South Africa is one of the many regions targeted by Chinese automakers to receive an influx of vehicles in all shapes, sizes, powertrain variations, and beyond. Upon driving some cars at the 2025 Chery/OMODA 7 JAECOO User Summit, we got behind the wheel of a very interesting prototype car from the iCaur brand.
By now, you should think of a bright orange, buggy-styled vehicle whenever you hear the word "iCaur." However, it seems the brand is not only going to focus on the young, wild, and adventurous client. At an off-roading test track, we got behind the wheel of an iCaur V27, which assumes a more natural SUV build and it looks fantastic.
Whilst we were not allowed to take pictures of the interior, we had two cars without any camouflage, and they look absolutely stunning. Judging purely by the size, this car would go on to battle the likes of the Toyota Fortuner, Mahindra Scorpio N, and Isuzu MU-X.
It too has a focus on off-roading, as can also be seen with the styling. It features elements of the smaller V23, as can be seen with front headlights that have a circular LED daytime running element, body-colored air vents and grille, flared wheel arches, and plenty of cladding.
The body is filled with big, strong edges and creases and kind of resembles the latest Toyota Prado, especially when finished in this khaki color palette. The rear has LED taillights and a rear box compartment that should house charging cables.
Speaking of charging cables, I somehow managed to find myself inside a car filled with some iCaur and JAECOO managers from another country who were speaking to the Chinese instructor about engines and batteries (in English, thank goodness). They confirmed that this car will, in fact, be a hybrid offering.
The engine that will be used here is the popular 1.5-litre turbo engine that delivers 115 kW, while the battery side of things will be a 34. 5 kWh battery. Of course, range and outputs are still largely being developed and finalized.
The car feels more grown-up and premium compared to the smaller V23 . The steering input is well-weighted, and visibility is very good in the car, and that is all I can say about that for now...
Because this was a prototype, it does mean that anything can happen in terms of changes to the interior, exterior, and features list (which wasn't disclosed). However, I do feel that this vehicle would do very well in our market. It has good looks, is capable of switching between off-road and daily driver modes, and it's an SUV. In Mzansi, that is a recipe for success.