The Chinese automaker iCar is coming to South Africa in the near future, bringing with it a brand-new SUV known as the 03.
The 03 has actually been in the pipeline for our market for some time, but it was previously set to launch under an entirely different brand with an entirely different name – the Jaecoo J6.
iCar is a sub-brand of the Chery Automotive Group that specializes in off-road vehicles with electric powertrains, and has never before made an appearance in South Africa.
Chery, of course, has a substantial presence here as one of the top 10 best-selling automakers, and the manufacturer has been gradually expanding its operation with the introduction of additional brands.
This strategy resulted in the local debut of Omoda and Jaecoo (O&J), a twin brand that is positioned as a premium alternative to Chery’s own line-up of family SUVs.
Omoda focuses on urban crossovers, while Jaecoo is more specialized towards off-road SUVs.
Chery initially decided that it would unofficially launch iCar in South Africa under the Jaecoo banner, as both companies produce 4×4 SUVs.
iCar’s first model – the 03 – would therefore be rebranded to the Jaecoo J6 for its South African launch.
However, the automaker has since had a change of heart, as an O&J representative explained to TopAuto that it will launch iCar as a standalone brand in our market.
As a result, the 03 will no longer be branded the J6, but will appear under its original name when iCar opens its doors in South Africa in early 2026.
First look at the new iCar 03
TopAuto had the opportunity to preview the 03 on a recent visit to Chery’s hometown of Wuhu, China.
All of iCar’s vehicles are offered in a wide array of colourful paint options, which was on full display with the bright orange coat seen on the showroom model.
This particular example also featured a two-tone paint scheme with a black roof, bumpers, and wheel arches.
The overall shape is quite boxy with sharp lines running across the side profile, and there are large bumpers at the front and the rear.
Since it’s an electric car, the front end is closed off with a body-coloured panel, and the LED headlights are flanked by vertical daytime running light strips.
The display model also showcased an optional roof rail kit with a side ladder, and customers can install additional accessories like side steps and a storage box mounted on the rear door.
Inside, the 03 uses a two-tier centre console similar to many other cars from the Chery family, which includes two cupholders, a large armrest, and a wireless charging pad.
It also features leather upholstery, a sunroof, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, a digital driver display, and a large infotainment screen.
As far as the powertrain is concerned, the 03 will be sold with two different electric motor options.
The base models are equipped with a single front-mounted e-motor that produces 125kW and 220Nm.
The higher-spec version, on the other hand, has a second e-motor over the rear axle, which raises the power output to 205kW and 385Nm.
The iCar will also be offered with three different battery choices, starting with a 50.63kWh cell with 400km on tap.
The other two batteries comprise a 66kWh unit with 472km, and a 70kWh one that offers a maximum range of 500km.
An iCar spokesperson also confirmed that the 03 supports V2L (vehicle to load) charging, which means owners can use the car’s battery to power small appliances or devices while camping.
iCar 03
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