The company Lepas has expanded its model range in South Africa by introducing the new five-seater SUV, the L6. This vehicle is positioned above the more compact L4 model and features rich equipment, equipped with a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine and prices not exceeding R500,000.
The L6 is available in two variants—Javan and Pantera. The price for the Javan model is R469,900, and for the Pantera it is R499,900. Both versions use a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with 108 kW of power and 225 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed dual-clutch front-wheel-drive transmission.
The new model has dimensions of 4,554 mm in length, 1,852 mm in width, and 1,681 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. The trunk volume reaches 435 liters with the rear seats upright, and increases to 1,255 liters when the rear seats are folded in a 40:60 ratio.
The L6's powertrain is based on a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine from Chery, which develops 108 kW of power and 285 Nm of torque. Both trims are standardly equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting, roof rails, a panoramic roof, an electric tailgate, zoned climate control, and a 13.2-inch infotainment screen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard features also include 50W wireless charging and a 540-degree HD view camera.
The L6 interior is finished in artificial leather and includes electrically adjustable front seats, a digital instrument cluster, and rear passenger vents. The Javan model additionally offers heated front seats, while the Pantera is equipped with heated and ventilated front seats with lumbar support adjustment, an eight-speaker Sony audio system, and multi-color interior lighting.
The safety and driver assistance system includes front, side, and curtain airbags, ABS, electronic stability control, as well as hill start and descent assist, front and rear parking sensors, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear cross-traffic braking.
The dashboard is dominated by a large portrait 13.2-inch infotainment screen and a neat center console. The Pantera version receives a more comprehensive second-level driver assistance package, which includes adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, frontal collision warning, intelligent headlight control, and traffic jam assist.
Power is regulated through Eco, Normal, and Sport driving modes. Lepas claims a combined fuel consumption of 7.2 liters per 100 km. The SUV is equipped with a 51-liter fuel tank and independent rear suspension.
The vehicle comes with a five-year/150,000 km warranty on the body, ten years/1,000,000 km on the engine, and a five-year service plan up to 75,000 km. A brief inspection and test drive of the L6 were conducted before the official launch. Initial impressions suggest a comfortable, high-tech SUV with light steering and smooth ride, although the turbocharged engine required some patience when starting from a standstill. More detailed driving reviews will be published separately.
The first public demonstration of the L6 will take place at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit Motor Show from August 28 to 30.
Lepas L6 Prices
Javan: R469,900
Pantera: R499,900
