Fiat has handed over fresh photos of the Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback, both due in global markets before the year is out. These compact SUVs now sit at the top of the range, larger and more practical than the Grande Panda beneath them. Affordability stays part of the pitch, and buyers get a spread of powertrain choices to pick from.

The Italian company calls the Grizzly a versatile, spacious and approachable SUV, naturally suited to family use. Read between the lines and the target is obvious. This is aimed squarely at the Dacia Bigster, itself a stretched take on the popular Duster.

More: Stellantis Puts Cheap Cars Under $30,000 Back On America’s Menu

The styling leans boxy, with sculpted surfaces and modern detailing throughout. The sharp LED headlights run down into the bumper, the grille is illuminated, the wheel arches are squared off, and the greenhouse borrows a Citroen flavor. The alloys finish the look with a futuristic edge.

The Grizzly Fastback gets a sloped roofline toward the rear and drops the roof rails of the standard version. The coupe-SUV tail brings full-width LED lights, a subtle ducktail spoiler, a recess across the bumper and tailgate, and plenty of plastic cladding.

More: Stellantis Swears Its Rebadges Won’t Be Lazy, But Only Four Brands Get 70% Of The Cash

Fiat designers seem to have found the right balance between visual separation and cost-cutting, since the two SUVs appear to share most of their body panels. On size, the company says the Grizzly duo comes in under 4.5 meters (177.2 inches) long.

While we have yet to see photos of the interior, Fiat says that the Grizzly and the Grizzly Fastback will “elevate the in-car experience through refined interiors, attention to detail, and technologies designed to simplify everyday life”. They also promise “exceptional interior space” and segment-leading cargo capacity with the latter being a strong selling point.

The new models ride on Stellantis’ Smart Car architecture, the same platform already underpinning the Fiat Grande Panda, Citroen C3, C3 Aircross, and Opel Frontera. Fiat has confirmed the Grizzly family will arrive with a full powertrain offer, from petrol to BEV. That points to the 1.2-liter engine in regular and mild-hybrid forms, plus the fully electric setup borrowed from its Stellantis stablemates.

More: Fiat’s Pandina Replacement Has Three Seats And The Driver Sits In The Middle

The Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback will be sold across several regions, including Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Depending on the market, they could act as an indirect replacement for the discontinued Fiat Tipo and the smaller Pulse and Fastback. The rollout starts in the second half of 2026, beginning with Europe and the Middle East and Africa.

Fiat CEO Olivier Francois said: “[The] Grande Panda marked the return of Fiat to affordable family movers. With Grizzly and Grizzly Fastback, we’re completing this lineup with two vehicles designed around different needs, different lifestyles, but sharing the same idea: smart, accessible and rooted in Fiat’s design DNA. Together, they bring Fiat back at the heart of the family mobility market with a complete and coherent line-up”.

Stellantis

Plenty of Chinese-market metal passes through the internet these days with no chance of crossing its home border, but the Voyah Passion S may turn out to be the exception. The Passion S could reach European buyers, and how it gets there says as much about Stellantis as the car itself. Voyah is the premium EV arm of Dongfeng, and the Passion S wears more than a hint of Xiaomi YU7 in its sheetmetal.

Voyah is still a stranger to most buyers outside China, but Stellantis has confirmed it is in talks with Dongfeng to form a new joint venture that would let it build and sell Voyah-branded models in Europe, in the same way it currently handles Leapmotor internationally. A crossover like the Passion S, which carries more European SUV cues than Chinese ones, would be a sensible way to plant the brand on local soil.

Read: After Making Leapmotor EVs In Spain, Stellantis Wants To Build Dongfengs In France Too

Previewed in a rich shade of red, the Passion S features split headlights connected by an LED light bar, black air intakes, and a black splitter. It also includes black wheel arches, a panoramic glass roof, and a prominent LiDAR. The curvaceous rear quarter panels are similar to those of the Xiaomi YU7, while a fixed carbon fiber spoiler gives it a sporty note.

Chinese media reports put the Passion S at 5,050 mm (198.8 inches) long, 1,998 mm (78.6 inches) wide, and 1,656 mm (65.1 inches) tall, riding on a generous 3,000 mm (118.1-inch) wheelbase. The car sits on 21-inch wheels behind a meaty set of brake calipers. Interior photos have yet to surface.

What About Power?

The battery spec has not been confirmed, but we do know that the Passion S will be offered in rear- and all-wheel-drive form. The base model is expected to deliver 408 hp, while the dual-motor version will offer an impressive 646 hp. While that won’t be enough to rival the Xiaomi YU7 GT with its 990 hp, it’s still more power than most customers will ever need. An 800-volt electrical architecture will allow for fast DC charging.

There’s no word on when sales of the Passion S will start in China, nor how much it will cost. If the deal between Stellantis and Dongfeng is finalized, Voyah models could be built in Europe, potentially at the Rennes plant in France, and the Passion S might be a model Stellantis decides to sell locally.

Stellantis is not letting Monday’s Alfa Romeo Giulietta news take the week. Less than 24 hours after confirming a replacement for the Giulietta compact hatch, the group has rolled out the first official images and details of the incoming Lancia Gamma, in advance of its Paris Motor Show debut in October. The new Gamma is being pitched as a crossover fastback, with hybrid and fully electric powertrains both on the menu.

The styling picks up where the new Ypsilon subcompact hatchback left off. Up front, split LED headlights and DRLs lean into the Mandalorian-helmet look the brand seems committed to, with active shutters cut into the lower bumper for cooling and aero duty.

Read: Stellantis Puts Cheap Cars Under $30,000 Back On America’s Menu

Down the sides, the surfacing is clean, the door handles sit flush in the lift from DS Automobiles, and a thin band of gloss-black cladding wraps the wheel arches. The roofline is not as aggressively raked as the Peugeot 408 or the DS No8, both of which sit on related Stellantis bones, but the Gamma still carries the coupe-SUV stance the segment now expects.

There is a deeper cut for Lancia fans too. The black trim running down the C-pillars is a subtle callback to the original Gamma Berlina fastback saloon.

Lancia

The crossover measures 4.67 m (183.9 inches) long, 1.89 m (74.4 inches) wide, and 1.66 m (65.4 inches) tall, which makes it roughly 15 cm (5.9 inches) shorter and 80mm (3.2 inches) taller than the DS No8. We keep mentioning the French fastback because the two models share the STLA Medium architecture, and both are built at the Melfi plant in Italy.

One Hybrid, Three EVs

Stellantis has confirmed an entry-level hybrid producing 143 hp (107 kW / 145 PS) with a claimed range north of 1,000 km (621 miles). It is almost certainly an electrified take on the turbocharged 1.2-liter three-cylinder used across the group, in everything from the Peugeot 208 to the Jeep Compass.

Read: Fiat’s Pandina Replacement Has Three Seats And The Driver Sits In The Middle

The rest of the Gamma lineup goes fully electric, with three outputs and battery sizes to pick from. The base EV opens the range with 227 hp (169 kW / 230 PS) and over 540 km (335 miles) of range. A step up brings 242 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) and more than 740 km (460 miles). At the top sits a dual-motor all-wheel-drive flagship producing a combined 370 hp (276 kW / 375 PS), with up to 675 km (419 miles) on a single charge.

Big Screens And A Coffee-Table Console

The interior has a similar layout to the DS No8, including what appears to be a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 16-inch infotainment display. The bigger display runs Lancia’s SALA system and absorbs the climate controls into the touch interface.

Where Lancia separates itself is the center console, anchored by the brand’s signature “tavolino” tray that takes its cues from a small coffee table. The Italian crossover also gets its own ambient lighting setup and different door cards than its French cousin, along with a three-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls.

Also: The Plant That Built Dodge’s Last Hellcat Muscle Cars Could Make Chinese EVs Next

Given where Lancia is trying to position itself, the cabin should lean upscale, and the pictured example mixes black fabric with white synthetic leather and a handful of metal-look accents. The edge of a panoramic roof peeks into the photo, and the overall shape suggests this could be the most family-friendly Lancia since the long-gone Phedra minivan.

Order books open after the summer, with pricing yet to be confirmed and more details promised over the coming months.

Lancia

Citroen is bringing back one of Europe’s most recognizable economy cars, and this time it will only look like a snail, and not accelerate like one. The legendary 2CV, or tin snail as it was affectionately nicknamed due to its 30-second zero-to 62 mph (100 kmh) time, is officially returning as a tiny electric hatch designed to put affordable mobility back on the menu for cash-strapped European buyers.

The confirmation came during Stellantis’ investor presentation in Michigan, where Citroen boss Xavier Chardon finally acknowledged what rumors have suggested for months. The famous nameplate is making a comeback, complete with styling inspired by the original car’s unmistakable curved silhouette.

Related: Fiat’s Low-Cost Pandina Replacement Has Three Seats And The Driver Sits In The Middle

According to previews shown during the presentation, the new model keeps the cheerful, rounded profile that made the original instantly recognizable. It won’t be an exact retro copy, though. Instead, Citroen appears to be blending classic proportions with design cues borrowed from newer concepts and modern EVs.

The revived 2CV debuts in concept form at this fall’s Paris Motor Show, then goes on sale in 2028 for less than €15,000 – around $17,000/£13,000 at current exchange rates. That would make the C1 replacement one of Europe’s cheapest electric cars, even undercutting the Dacia Spring, Renault Twingo and BYD’s Dolphin Surf.

Simplicity A Priority

Citroen says the project follows the same philosophy that shaped the original postwar 2CV, which famously prioritized practicality, simplicity, and low running costs over luxury or performance. Speaking during the event, Chardon said the new model would be “a true people’s car designed for real life,” and is one of seven new Citroen’s launching by 2030.

That theme fits neatly into Stellantis’ new strategy to produce smaller, less expensive electric cars in Europe. The automaker plans to build the new 2CV in Italy alongside a similarly nostalgic Fiat city car inspired by the original Panda.

Regulations Favor Affordable Cars

This isn’t just about Citroen being benevolent to drivers struggling with affordability. European regulators are considering incentives favoring smaller EVs built locally, giving automakers fresh motivation to chase the entry-level segment many brands abandoned years ago.

Renault’s recent success with retro-flavored electric models like the Renault 5 likely helped prove there’s still strong demand for nostalgic small cars with modern mechanicals. If Citroen can actually deliver a genuinely affordable, practical EV with real personality, the humble little 2CV might once again become transportation for the masses.

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Citroen

Stellantis has revealed its future product roadmap, and Fiat carries a heavier load this time around. The Italian brand is committing to 13 launches across multiple regions under a strategy called “The Sunny Road to 2030,” an unusually large bet on a marque that has spent the last decade leaning almost entirely on the 500 and the Panda.

Starting with Europe, the big news is a new compact SUV duo named the Fiat Grizzly. The model will be available in Fastback and SUV bodystyles serving as the big brother of the Grande Panda. It is designed for “affordable family transformation”, targeting rivals offerings Dacia and Skoda.

More: Stellantis Puts Cheap Cars Under $30,000 Back On America’s Menu

While the official debut of the Grizzly is scheduled for the Paris Motor Show in October, Fiat has shared the first official renderings and they are quite revealing.

The face is upright and squared off, with LED headlights running into an illuminated grille and chunky bumper intakes flanked by ribbed fender cladding. From the A-pillar back, the two body styles share doors and glasshouse, with the differences confined to the rear. The Fastback gets a sloped roofline that almost certainly trims rear headroom and cargo space, while the SUV keeps the upright tail and roof rails for buyers who actually need to use the thing.

The Grizzly duo will ride on the Smart Car architecture, which already underpins the Fiat Grande Panda, Citroen C3, C3 Aircross, and Opel Frontera. The powertrain lineup is expected to include the mild-hybrid 1.2-liter engine and fully electric options.

Review: New Fiat Grande Panda Hybrid Makes Budget Look Cool Again

The other pillar of the Fiat brand in Europe is Urban Mobility. The Topolino will be joined by a second heavy quadricycle dubbed the Quattrolino. The new model looks like a spiritual successor of the original Multipla from the ’50s, featuring a single-box silhouette and retro styling touches. While it has two doors, it’s name and silhouette hint at a four-seater layout.

Besides the existing 500 and the Tris tricycle, Fiat has also unveiled a rendering of another urban EV. The yet-unnamed model looks like a concept but could preview a future production offering riding on the STLA City architecture and serving as a replacement for the aging Pandina. It has a toy-like stance with a grille-less face and boxy LED headlights sticking out of its short nose. The interior appears to have three seats with the driver in a central position.

As for South America, Fiat targets to remain the best-selling brand in Brazil and Argentina which are crucial markets for its global sales numbers. The automaker will freshen up its lineup with an emphasis on localisation and affordability.

More: Fiat’s Compact Pickup Just Got A Glow-Up With Maserati Swagger

The headline act is the new generation of the Argo, which is the South American version of the European Grande Panda. The subcompact hatchback with the crossover stance will be joined by three new SUVs. Two of them will likely be the successors of the Pulse and the Fastback, while the third one remains a mystery.

Fiat will also double down on its pickup lineup. The Strada and the Toro unibody pickups are getting new generations, joining the larger Titano.

Stellantis used its FaSTLAne 2030 strategy update to telegraph the obvious, which is that the next five years will be busy ones for nearly every brand under its roof. The plan calls for 60 all-new products and 50 refreshes across the portfolio, and to the surprise of anyone who had written them off, Alfa Romeo and Maserati are both on the invite list.

Alfa’s contribution includes two cars that sit apart from the long-awaited replacements for the Stelvio and Giulia. One is a new C-segment SUV. The other is a limited-production halo model. Both were shown under sheets during the official presentation, though the webcast slipped in a mockup rendering of the SUV.

More: A 550 HP Inline-Six From The Charger Could End Up In Alfa’s Next Giulia And Stelvio

The yet-unnamed model has a sporty stance making us wonder if Alfa Romeo will bring back the Giulietta nameplate. It has aggressive LEDs, a larger than usual trilobo grille, and an aerodynamic roofline. Overall, it appears to bridge the gap between the subcompact Junior and the compact Tonale, potentially serving as a rival to the likes of the Cupra Formentor, VW T-Roc, and Toyota C-HR.

As with most Stellantis products, the upcoming C-SUV will most likely be offered with hybrid and fully electric powertrain options. It is also expected to get the new STLA SmartCockpit infotainment.

The other new Alfa Romeo is a “Bottega Fuoriserie” product, and a follow-up to the limited-production 33 Stradale. However, unlike the mid-engined supercar, this one appears to have a hatchback or shooting brake bodystyle. Chances are it will evoke the styling of a classic model from the Alfa Romeo history and share its underpinnings with a Maserati.

More Maserati Models

Speaking of the Trident brand, it will expand its lineup with an SUV and a grand tourer positioned in the E-Segment. The first will likely be a successor to the discontinued Levante, sitting above the Grecale which is getting a facelift soon alongside the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

More: Maserati’s Sales Collapsed, So It’s Trying The Same Cars Again With New Bumpers

The other model has a low-slung silhouette with a long hood and a grand tourer stance reminiscent of the Ferrari 12cilindri. Its sharp nose is similar to the 2016 Maserati Alfieri concept but its footprint appears to be larger. The pushed-back cabin and the sloping roofline suggest it will have a two-seater cabin unlike the 2+2 layout of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

While there is no word on technical specifications, we expect the E-Segment Maseratis to come fitted with combustion engines rather than taking the EV route.

Stellantis’ FaSTLAne 2030 strategy includes the debut of 60 new and 50 refreshed products across its brand portfolio. Luckily, Alfa Romeo and Maserati are also invited in the party, confirming a few interesting launches.

Alfa Romeo has teased a new C-SUV and a limited production halo model which are separate from the upcoming successors of the aging Stelvio and Giulia. In the official presentation, the new models were covered under a veil, but the webcast gave us a sneak peak of the SUV in a mockup rendering.

More: A 550 HP Inline-Six From The Charger Could End Up In Alfa’s Next Giulia And Stelvio

The yet-unnamed model has a sporty stance making us wonder if Alfa Romeo will bring back the Giulietta nameplate. It has aggressive LEDs, a larger than usual trilobo grille, and an aerodynamic roofline. Overall, it appears to bridge the gap between the subcompact Junior and the compact Tonale, potentially serving as a rival to the likes of the Cupra Formentor, VW T-Roc, and Toyota C-HR.

As with most Stellantis products, the upcoming C-SUV will most likely be offered with hybrid and fully electric powertrain options. It is also expected to get the new STLA SmartCockpit infotainment.

The other new Alfa Romeo is a “Bottega Fuoriserie” product, and a follow-up to the limited-production 33 Stradale. However, unlike the mid-engined supercar, this one appears to have a hatchback or shooting brake bodystyle. Chances are it will evoke the styling of a classic model from the Alfa Romeo history and share its underpinnings with a Maserati.

More Maserati Models

Speaking of the Trident brand, it will expand its lineup with an SUV and a grand tourer positioned in the E-Segment. The first will likely be a successor to the discontinued Levante, sitting above the Grecale which is getting a facelift soon alongside the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

More: Maserati’s Sales Collapsed, So It’s Trying The Same Cars Again With New Bumpers

The other model has a low-slung silhouette with a long hood and a grand tourer stance reminiscent of the Ferrari 12cilindri. Its sharp nose is similar to the 2016 Maserati Alfieri concept but its footprint appears to be larger. The pushed-back cabin and the sloping roofline suggest it will have a two-seater cabin unlike the 2+2 layout of the GranTurismo and GranCabrio.

While there is no word on technical specifications, we expect the E-Segment Maseratis to come fitted with combustion engines rather than taking the EV route.

Stellantis just pulled the covers off a gigantic new global strategy, and buried beneath all the boring corporate jargon is something buyers will really care about. Affordable cars are back.

The company says it plans several new sensibly-priced vehicles for North America, including two models priced below $30,000, and seven coming in under $40,000, all before the decade ends.

Also: Stellantis Quietly Showed Dealers A New Chrysler Starting In The $20,000s

North America will receive 11 all-new vehicles by 2030 as part of a wider global product offensive involving more than 60 launches and 50 major refreshes. And rather than trying to push EVs to audiences that don’t necessarily want an electric car, Stellantis is still betting on a broad mix of powertrains. The company confirmed future plans include 29 EVs, 15 plug-in hybrids or range-extenders, 24 hybrids, and nearly 40 combustion or mild-hybrid vehicles.

The backbone of this new strategy is a fresh modular architecture called STLA One that will underpin more than 30 models globally. Launching in 2027, it’s designed to replace multiple existing platforms with one scalable setup, supporting everything from compact hatchbacks to midsize SUVs.

Stellantis says it’s engineered specifically for different propulsion systems and can feature steer-by-wire tech, STLA AutoDrive autonomy, and STLA Brain software architecture. It will also deliver something called STLA SmartCockpit to allow drivers more interaction with their cars, and EVs get cell-to-body battery integration to reduce cost and weight.

Related: Stellantis And JLR Want To Co-Develop And Build Cars In America

The automaker is also reshuffling its brand priorities. Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, and Fiat have now become the company’s four primary global brands and receive the lion’s share of future investment. Around 70 percent of development spending will go toward those names and the Pro One commercial vehicle business.

Other Brands Play Second Fiddle

Other brands still survive, though they’ll get what they’re given when it comes to hardware, rather than get a say in what that hardware is. Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Chrysler, Citroen, and Opel are positioned as strong regional players using shared technology and platforms. Maserati also gets a time extension with two new flagship E-segment models promised, while Lancia and DS continue operating as niche specialty brands. 

Europe’s side of the plan includes a fresh wave of compact crossovers, hybrids, and city EVs designed to better compete against Chinese rivals rapidly expanding across the continent. Those cars could include the return of the iconic back-to-basics Citroen 2CV. Stellantis is also teaming up with its long-time partner in China, Dongfeng, to build and sell Voyah-brand cars in Europe.

And earlier this week it announced it was partnering with Jaguar Land Rover to develop cars for North America, a deal that could help JLR sidestep punishing import tariffs on the European-built cars it sells in the US.

Stellantis

If you can’t beat them, join them. Stellantis keeps getting deeper into China’s automotive world, first with Leapmotor, and now with Dongfeng. Not content with building bargain-priced Leapmotors in Spain, Stellantis announced plans today for a new joint venture with long-time Chinese partner Dongfeng that could see premium Voyah-brand cars built in France for European buyers.

The proposed deal would create a Stellantis-led company split 51-49 between the two manufacturers. Its responsibilities would stretch beyond simply importing cars. The new business would oversee manufacturing, engineering, purchasing, sales and distribution activities tied to Dongfeng’s new-energy vehicles across selected European markets.

Related: Jeep’s Next EV Could Be Made In China Instead Of Ohio After Stellantis Deal

Though Stellantis hasn’t confirmed where production would take place, Autonews says Dongfeng would set up shop at the Rennes plant in Brittany, in western France. Once capable of pumping out more than 400,000 vehicles annually, the site’s output has slowed dramatically over recent years. Today it mainly builds the Citroen C5 Aircross, leaving plenty of unused capacity waiting for fresh products.

That’s where Voyah enters the picture. Dongfeng’s upscale EV brand sold relatively small numbers in Europe last quarter, but local production could completely change its prospects. Building vehicles inside Europe would help sidestep tariffs aimed at Chinese-made EVs while also satisfying increasingly important Made-in-Europe expectations.

Courage Enters Brave New World

One model being suggested as a likely production candidate is the Voyah Courage SUV (seen below). The dual-motor, 429 hp (435 PS / 320 kW) EV has a 4.9-second 0-62 mph (100 kmh) time, a claimed 292-mile (470 km) WLTP range and Chinese-made versions are already on sale in Europe.

The move also adds another twist to Stellantis’ growing dependence on Chinese EV know-how. Just last week, the company confirmed future Jeep and Peugeot electrified models will be built in Wuhan beginning in 2027 for China and export markets. That means future Jeeps sold abroad could owe plenty to China’s rapidly evolving EV ecosystem.

From M-Hero To Jeep

Jeep’s image has always played heavily on its rugged Americana and military-flavored heritage. But under Stellantis, the brand’s electric future – at least outside of the US – is tapping into Chinese technology, manufacturing and supply chains. Last year we reported on rumors that the Dongfeng M-Hero M817 SUV (seen below) could be transformed into a Jeep.

Peugeot last month showed the Concept 6 and Concept 8 sedan and SUV that previewed a sharp-looking pair of future models that will also be built in China by Dongfeng, both for domestic consumption and export to global markets.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa framed the latest deal as a natural evolution of the companies’ decades-long partnership. “With this new chapter in our collaboration, we will give our customers an even greater choice of competitive products and pricing,” he said, adding the alliance combines Stellantis’ global footprint with Dongfeng’s advanced EV expertise.

Stellantis has figured out a new way to squeeze value out of its Leapmotor partnership, and Opel is the brand getting the keys. The German automaker has confirmed plans for a new electric compact SUV built on underpinnings from the Chinese EV maker, validating reports that surfaced earlier this year.

The yet-unnamed crossover is targeted for a 2028 launch, with development running under two years from start to showroom. Styling work is being handled by Opel’s design team in Russelsheim and will lean on the brand’s current visual language. The first teaser shows a sporty SUV with large wheels, tight overhangs, and the now-familiar Opel Vizor face with integrated LED lighting.

More: Opel’s New Corsa GSE Beats Peugeot’s GTI Using Peugeot’s Own Powertrain

According to Opel CEO Florian Huettl, the new SUV will be “developed by international teams located in Germany and China”. It will use “core components of the latest Leapmotor electric architecture and battery technology”, with Opel’s input being limited to design, chassis engineering, lightning and seating technology.

Production of the upcoming EV will take place at the Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain, starting in 2028. The same facilities are the home of production for the Opel Corsa, Peugeot e-208, Lancia Ypsilon, and Leapmotor B10.

Another Opel SUV?

The new offering will expand Opel’s SUV lineup next to the Mokka, Frontera, and Grandland, targeting the highly competitive C-SUV segment in Europe.

While Stellantis didn’t get into details about its specifications, the new Opel will most likely be based on the Leapmotor B10. The electric SUV measures 4,515 mm (177.8 inches) long, slotting right in between the Frontera and the Grandland in terms of footprint.

More: Stellantis’ Cheapest New EV Is Chinese, Made In Europe, And $15K Under Its Own Peugeot

The Leapmotor B10 is fitted with a single electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and offers two battery sizes of 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh, offering a range of up to 434 km (270 miles). It will also be available with a range-extender powertrain offering a total range of up to 900 km (559 miles).

Leapmotor B10

Stellantis has stated that the Leapmotor B10 has been “rigorously tested” at the Balocco proving ground in Italy, meaning there could be differences to the setup of the EU-spec version compared to the model sold in China.

More: Stellantis To Sell Europeans A $10K Chinese SUV For Nearly Triple, And Still Undercut VW

More importantly, the Leapmotor B10 is priced from €29,900 ($35,100) in markets like Germany, France, and Spain, undercutting the rival Skoda Elroq by €4,000 ($4,700). While it is too early to talk about pricing for the Opel version, the company promises it will be an “accessible” electric vehicle, adding that the use of Leapmotor-sourced components would “significantly enhance affordability for European customers”.

The Ugly Truth

Stellantis has recently announced plans of cutting 650 engineering jobs at Opel’s historic headquarters in Russelsheim, reducing the remaining technical staff to around 1,000 people.

The site employed over 7,700 engineers back in 2017, undertaking important R&D projects for the PSA Group. Now, it has narrowed down its scope to areas like AI, software, ADAS, battery tech, and digital lighting systems. While unrelated, with the job cuts, the Leapmotor deal allows Stellantis to significantly reduce R&D expenses and the time needed to bring a new product to the market.

More: Opel And Alfa Romeo’s Next EVs May Be Built Around Chinese Tech, Not German Or Italian

Crucially, the upcoming electric SUV won’t be the only Leapmotor-based product from a Stellantis brand. According to the company “the new vehicle is intended to serve as a blueprint for efficient global collaboration” meaning it could pave the way for other similar projects in the future.

The Story Of The Joint Venture

Stellantis acquired a 21% stake in Leapmotor in October 2023, becoming the largest shareholder of the Chinese brand. The LPMI (Leapmotor International) joint venture is 51% owned by Stellantis, which has the exclusive rights of selling and producing Leapmotor products outside China.

The European rollout has been quite successful, with Leapmotor delivering 40,000 units in 2025 and kicking off 2026 with a first quarter of 24,751 registrations. Besides the Old Continent, the LPMI joint venture has expanded its activities to South America, Mexico, Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa.

Leapmotor, the Chinese EV brand that operates in Europe through its Leapmotor International joint venture with Stellantis, has just rolled out the affordable B05 hatchback, and the lineup is about to expand again. Next on the agenda is the B03X, an even more budget-friendly subcompact SUV set to land in European showrooms in autumn 2026.

The B03X’s biggest selling point will almost certainly be its sticker. According to German newspaper Handelsblatt, the EV will open at around €25,000 ($29,400), which would put it well below most European-branded rivals that tend to land closer to the €30,000 ($35,300) mark.

More: VW’s New ID. Polo Starts Under $30K And Comes With Massage Seats

To put that in perspective, the new VW ID. Polo subcompact hatchback starts at €24,995 ($29,400), while the high-riding ID. Cross is expected to open from over €28,000 ($32,900). Other rivals in the crosshairs include the Skoda Epiq, the Renault 4 E-Tech, and Stellantis’ own twins, the Citroen e-C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera Electric.

The Leapmotor B03X was first unveiled in November 2025 and is already on sale in China under the A10 name. In its home market the EV is an even wilder bargain, with prices running between ¥65,800 and ¥86,800 ($9,600 to $12,700).

More: Stellantis’ Plan For Canada Looks Less Like A Car Factory And More Like A Chinese IKEA, Says Official

Chinese buyers get a choice of two battery packs at 40 kWh and 53 kWh, paired with power outputs of 94 hp (70 kW) or 121 hp (90 kW). Every version is front-wheel drive, which lines up with most other electric SUVs in this size class.

The numbers read well on paper. CLTC range tops out at 505 km (314 miles), though the WLTP figure that Europe cares about will land lower. Leapmotor also claims the battery can recover from 30 to 80 percent in 16 minutes.

On the outside, the 4,270 mm (168.1 inch) long SUV plays it safe with soft curves and styling that won’t turn any heads. The cabin is where it gets more interesting. Leapmotor is promising space and practicality, with rear seats that flip up Honda Jazz style and a 602-liter (21.3 cubic foot) boot that hides a washable underfloor compartment, much like the Ford Puma.

More: Stellantis Turns A Tiny Chinese Hatch Into A Delivery Van That’s Light On The Van Part

There is also a panoramic sunroof, ambient lighting, and a 14.6-inch infotainment display powered by the high-end Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295 chipset. In China, high-spec trims of the SUV come equipped with a LiDAR-based ADAS suite, although we don’t know if those will make it to Europe.

Made In Spain

While the A10 rolls off the line at Leapmotor’s Hangzhou plant in China, the B03X will be built in Spain alongside the European-market B05 hatchback and B10 SUV. Local production sidesteps the EU’s tariffs on Chinese imports, which keeps the sticker low and turns the little crossover into a headache for Western automakers who thought tariffs would buy them more time.

As European EV buyers grow more price-sensitive, new entrants are finding sharper ways to undercut established players without giving up headline specs. Stellantis is putting its strategic partnership with Leapmotor to work, launching the new B05 across Europe as a fully electric hatch aimed squarely at the freshly updated VW ID.3 Neo. A hotter Ultra variant will follow, with the next GTI in its sights.

Aggressive Pricing

The Leapmotor B05, known as the Lafa 5 in China, first appeared in Europe last September at the Munich Auto Show, then a static prototype. It is now on sale in European markets, priced in Italy from €26,900 ($31,500) to €30,900 ($36,200) before local incentives.

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This places the entry-level version €9,600 ($11,200) below the pre-facelifted VW ID.3 in Italy. The Leapmotor B05 also comes in €11,450 ($13,400) under the Renault Megane E-Tech and €13,080 ($15,400) less than Stellantis’ own Peugeot E-308 in the same market.

The EU-spec Leapmotor B05 is currently being assembled at Stellantis’ Figueruelas plant in Zaragoza, Spain. Producing the car locally allows the company to avoid steep EU tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, helping it land at a price point that undercuts even the now-discontinued MG4.

Competitive Specs

Measuring 4,430 mm (174.4-inch) long, the EV rides on Leapmotor’s “LEAP 3.0” architecture and uses Cell-to-Chassis (CTC) technology. This setup integrates the battery into the structure, improving rigidity. The company also claims a 50:50 weight distribution and notes that the suspension was co-tuned with Stellantis’ global engineering teams.

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European buyers can choose between two LFP battery packs: a 56.2 kWh Pro unit with a WLTP range of 401 km (249 miles), or a 67.1 kWh Pro Max pack offering up to 482 km (300 miles). DC fast charging peaks at 174 kW, allowing a 30-80% charge in as little as 17 minutes.

The Leapmotor B05 is fitted with a rear-mounted electric motor offering 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque. For those seeking better performance, the upcoming B05 Ultra bumps the output figures to 241 hp (180 kW / 245 PS) and 255 Nm (188 lb-ft), combined with a lowered suspension, fatter anti-roll bars, beefier brakes, a more aggressive bodykit, and performance tires.

Generous Equipment

Despite its budget pricing, the Leapmotor B05 is packed with tech. The entry-level Life trim has a comprehensive list of standard equipment, including a 14.6-inch touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, an AI-powered voice assistant with facial recognition, dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree camera, a panoramic glass roof, and a full ADAS suite.

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The flagship Design trim adds 19-inch alloy wheels instead of 18-inch units, along with a heated steering wheel and heated, ventilated seats trimmed in eco-leather. It also brings 256-color ambient lighting that reacts to music, plus a more advanced ADAS package.

The B06 Ultra has not yet been detailed for Europe, though the Chinese version includes a front splitter, side skirts, a rear spoiler, and a rear diffuser, along with unique 19-inch wheels. Inside, it adds sport seats with a massaging function, suede-style upholstery, and LiDAR-based driver assistance systems.

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In China, the Leapmotor Lafa 5 is even cheaper compared to its EU-spec B05 twin, currently priced between ¥90,800-114,800 ($13,300-16,800). The Lafa 5 Ultra sits at the top of the lineup, priced between 118,800-124,800 ($17,400-18,300). However, it is worth noting that the entry-level variants of the Chinese-spec model have lower output and a smaller battery pack.

Stellantis is broadening its lineup with a slightly left-field addition, rolling out a last-mile delivery vehicle for Europe through its Leapmotor joint venture, based on the tiny T03. Its compact footprint makes it well suited to the cramped streets of Europe’s city centers, backed by a zero-emission powertrain and pricing pitched to keep fleet buyers interested.

As with most LCV conversions of existing models, the T03 has been reworked into a two-seat van. The rear bench is gone, replaced by a 657 lt (23.2 cubic feet) cargo area. Access comes via the tailgate and rear doors, though the openings are predictably tight.

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Payload is less convincing. It is rated at just 220 kg (485 lbs), which limits what it can realistically carry. Then again, this is more about parcels and city drops than shifting bags of cement, so for its intended job, it may be enough.

Inside, it’s better equipped than you’d expect from something pitched at delivery duty. You get an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen, and a full suite of ADAS features.

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On the outside, the five-door hatchback is unchanged from the standard Leapmotor T03, measuring 3,620 mm (142.5 inches) long. The LCV version sets itself apart with 15-inch steel wheels finished in black, while the color choices are limited to Caribbean Blue, Light White, and Canopy Grey.

Power comes from a single electric motor producing 95 hp (70 kW) and 158 Nm (116.5 lb-ft) of torque, identical to the passenger model. A 37.3 kWh battery delivers up to 256 km (159 miles) of WLTP range, with support for 45 kW DC fast charging.

According to Stellantis, “production finalization” for European markets will take place at the Mirafiori plant in Turin. In reality, that likely means the LCV conversion is handled there, as the Leapmotor T03 itself continues to be built in Jinhua, China, after plans for production at the Tychy plant in Poland were quietly dropped.

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Orders for the Leapmotor T03 LCV will open in select EU markets later this month, with the first deliveries expected to land this summer.

Pricing starts at €14,590 ($17,100) excluding VAT, putting it among the most affordable commercial vehicles on sale in Europe. Stellantis is not new to the small EV game either, already offering an LCV version of the even smaller Citroen Ami heavy quadricycle.