New Models / 28 May 2026 / Michael Taylor

New Chinese car brand goes on sale in South Africa

iCAUR has finally launched in South Africa, adding another name to the list of Chinese car brands operating on our shores.

The latest brand from the Chery Group, iCAUR specialises in new-energy vehicles with retro styling.

Its initial catalogue consists of two models – the electric V23 and the 03T.

We’ve already covered the 03T on TopAuto, so this article will focus on the V23, the carmaker’s entry-level model.

“iCAUR, the exciting new-energy brand that falls under the Chery South Africa umbrella, has officially unveiled the all-new V23, a retro-styled electric SUV designed to bring electrification to a new audience,” said the company.

“Positioned just below the 03T, the newcomer combines efficient electric drivetrains with contemporary styling, the latest technology and, importantly, value for money.”

The V23 is available in two specifications, and prices start at R519,900.

Powertrain

The electric V23 is sold in either a two-wheel-drive (2WD) or all-wheel-drive configuration, which determines the number of electric motors.

The base 2WD model features a single rear-mounted e-motor, which produces a total of 100kW and 180Nm.

This gives the SUV a 0-100km/h time of 11 seconds and a top speed of 140km/h.

This version is equipped with a 59.93kWh battery, which provides a NEDC range of 360km.

Converting that to the more common WLTP cycle used in South Africa, the V23 has a range of approximately 306km.

Its energy consumption, meanwhile, clocks in at 20kWh/100km.

Alternatively, buyers can pick up the top-spec AWD model, which gains a second e-motor over the front axle.

This option has a much higher output of 155kW and 292Nm, letting it sprint to 100km/h in 7.5 seconds, though the top speed is unchanged.

It also has a larger 81.8kWh battery, which increases its NEDC range to 430km (366km WLTP).

Naturally, the added power means it has a slightly higher energy consumption of 22kWh/100km.

The V23 uses ventilated disc brakes at the front and disc brakes at the rear, while its chassis combines a MacPherson strut front suspension with a multilink rear suspension setup.

When using a DC fast charger, the 2WD version can charge from 20% to 80% in just 36 minutes, while the AWD only requires an additional six minutes.

Both models have driving modes for Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual, and Slippery, and the AWD version has an off-road mode.

The vehicle itself is 4,220mm in length with a 2,735mm wheelbase. The boot has 372 litres of space, which expands to 994 litres when the back seats are folded.

Features

Visually, the V23 has an old-school boxy theme with a flat bonnet, pronounced wheel arches with robust lower cladding, and squared-off proportions.

It also has circular LED headlights with slim LED daytime running lights, chunky bumpers, and a “Lego-inspired taillight,” according to the automaker.

The 2WD model has 19-inch alloys wrapped in 255/55 tyres, while the AWD model has 21-inch alloys paired with 265/45 rubber.

There are six colours to choose from, namely: Khaki White, Carbon Crystal Black, Cyan Grey, Starlight Silver, Texture Green, or Warm Orange.

Standard equipment includes keyless entry and start, artificial leather upholstery, a multifunction steering wheel, automatic climate control, a seven-speaker stereo, one USB Type-A and two USB Type-C ports, and a 15.4-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and voice commands.

It also has safety and assistance functions, comprising six airbags, cruise control, traction control, stability control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, front and rear parking sensors, and a rearview camera.

The AWD version expands on this with automatic emergency braking, traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, front and rear collision warning, and pedestrian detection.