Latest news with #Chery-owned


The Citizen
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Jaecoo J5 penned-in for third quarter South African market debut
Initial powertrain will be the familiar 1.5 T-GDI connected to a CVT rather than the 1.6 T-GDI and dual-clutch combo. A plug-in hybrid will, however, arrive at a later stage. Jaecoo J5 will take over from the J7 as the Chery-owned division's smallest model come the third quarter of 2025. Image: Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa Set to become its smallest model this year, Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa has released select details of the incoming Jaecoo J5. Officially shown in October last year before appearing at the Shanghai International Auto Show in March, the J5, as per its name, will take-up station below the J7 as a compact crossover the Chery-owned division says will 'raise the bar' when it arrives. Petrol first, SHS hybrid later Also shown as an EV in Shanghai, the local market J5 will, initially, use the familiar 1.5 T-GDI engine that powers the Tiggo Cross, Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro and the Omoda C5. ALSO READ: South African-bound new Jaecoo J5 officially shows itself Paired to the CVT, the unit will produce the same 115kW/230Nm as the latter, and send its amount of twist to the front axle only. Due at a later stage, possibly in the final quarter of the year or in 2026, a plug-in hybrid will be added under the SHS or Super Hybrid System banner with a reported combined system output of 145 kW. On the spec sheet Likely to offer an assortment of trim levels similar to the J7's Vortex, Glacier and Inferno grades, confirmed specification items for the J5 include a 13.2-inch infotainment system, a wireless smartphone charger, panoramic sunroof and a drive mode selector with three settings: Eco, Normal and Sport. Approved options will include ventilated front seats, leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control. Likely price Reportedly still on track to make its public showing at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring in August, pricing for the Jaecoo J5 will only be announced then, or possibility at an earlier stage as part of an expanded teaser campaign. At present, pricing for the J7 starts at R549 900 and ends at R679 900 for the all-wheel-drive Inferno. The mid-spec Glacier, meanwhile, has a sticker of R599 900. As such, expect pricing of the J5 to possibly start around the R450 000 to R500 000 mark when sales commence. ALSO READ: Jaecoo's new junior J5 emerges in fresh teasers without disguise


The Irish Sun
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
New ‘iPhone-inspired' car that will ‘rival iconic brand on its own turf' is coming to the UK
A NEW EV inspired by the iPhone is heading to the UK - and it's set to challenge a well-known car firm on its home ground. With a retro look and practical features, the iCaur V23 – a Chinese-made 4x4, aims to stand out in the growing electric car market. Advertisement 4 For many younger buyers, the mix of tech, style, and environmental credentials could make it an appealing option Credit: AFP or licensors 4 Its design deliberately echoes classic 4x4 shapes, with a boxy body, tough underbody, roof rack, and short overhangs Credit: AFP or licensors 4 The rear seats fold down to offer up to 774 litres of space, making it practical for carrying gear or luggage Credit: AFP - Getty Made by Chery-owned iCaur, the five-door electric SUV has sold in China for just under £11,000, according to the BBC, and is now being readied for right-hand drive markets like the UK. In China, the iCaur is offered under the name 'iCar,' but the company adjusted the name for international markets to avoid confusion and better fit local branding. Aimed at Its design deliberately echoes classic 4x4 shapes, with a boxy body, tough underbody, roof rack, and short overhangs. Advertisement Read more on Motors Inside, it's stripped back but functional, with a large 15.4-inch touchscreen, a simple layout, and a phone holder. The rear seats fold down to offer up to 774 litres of space, making it practical for carrying gear or luggage. The V23 comes with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and the top version produces 208bhp with an 82kWh battery, offering over 300 miles of range, according to TechEdt. According to Advertisement Most read in Motors Exclusive Exclusive While prices in China start at around £11,000 and go up to £15,000, it's unclear what the UK price will be once taxes and import costs are added. Still, the arrival of the iCaur V23 signals that Chinese electric car makers are ready to compete directly with established Western brands on their own turf. This move suggests the brand is serious about expanding beyond its home base and making a mark in Europe. The company also highlights the vehicle's tech appeal, with its big touchscreen and minimal dashboard buttons, aiming to capture the same sleek, gadget-like feel that has made devices like the iPhone so popular. Advertisement For many younger buyers, the mix of tech, style, and environmental credentials could make it an appealing option. Whether British drivers will take to this new arrival remains to be seen, especially as competition in the electric SUV segment heats up. 4 With a retro look and practical features, the iCaur V23 – a Chinese-made 4x4, aims to stand out in the growing electric car market Credit: Getty Images - Getty


The Sun
04-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
New ‘iPhone-inspired' car that will ‘rival iconic brand on its own turf' is coming to the UK
A NEW EV inspired by the iPhone is heading to the UK - and it's set to challenge a well-known car firm on its home ground. With a retro look and practical features, the iCaur V23 – a Chinese -made 4x4, aims to stand out in the growing electric car market. 4 4 4 Made by Chery-owned iCaur, the five-door electric SUV has sold in China for just under £11,000, according to the BBC, and is now being readied for right-hand drive markets like the UK. In China, the iCaur is offered under the name 'iCar,' but the company adjusted the name for international markets to avoid confusion and better fit local branding. Aimed at younger drivers, the V23 is marketed as a versatile vehicle for everything from hiking and fishing to off-road trips and everyday use. Its design deliberately echoes classic 4x4 shapes, with a boxy body, tough underbody, roof rack, and short overhangs. Inside, it's stripped back but functional, with a large 15.4-inch touchscreen, a simple layout, and a phone holder. The rear seats fold down to offer up to 774 litres of space, making it practical for carrying gear or luggage. The V23 comes with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and the top version produces 208bhp with an 82kWh battery, offering over 300 miles of range, according to TechEdt. According to Top Gear, drivers can also choose off-road tyres and benefit from multi-link rear suspension, making it suitable for rougher terrain. While prices in China start at around £11,000 and go up to £15,000, it's unclear what the UK price will be once taxes and import costs are added. Still, the arrival of the iCaur V23 signals that Chinese electric car makers are ready to compete directly with established Western brands on their own turf. This move suggests the brand is serious about expanding beyond its home base and making a mark in Europe. The company also highlights the vehicle's tech appeal, with its big touchscreen and minimal dashboard buttons, aiming to capture the same sleek, gadget-like feel that has made devices like the iPhone so popular. For many younger buyers, the mix of tech, style, and environmental credentials could make it an appealing option. Whether British drivers will take to this new arrival remains to be seen, especially as competition in the electric SUV segment heats up. 4


West Australian
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Chery boss confirms iCar brand for Australia
Chery's iCar brand has been confirmed for launch in Australia, where it will join the Chinese carmaker's namesake brand, as well as Jaecoo and Omoda . The news was confirmed by Chery International president Zhang Guibling at the recent Shanghai motor show, where the new Chery-owned EV brand presented its three-model lineup comprising the 03, 03T and V23 compact electric SUVs. While iCar was launched exclusively as an EV brand in China in April 2023, Chery's export boss indicated that Australia will also receive extended-range electric vehicle (EREV – dubbed by iCar as REV) powertrains, which he acknowledged were more suitable for the longer distance travelled by Australians. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . 'iCar launched in China as an EV [brand]. But very quickly we will introduce REVs. The REV will address range anxiety, so I'm sure Australian customers will appreciate it,' said Mr Guibling. 'We are trying to make a difference. iCar is a completely different brand for Chery, and in the future we want to provide a different experience to different customers.' No local launch timing or model rollout plan was provided for the iCar brand in Australia, but Mr Guibling confirmed EREV development was already underway. However, iCar will remain a brand name for China's domestic market only; for export markets including Australia, Chery's boxy adventure vehicle brand will assume the name iCaur due to a trademark dispute. It's unclear whether Australians will be offered all three iCar EVs currently sold in China, all of which borrow their bluff design cues from hardcore off-road icons like the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Suzuki Jimny. The iCar 03 was first to launch in 2023, in both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive forms, offering a CLTC range of up to 501km from CATL battery capacities of up to 69.7kWh, and featuring a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and solar panels on the roof to increase range. It has since been rebadged for various markets including Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, with names such as the Jaecoo 6 and Chery J6. The more rugged, higher-performance iCar 03T followed in 2024, bringing upgraded mechanicals, more overt off-road styling including wider wheel-arches, vertical LED lighting and extra off-road equipment. The V23 is the newest, smallest and most distinctive member of the iCar family. The compact four-seat electric SUV gains a 15.4-inch touchscreen with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, advanced driver assist systems, and both DC fast-charging and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. Priced from just RMB 99,800 ($A21,425) in China, the retro-styled V23 attracted more than 31,000 pre-orders within hours of its launch in China. The entry-level version – with a 100kW and 180Nm electric motor, 47.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and approximately 301km of driving range on the lenient CLTC cycle – is also available with a slightly larger 59.9kWh battery, capable of delivering about 401km of driving range. Flagship V23s – powered by a dual-motor powertrain with 155kW and 292Nm, an 81.8kWh NMC battery and 501km of claimed driving range – are priced from RMB139,800 (~A$31,000). Despite the relatively low outputs, iCar claims single-motor V23s can accelerate from 0-50km/h in 4.8 seconds, while dual-motor versions take 3.5 seconds. 0-100km/h sprint times haven't been disclosed. Measuring 4220mm long, 1915mm wide and 1845mm tall on a 2730mm wheelbase, the V23 is larger across every dimension than the Suzuki Jimny XL, and has an approach angle of 43 degrees, a departure angle of 41 degrees and, in all-wheel drive guise, ground clearance of 212mm. Single-motor versions are fitted with 19-inch wheels as standard, while dual-motor versions get 21-inch alloys. Under the skin there's five-link rear suspension, while buyers can also option off-road suitable tyres. In the rear, the two second-row seats can be folded flat, providing up to 774 litres of space. CarExpert understands Chery Australia has been pushing for iCar's local launch for some time, following its relaunch as a factory distributor in 2023, when it released the Omoda 5 small SUV. It was followed by the Tiggo 7 Pro mid-size SUV, and last year the larger Tiggo 8 Pro and the Tiggo 4 Pro light SUV, which has become its top-seller and helped drive a 114 per cent sales increase in 2024. Chery sales were up a further 216 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, and should continue to increase with the launch of more new models including plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8, plus a plugless hybrid version of the Tiggo 4 with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. There's also a premium, three-row Tiggo 9 Hybrid on the way and expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025 – possibly in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations. The latter would offer more performance from the same 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine backed by an electric motor and a larger 18.3kWh battery.


7NEWS
30-04-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Chery boss confirms iCar brand for Australia
Chery's iCar brand has been confirmed for launch in Australia, where it will join the Chinese carmaker's namesake brand, as well as Jaecoo and Omoda. The news was confirmed by Chery International president Zhang Guibling at the recent Shanghai motor show, where the new Chery-owned EV brand presented its three-model lineup comprising the 03, 03T and V23 compact electric SUVs. While iCar was launched exclusively as an EV brand in China in April 2023, Chery's export boss indicated that Australia will also receive extended-range electric vehicle (EREV – dubbed by iCar as REV) powertrains, which he acknowledged were more suitable for the longer distance travelled by Australians. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. 'iCar launched in China as an EV [brand]. But very quickly we will introduce REVs. The REV will address range anxiety, so I'm sure Australian customers will appreciate it,' said Mr Guibling. 'We are trying to make a difference. iCar is a completely different brand for Chery, and in the future we want to provide a different experience to different customers.' No local launch timing or model rollout plan was provided for the iCar brand in Australia, but Mr Guibling confirmed EREV development was already underway. However, iCar will remain a brand name for China's domestic market only; for export markets including Australia, Chery's boxy adventure vehicle brand will assume the name iCaur due to a trademark dispute. It's unclear whether Australians will be offered all three iCar EVs currently sold in China, all of which borrow their bluff design cues from hardcore off-road icons like the Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Suzuki Jimny. The iCar 03 was first to launch in 2023, in both single-motor rear-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive forms, offering a CLTC range of up to 501km from CATL battery capacities of up to 69.7kWh, and featuring a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and solar panels on the roof to increase range. It has since been rebadged for various markets including Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore, with names such as the Jaecoo 6 and Chery J6. The more rugged, higher-performance iCar 03T followed in 2024, bringing upgraded mechanicals, more overt off-road styling including wider wheel-arches, vertical LED lighting and extra off-road equipment. The V23 is the newest, smallest and most distinctive member of the iCar family. The compact four-seat electric SUV gains a 15.4-inch touchscreen with Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, advanced driver assist systems, and both DC fast-charging and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality. Priced from just RMB 99,800 ($A21,425) in China, the retro-styled V23 attracted more than 31,000 pre-orders within hours of its launch in China. The entry-level version – with a 100kW and 180Nm electric motor, 47.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and approximately 301km of driving range on the lenient CLTC cycle – is also available with a slightly larger 59.9kWh battery, capable of delivering about 401km of driving range. Flagship V23s – powered by a dual-motor powertrain with 155kW and 292Nm, an 81.8kWh NMC battery and 501km of claimed driving range – are priced from RMB139,800 (~A$31,000). Despite the relatively low outputs, iCar claims single-motor V23s can accelerate from 0-50km/h in 4.8 seconds, while dual-motor versions take 3.5 seconds. 0-100km/h sprint times haven't been disclosed. Measuring 4220mm long, 1915mm wide and 1845mm tall on a 2730mm wheelbase, the V23 is larger across every dimension than the Suzuki Jimny XL, and has an approach angle of 43 degrees, a departure angle of 41 degrees and, in all-wheel drive guise, ground clearance of 212mm. Single-motor versions are fitted with 19-inch wheels as standard, while dual-motor versions get 21-inch alloys. Under the skin there's five-link rear suspension, while buyers can also option off-road suitable tyres. In the rear, the two second-row seats can be folded flat, providing up to 774 litres of space. CarExpert understands Chery Australia has been pushing for iCar's local launch for some time, following its relaunch as a factory distributor in 2023, when it released the Omoda 5 small SUV. It was followed by the Tiggo 7 Pro mid-size SUV, and last year the larger Tiggo 8 Pro and the Tiggo 4 Pro light SUV, which has become its top-seller and helped drive a 114 per cent sales increase in 2024. Chery sales were up a further 216 per cent in the first quarter of 2025, and should continue to increase with the launch of more new models including plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8, plus a plugless hybrid version of the Tiggo 4 with a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine. There's also a premium, three-row Tiggo 9 Hybrid on the way and expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2025 – possibly in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations.