It's been three days of rigorous OMODA & JAECOO and Chery conference attendance and one car reveal, but finally, we have had a chance to get behind the wheel of a car. The car in question is the very popular iCaur V23, and we not only sampled it but also some other vehicles destined for our shores.
The iCaur brand was announced to be available in South Africa a couple of months ago, and shortly after, we saw it in the flesh at the 2025 Festival of Motoring, showcasing its "out there" styling and appearance.
The iCaur was said to be a direct interpretation of the greatest 4x4 off roaders known till today like your Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes Benz G-wagon, Land Rover Defenders and Toyota Land Cruisers but with an all electric setup and attitude to match.
We had a go in a controlled scenario of light off roading, its said natural habitat and boy it didn't disappoint...
The interior was spacious, and like the culture in most Chinese vehicles, it was filled with nice materials, detailed finishes, and big screens, which altogether feel like you've stepped into a more premium car and not a bound-basher.
The driver's seating position is adjustable electrically, and there are good adjustments for the steering wheel position as well. The cabin is wrapped in a soft and comfortable leather-esque material that feels good to touch and sit in.
How did it do? Dressed up in normal road tires, you'd be glad to know that the car performed absolutely well in the very muddy and rainy conditions. The screens, exterior cameras, and sensors work together to ensure that you are aware of your surroundings, which is vital in the muddy and often unpredictable conditions.
The model we were piloting did not specify whether it was four- wheel drive or two- wheel drive ( a bit of language barrier got in the way), but judging by the response the car had when off-roading, it felt like each wheel had power being sent to it individually when it needed traction to assist you in lowering your turning circle. This means that it was most likely a four- wheel drive with an independent power distribution unit.
Throttle inputs resulted in very sharp pulses of acceleration and power delivery, which is great from a responsive standpoint but probably not when off-roading. The brake feel was absolutely good, unlike most Chinese offerings, and the steering was a bit too light for off-road conditions, but I believe it was not in its highest off-road setting and should firm up once this mode is applied.
Overall, the all-around feel of the car gives you the impression of a dune buggy vibe and atmosphere. There is a great sense of a go-anywhere spirit, and the styling is very inviting.
What we do know is that for power, the iCaur range uses a 59.9 kWh Permanent Magnet Synchronous motor that outputs 100 kW and 180 Nm, or an 81.7 kWh Permanent Magnet Synchronous + AC Asynchronous that outputs 155 kW and 292 Nm.
After trying my best to get something out of the iCaur team, we managed to find that these cars should officially launch in 2026. This means we have to wait and wonder what our spec sheet will look like, as the cars are very customizable, and what the pricing will be for this quirky little offering.