Who is iCAUR?

iCAUR is a new energy vehicle (NEV) brand under the Chinese Chery Group, one of the largest automotive manufacturers in China. Founded in 2023, the brand was originally launched in China as ‘iCar’. However, due to Apple holding the rights to the ‘iCar’ name, the brand was renamed to iCAUR for international markets. The brand made its local debut at the 2025 Festival of Motoring and officially launched in South Africa in May 2026.

The brand’s mission is to “redefine how people connect with their cars, combining clean energy technology, attractive design, and a lifestyle-first approach to mobility”. It targets younger, tech-savvy buyers who want something different from the usual crossover fare.

iCAUR is one of five Chery sub-brands operating in South Africa, alongside Omoda, Jaecoo, Lepas, and Jetour. The brand is supported by an initial network of 25 dealerships, with plans to grow to around 40 by the end of the year.

The V23 is the first model in the iCAUR lineup, built on Chery’s new i-MS (Multi-Magic New Energy Architecture) platform. It’s available in two specifications: a rear-wheel-drive (2WD) version and a more powerful all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant.

Design: A Love Letter to the Box

The iCAUR V23 is, to put it mildly, a statement piece. Its retro-futuristic styling blends elements of the original Toyota Land Cruiser FJ, Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, Land Rover Defender, and even the SsangYong Korando into a product that nevertheless looks impressively bold on the road. It’s been described as “the love child of a Suzuki Jimny and a Mercedes G-Class”.

The flat front end features a blocked-out grille area flanked by sharply hewn, dual-tier round LED headlight units. Down the sides, you’ll find distinctive 19-inch (or 21-inch on the AWD) alloy wheels, flared unpainted protective wheel arches, and side-mounted utility rails. At the rear, a square storage box is mounted directly onto the side-hinged tailgate – a neat touch that adds both utility and character.

Inside, the V23 impresses with a tiered, minimalist dashboard architecture and a massive, responsive 15.4-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The material quality is highly impressive for an entry-level electric vehicle, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces, contrast-stitched detailing, and lovely-to-touch manual dials for climate control and volume.

The V23 is designed as a four-seater, with a split 50:50 rear bench that offers generous leg and headroom. The boot offers 372 litres of space, expanding to 994 litres with the rear seats folded flat.

One of the most appealing aspects of the V23 is the personalisation programme. iCAUR actively encourages owners to customise their vehicles using modern wrap technology, with all items sourced and produced locally.

On the Road: Smooth, Quiet, and Surprisingly Capable

The V23 is available in two flavours: a rear-wheel-drive model with a single motor producing 100 kW and 180 Nm, and an all-wheel-drive model with dual motors producing a combined 155 kW and 292 Nm.

The entry-level 2WD model is, according to those who’ve driven it, a thoroughly pleasant urban companion. It’s refined, quiet, and offers a smooth ride quality. It’s not fast – the 0-100 km/h sprint takes a claimed 11 seconds – but it’s perfectly adequate for city driving.

The AWD model, however, is a different beast. It’s genuinely quick, with a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 7.5 seconds. In testing, it achieved a creditable 7.4 seconds. The performance feels even more eager than the numbers suggest, thanks to the instant, lag-free torque delivery typical of electric motors.

“The boxy Chinese EV silently zoomed from 0-100km/h in a creditable 7.4 seconds when tested with our Vbox. The performance feels more eager than the numbers suggest because of the way it’s delivered, in the typically instant and lag-free manner of electric cars.”

Both models are limited to a top speed of 140 km/h, which is entirely reasonable for a vehicle designed primarily for urban and suburban use.

On the road, the V23 offers a refined, quiet electric drive and a smooth ride quality. However, the boxy aerodynamics do lead to increased wind noise at highway speeds.

What’s perhaps most surprising is the V23’s off-road capability. While it’s not marketed as an off-road vehicle, it has 210 mm of ground clearance, an approach angle of 42°, and a departure angle of 41°. During an impromptu test at Gerotek, the AWD model competently navigated a 4×4 course, tackling slippery climbs and axle twisters with surprising adeptness.

“We wouldn’t class the V23 as an off-road expedition vehicle given the lack of charging stations in the wild, but the Chinese EV is capable of more than the proverbial kerb climbing if you can find a 4×4 trail within safe proximity of a charging point.”

Range and Charging: Practical for Daily Life

The 2WD model is equipped with a 59.93 kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering a claimed range of 360 km (NEDC). In real-world conditions, you can expect around 306 km on the WLTP standard.

The AWD model gets a larger 81.8 kWh nickel-manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, with a claimed range of 430 km (NEDC). In real-world testing, the AWD model has achieved up to 400 km on a full charge.

Both models support DC fast charging. The 2WD can accept up to 85 kW, while the AWD can accept up to 104 kw. Both can recharge from 30% to 80% in less than 30-42 minutes.

At an average electricity cost of around R2.50 per kWh, a full charge for the 2WD model would cost approximately R150, while the AWD model would cost around R205. That’s remarkably cheap compared to filling a petrol tank.

Pricing and Specifications

The iCAUR V23 is priced competitively for the South African market, with the 2WD model starting at R519,900 and the AWD model at R669,900.

Both models come with a comprehensive warranty package: an eight-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty, an eight-year/160,000 km battery warranty for the first owner, and a five-year/100,000 km service plan.