The V25 slots neatly between the V23 and V27, as ICAUR continues to challenge convention with its distinctive blend of classic design and modern electric mobility.
ICAUR appears to have found a formula for introducing car enthusiasts to new ideas while showing everyday motorists possibilities they might never have considered. Its approach is unconventional, combining distinctive styling with modern technology in a package that stands apart from the usual SUV crowd.
Parent company Chery has steadily challenged established perceptions of Chinese automotive brands and gained ground in markets worldwide. South Africa is no exception, with the Tiggo 4 Pro continuing to feature among the country’s best-selling vehicles in 2026.
ICAUR, meanwhile, has made an encouraging start locally. In its first three months of sales, the brand sold 160 units in June, 243 in July, and 252 in August. That brings its total to 655 fully electric vehicles in a market where charging infrastructure remains a consideration for prospective buyers.
The new V25 could help address that concern. Unlike the fully electric V23, the V25 adopts a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) powertrain, combining electric propulsion with a petrol engine that generates electricity when required.
As a car enthusiast, I find this powertrain configuration easier to embrace, particularly in a market where long distances and charging-facility availability remain important considerations.
DISTINCTIVELY ICAUR
Much of ICAUR’s appeal lies in its styling. The V23, V25, and upcoming V27 each have a distinctive, upright look that draws on classic off-roaders while incorporating contemporary design elements. Whether that approach appeals to you is a matter of personal taste, but these vehicles are unlikely to disappear into the background.
The V25 sits between the smaller V23 and the larger V27, giving buyers another option in the range. Pre-orders for the V27 opened in August 2026, while the iCaur 03T is also scheduled to receive an REEV powertrain towards the end of the year.
The commitment to expanding the range suggests ICAUR sees meaningful potential in South Africa, where initial sales performance indicates an audience for its unconventional approach.
EV PERFORMANCE, WITH A SAFETY NET
The V25 combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine with an electric powertrain, delivering a claimed combined output of 355 kW and 505 Nm. A 33.67 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is expected to provide an estimated 150 km of electric driving range on the WLTC cycle.
ICAUR also quotes a combined fuel consumption figure of 1.5 l/100 km. As with other plug-in and range-extender hybrids, actual consumption will depend on factors such as battery charge, driving conditions and how frequently the vehicle is recharged.
The result is a vehicle that offers the immediate response of electric propulsion while retaining the flexibility of a petrol-powered range extender for longer journeys. It can even tow up to 1.8 tonnes (braked).
ICAUR also demonstrated how much scope there is for personalisation, presenting two distinct interpretations of the V25. The Sun Roam adopts a more traditional, classically inspired look, while the Game Changer balances modern styling with retro influences. If I had to choose, I would take the latter.
CREATIVE FREEDOM SELLS
Chery unveiled the V25 at its International User Summit 2026, an annual showcase of the company’s products, technologies, and brands under its umbrella, held in Wuhu, Anhui province, China.
Omoda used this year’s event to introduce the new C4 HEV and C7 HEV, both destined for South Africa, adding further weight to Chery’s expanding local product offensive.
Pricing for the V25 has not yet been announced. For context, the V23 range currently tops out at R669,900, while the larger V27 is expected to start at around R700,000. The V25 should slot between them, although its final positioning will depend on the local specification and pricing announced closer to launch.
LAST WORD
For now, the decision may come down to how much space buyers need, which styling direction appeals to them and whether the range-extender powertrain suits their driving requirements.
What we find particularly interesting about ICAUR is its willingness to take creative risks. Rather than playing it safe with another conventional SUV, the brand seems to give its engineers, designers, marketers, and accountants considerable freedom to explore different ideas. Customers, in turn, can personalise their vehicles and make them their own.
In an industry where many products are becoming increasingly similar, that willingness to experiment could be one of ICAUR’s strongest selling points.
Report & Images © RUBEN VON STEEN
