Its South African operations starting in May, iCaur will become the second of six confirmed new Chinese vehicles debuting this year.
Chery founding
Arriving after sister Chery-owned brand Lepas, whose sales kick-off next month, the dedicated new energy vehicle division of the former also becomes the fifth sub-brand, the others being Omoda & Jaecoo and Jetour.
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Established in 2023, which makes it one of China’s newest automotives brands, its South African product range will, initially, comprise two fully electric models; the V23 and the 03T.
Planned to arrive near year-end is the range-extending electric V27, with a similar REEV version of the 03T expected at a later stage, possibly only in 2027.
Name conundrum
Known as iCar in its home market, but renamed in export markets over trademark conflicts, the inclusion of a “u” hasn’t impacted on its name still being pronounced as “i-car” instead of “i-core”.
Devised as a tech-savvy brand, with an added emphasis on customisation and individualism, The Citizen had the opportunity to sample both last week, with the V23 being the first subject.
Nothing quick
Due, however, to both model being homologation units, the short drive took place within the confines of the office park where iCaur’s head office is located.
V23 in detail
Confirmed to be the model that opens iCaur’s product range up, the retro-styled V23 made its first public showing at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring last year.
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