South Africa’s electric vehicle market has spent the last few years searching for a breakthrough moment. Could iCAUR be the brand that finally gets local buyers excited about EVs?
Despite a growing number of EVs arriving in South Africa (and more to come), widespread adoption has remained relatively slow. Pricing remains a challenge, charging infrastructure continues to expand at a measured pace, and, perhaps most importantly, many EVs simply haven’t captured the imagination of the average buyer.
Then along comes iCAUR.
The Chinese brand (part of the Chery group) that launched locally with the V23 and 03T electric SUVs, enters the market with a very different approach. Rather than focusing solely on efficiency figures and technology buzzwords, iCAUR has built its identity around personality, design and lifestyle appeal. The result is a pair of EVs that feel refreshingly different in a segment that can sometimes take itself a little too seriously. And after spending time behind the wheel of both vehicles at the local launch, it didn’t take long for me to become smitten with what the brand is offering.
CHARACTER IN A BOXY PACKAGE
The V23 is undoubtedly the star of the show.
Designed to quite literally “squarely” turn heads, the V23’s unapologetically boxy styling is unlike anything else currently available in its price bracket. It’s fresh, dynamic, and packed with personality. While many modern vehicles seem to have emerged from the same wind tunnel, the V23 proudly marches to the beat of its own drum.
But there’s more to the appeal than exterior styling. Step inside and you’ll find what I believe is one of the V23’s greatest strengths – a retro-inspired cabin that successfully blends tactile controls with a comprehensive digital experience. In an era where manufacturers seem intent on burying every function inside a touchscreen, the V23’s approach feels sensible and user-friendly.
Another standout feature is its extensive customisation potential. Buyers can choose from a wide range of interior and exterior accessories, allowing owners to personalise their vehicles in ways few competitors currently offer. It reinforces the V23’s identity as more than just a mode of transport; it’s an extension of the owner’s personality.
A MORE MATURE INTERPRETATION
If the V23 is the rebel of the family, then the 03T is the stylish twin attempting to make a more sophisticated argument for electric mobility.
The 03T is larger, more premium in its positioning and arguably the more mature offering. While I appreciate what iCAUR was trying to achieve, I’m not convinced by its front-end styling. Similarly, the minimalist interior design feels like a slight step backwards when compared to the practicality and character that make the V23’s cabin so appealing.
That isn’t to say the 03T lacks merit, far from it. Both vehicles impress with solid build quality, premium-feeling materials and a reassuring sense of refinement. On the road, they feel planted, secure, and well-sorted. Acceleration is brisk enough to satisfy most buyers, particularly in all-wheel-drive guise, although top-end speed is somewhat underwhelming by modern EV standards. The V23 tops out at 140 km/h, while the 03T stretches to 150 km/h.
For most, that limitation will rarely matter, but it is worth noting for buyers expecting the effortless high-speed performance often associated with electric vehicles.
UNDERSTANDING THE RANGE
The V23 range starts with a rear-wheel-drive model producing 100 kW and 180 Nm, paired with a 60 kWh battery offering a claimed range of approximately 360 km. The flagship all-wheel-drive version increases outputs to 155 kW and 292 Nm, while its larger 82 kWh battery boosts claimed range to around 430 km. The single-motor V23 will accelerate to 100 km/h in 11 seconds, while the more powerful dual-motor version manages the same sprint in 7.5 seconds.
The 03T follows a similar formula, with buyers choosing between two-wheel-drive (135 kW and 220 Nm, with a 66 kWh battery) and all-wheel-drive (205 kW and 385 Nm, with a 70 kWh battery) variants, the latter delivering stronger performance and additional traction. It is also the fastest sprinter of the lot, reaching 100 km/h in only 6.5 seconds, while the single-motor 03T needs just under 11 seconds for the same.
As with any EV purchase, battery size and range remain important considerations. Larger batteries generally provide greater driving flexibility, fewer charging stops and increased peace of mind, although they typically come at a higher purchase price.
The question every prospective EV buyer must ask is simple: how much range do I genuinely need?
For many South Africans using their vehicles primarily for commuting and daily errands, even the entry-level offerings will prove more than adequate. Those who frequently travel longer distances may find the larger battery options more appealing.
But perhaps the most important question surrounding iCAUR isn’t about battery sizes or power outputs at all. Rather, can they change perceptions and convince buyers who previously had little interest in EVs to take a closer look? I believe they can.
The V23, in particular, feels capable of becoming something more significant than simply another electric SUV. Much like the Suzuki Jimny captured hearts through charm, individuality and character rather than outright practicality, the V23 possesses the ingredients necessary to achieve a similar cult following over time.
The 03T, while competent and polished, doesn’t quite strike the same emotional chord for me. It feels like a very good vehicle trying hard to be sophisticated, whereas the V23 feels genuinely authentic.
LAST WORD
Authenticity matters for the simple reason that South Africa’s EV market is going to move beyond early adopters and technology enthusiasts, and it will need vehicles that appeal to buyers on an emotional level as much as a rational one. And that may ultimately prove to be iCAUR’s greatest strength.
The V23 and 03T arrive offering the kind of character that many EVs have lacked. Whether that translates into sales success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, iCAUR has entered the market with products that people are talking about, and for a category still searching for mainstream acceptance, that alone could be a game-changer.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG JR | Images © ICAUR SOUTH AFRICA
