker sound system, voice control, roof rails, push-button start and imitation leather upholstery. Electric and ventilated front seats, a sunroof, rain sense wiper, support for a dashcam and folding electric mirror round the features list off. The full suite of driver and safety assistance systems include:

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