iCaur launches highly anticipated V23 and 03T in South Africa

iCaur has finally stopped teasing us and opened the books on its South African efforts with the launch of two highly anticipated urban lifestyle EVs: the V23 and 03T urban lifestyle EVs. iCaur, yet another sub-brand of Chery, has been teasing us with the V23 and even the 03T since last year's Festival of Motoring. We even managed to get our hands on the J6 - a smaller version of the 03T - last year's model, to get a taste of what the brand is about.

Now, the order books are open, and both the V23 and 03T are available for purchase in South Africa. With prices starting from as low as R519 900, the iCaur range is bound to appeal to those with their own sense of style and adventure, who are looking to keep their running costs low.

Related: Chery’s iCaur Brand Charges into SA: Meet the V27 and X25 Robox

The iCaur V23

The iCaur V23 is the most exciting model in the range, largely because it is highly customisable, with a range of approved accessories available through dealerships to help you personalise your V23 experience. You will only be limited by your imagination! Looking for a truly retro experience? Perhaps something a little more 60s Americana. What about an authentic Kasi vibe? Challenge yourself and find out from an iCaur dealership what can be done to help you create your vision - wraps included!

With its boxy proportions and off-road design, the V23 strikes a rather impressive pose, emulating popular 4x4 off-road vehicles. Yes, you will see some Defender, some Jimny, and even some Land Cruiser in the design, but this isn't a bad thing. The popularity of this aesthetic hasn't quite dipped just yet. Upright sides, a flat, horizontal bonnet, round headlights and proud wheel arches all lend themselves to creating an attractive package.

Two variants are initially available: a 2WD and an AWD. The 2WD, rolling on 19-inch wheels, and the range-topping AWD, with 21-inch wheels, offer a very similar level of comfort and convenience, aside from a few small specification differences. The AWD gets an additional ADAS system and a 540-degree surround-view camera, but both models get leather upholstery and a complement of 6 airbags.

The minimalist, tech-focused Both also get a hearty 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as a 50W wireless charging system and USB-C ports for device charging. 

The 2WD version has a single motor producing 100 kW and 180 Nm, sending power to the rear wheels from a 59.93 kWh battery, giving it a range of 360 km on a full charge. This variant will do the 0 to 100 km/h sprint in 11 seconds. Several drive modes let you tailor the driving experience for economy, everyday driving, or sporty theatrics.

In the AWD model, you get two motors, one on each axle, producing a combined 155 kW and a stout 292 Nm. This makes the AWD V23 sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in only 7.5 seconds. The slightly larger 81.8 kWh battery counteracts this performance bump, allowing the AWD variant to achieve a healthy range of 430 km. In this version, you get additional drive modes for off-road antics.

Pricing

The V23 is sold with an 8-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty for the first owner, a 5-year/100 000 km service plan, and an 8-year/200 000 km roadside assistance service.

iCaur 03T

Breaking away from the retro styling theme while still sticking with the squared-off, boxy approach, the 03T is iCaur's premium offering for now. Slotting in above the V23, the 03T offers a slightly more sophisticated product that retains all the fun of the iCaur brand. Here, string geometric shapes are the order of the day with slimline LED lighting elements and blown arches. Both derivatives on offer feature 19-inch alloy wheels and a panoramic glass sunroof.

Inside, the 03T features a similar horizontal design language to the V23, with grab handles and flat surfaces for a clean, yet purposeful, look and feel. The raised stitching and brightwork are offset only by the large, 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which houses nearly all vehicle functions for a clean, uncluttered cabin feel. 2WD models get an 8-speaker audio system, while AWD models get a 12-speaker Infinity sound system.

The 03T is certainly the larger of the two vehicles, offering a 450-litre boot with the rear seats upright and a substantial 1,238-litres with them folded flat.

Again, there are two motor arrangements to choose from. The 2WD unit features a motor on the rear axle delivering 135 kW of power and 220 Nm of torque, for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 10.5 seconds. This variant is equipped with a 65.69 kWh battery, offering a fully charged range of 431 km.

The range-topping AWD version places a motor on each axle and, when combined, produces a meaty 205 kW and 385 Nm of torque, making the AWD 03T rather sprightly and giving it a 100 km/h sprint time of 6.5 seconds. In this model, the battery is slightly larger to offset the increase in power, allowing the AWD version to still offer up 436 km of range from a full battery.

Pricing

The 03T gets the same package deal as the V23, with an 8-year/200 000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year/160 000 km battery warranty for the first owner, a 5-year/100 000 km service plan, and roadside assistance for  8-years/200 000 km.