Chinese brand iCaur to launch in South Africa - will its bold-looking SUVs be a breath of fresh air?
Image: Supplied
And just when you thought the South African market could not possibly accommodate another Chinese vehicle brand, it's time to meet the iCaur.
A product of the Chery Group, the iCaur vehicles are certainly not run of the mill, and South Africans will be able to experience them first hand when the brand launches locally during the first quarter of 2026.
The brand is actually called iCar in China, but for obvious trademark reasons, it has been changed to iCaur for international markets.
As a relatively new brand, established as an all-electric nameplate in China in 2023, iCaur aims to bring a more playful and user-centric spirit to the new energy vehicle market, says SA brand and marketing manager Shannon Gahagan.
The local vehicle line-up has yet to be announced, but iCaur SA has released pictures of a boxy compact SUV called the V23.
The brand also offers a larger (but also somewhat boxy) SUV called the iCaur 03 in some overseas markets, and interestingly, this vehicle has already been confirmed for South Africa as the Jaecoo J6.
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The iCaur 03 is badged as the Jaecoo J6 in some markets.
Image: Supplied
The iCaur V23 boasts rugged looks and with a length of 4,220mm, it's not a great deal larger than the Suzuki Jimny 5-door.
It is offered in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive guises, with respective power outputs of 100kW and 155kW.
Customers abroad can also choose between two battery sizes, with the 59.9 kWh entry option enabling a claimed range of 400km and the larger 81.8 kWh unit allowing 550km.
iCaur intends to create a whole lifestyle experience around the brand.
Image: Supplied
In addition to standing out through emotional design and creating new vehicle segments, iCaur is also aiming to create a lifestyle ecosystem of sorts, extending beyond the car to include gear, content and experiences.
The South African importer is currently finalising its dealer network and aims to have 15 dealerships up and running by the time of launch.
'South Africa is a country with a rich outdoor lifestyle, vibrant urban culture, and an increasingly energy-conscious mindset,' Gahagan concluded. 'These are the communities iCAUR is built for.'
South Africans will get their first taste of the new vehicles at the Festival of Motoring, to be held at Kyalami from August 29.
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