Chery’s newest brand, iCAUR, has finally landed in South Africa.
This is the Chinese automaker’s sixth brand to debut in our market, joining Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Jetour, and Lepas.
Arguably the most unique of the Chery Group brands we’ve received in South Africa thus far, iCAUR specialises in retro-themed SUVs with new-energy powertrains.
While the name is spelt iCAUR with a ‘U,’ the name is still pronounced iCAR. In fact, the company is known as iCAR in China.
However, it elected to change its name for international markets to avoid potential copyright issues with Apple, which was previously working to develop its own electric car under Project Titan.
If you pay close attention to the design of the iCAUR logo, you’ll see that the brand was rather clever with the letters, as the U blends into the A and R, almost making it invisible to retain the iCAR name.
Naming shenanigans aside, iCAUR is officially on sale in South Africa with two electric models – the V23 and the 03T.
The V23 is the brand’s entry-level model with a starting price of R519,900, while the 03T starts at R639,900.
A third, range-topping vehicle, the V27, is scheduled for release later this year.
iCAUR V23
The V23 is available in either two-wheel-drive (2WD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) configurations.
The 2WD version uses a single rear-mounted e-motor that generates 100kW and 180Nm.
Power comes from a 59.93kWh battery, which provides a WLTP range of roughly 306km.
The AWD model, meanwhile, has a second e-motor over the front axle, giving the iCAUR a combined output of 155kW and 292Nm.
It also has a larger 81.8kWh battery, which increases its range to 366km.
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.
Equipment on the V23 includes LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, 19-inch alloys, 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 will then add 21-inch alloys, automatic emergency braking, traffic jam assist, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, front and rear collision warning, and pedestrian detection.
iCAUR 03T
Like the V23, the 03T is available with either a 2WD or AWD setup.
However, the 2WD single-motor option is much more powerful at 135kW and 220Nm
It also has a 65.69kWh battery with a range of 366km.
As for the AWD version, it has two motors with an output of 205kW and 385Nm, and a 69.77kWh battery with a range of 370km.
Both vehicles can be recharged from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.
The 2WD unit comes with four driving modes – Eco, Normal, Sport, and Custom – which expand to nine on the AWD, with modes for Slippery, Beach, Muddy, Bumpy, and All-Road.
The equipment sheet starts with LED headlights and DRLs, 19-inch alloys, automatic climate control, black leather upholstery, ambient lighting, and electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation.
The 03T also comes with a 50W charging pad, eight speakers, and a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The AWD version will throw in massage front seats and a 12-speaker Infinity stereo.
Furthermore, the iCAUR has an advanced driver assistance suite with automatic emergency braking, pedestrian recognition, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane-keep assist, blind spot detection, front and rear collision warning, front and rear parking sensors, and a 540-degree camera system.
Pricing
The South African pricing for the new iCAUR V23 is as follows:
- iCAUR V23 2WD – R519,900
- iCAUR V23 AWD – R669,900
The pricing for the new iCAUR 03T is as follows:
- iCAUR 03T 2WD – R639,900
- iCAUR 03T AWD – R699,900
Each purchase includes an 8-year/200,000km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160,000km battery warranty for the first owner, a 5-year/100,000km service plan, and an 8-year/200,000km roadside assistance plan.
iCAUR V23
iCAUR 03T
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