The Chinese bakkie-SUV hybrid that’s coming to South Africa – Photos

South Africa is scheduled to receive a brand-new car in the near future, and it has an interesting selling point.

The Chinese automaker iCar will arrive in South Africa by early 2026, bringing with it two new vehicles with more set to follow down the line.

One of these models is the iCar V23, which is a 4×4 with the notable distinction that it is available as both an SUV and a bakkie.

This vehicle was on full display at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, showcasing what South Africans can expect from this intriguing new model.

iCar, for those who aren’t aware, is a sub-brand of the Chery Automotive Group that specializes in compact electric cars aimed at younger audiences.

This is very apparent with the V23, which has similar dimensions to something like the Suzuki Jimny and features one of two electrified powertrains.

This includes a battery-electric (BEV) and a range-extender hybrid (REEV) model.

The BEVs are fairly self-explanatory, as they feature a large battery that powers an electric motor to drive the wheels.

In contrast, a REEV features a petrol engine, but this is not used to power the wheels directly.

Instead, the combustion engine acts as a generator that charges the battery for the e-motor which in turn moves the car, which means REEVs are technically still electric vehicles.

REEVs also come with a battery just like a plug-in hybrid, which affords a small all-electric driving range even when the engine isn’t running.

The main advantage of a REEV is that it offers exceptionally good range compared to a more conventional electric car, as many can travel for over 1,000km between top-ups.

Unfortunately, iCar has yet to announce the specifications for this drivetrain, and a company representative told TopAuto that the REEV is still in early development.

In other words, it will likely still be a while before this option appears in local showrooms.

Take your pick

The other major selling point of the V23 is that it will be offered as both an SUV and a bakkie.

In the case of the latter, the boot has been cut away to form a small but relatively deep load bed.

The sides of the roof are then extended to form a sports bar over the rear, and additional accessory frames are installed in the gap between the body and the bars.

On the display model, these frames were used to mount two small fuel canisters, and there are additional grooves in the load bed that can be used to install other equipment like a shovel or storage containers.

At the Auto Show, the pickup version went by the designation “V23 Project,” but it is currently unclear whether this is the car’s official name or if this is simply the code designation for a model that’s still in development.

Either way, it’s possible that iCar South Africa will come up with a different name for the V23 bakkie when it reaches our shores.

The rest of the V23’s design language is fairly similar regardless of whether you grab the SUV or the pickup.

Both versions have circular LED headlights, a large front bumper, and built-in side steps, but the bakkie appears to come with roof rails, chunkier off-road tyres, and tow hooks.

All versions of the iCar are offered with an array of bright paint options, such as white, orange, yellow, green, and blue.

The interior is rather minimalist and forgoes a digital instrument cluster in favour of a small heads-up display.

The dashboard features a large central infotainment screen, and there are physical buttons for key functions like the aircon and hazard lights.

The doors use nets for the storage bins, and soft-touch materials adorn most of the cabin surfaces.

It’s worth noting that this car is still in development and iCar was collecting feedback from visitors to the stand at the Auto Show.

It’s therefore possible that certain aspects of the design could still be changed before it makes its way to South Africa.

iCar V23

iCar V23 Project