Chery-owned iCar coming to South Africa as renamed iCaur

Chery-owned iCar coming to South Africa as renamed iCaur marks another bold move by Chinese automakers expanding their footprint on the continent. After months of speculation following the Shanghai Auto Show, Chery has officially confirmed that its electric off-road brand, iCar, will debut in South Africa under the new name iCaur by 2026.

Name change from iCar to iCaur sparks EV launch anticipation

The iCaur South Africa launch will see the electric brand operate as a standalone division, similar to Chery’s existing offshoots: Omoda & Jaecoo and Jetour. The name change comes as a result of copyright ownership issues, but the pronunciation remains the same: “i-car.”

Chery iCar 03, previously intended to be launched under the Jaecoo J6 name, is leading the charge. It will now officially arrive as the iCaur 03, one of three EV models Chery aims to introduce. South Africa will become the 15th market globally for Chery’s electric ventures, joining the likes of BAIC, BYD, Dongfeng, and GWM already competing locally.

Technical specs and design: Meet the iCaur 03

The electric vehicles under the iCaur brand are designed to blend futuristic tech with rugged off-road styling. The iCaur 03, based on the iCar 03 showcased in China, features inverted L-shaped headlights, a faux spare wheel cover with integrated storage, and sleek body lines that reflect its electric DNA.

Dimensions and power:

• Length: 4,406 mm

• Width: 1,910 mm

• Height: 1,715 mm

• Wheelbase: 2,715 mm

• Ground Clearance: 195 mm

The dual-motor AWD version is powered by a 69.7-kWh lithium-ion phosphate battery, producing 205kW/385Nm and capable of:

• 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds

• Range: 364 km

• DC fast charging: 30 minutes from 30–80%

The rear-wheel-drive version uses a 65.6-kWh battery, generating 135kW/220Nm and stretching the range slightly to 371 km.

Jaecoo J6 shelved, iCaur 03 takes over

Initially, Chery planned to launch the 03 as the Jaecoo J6. It was even presented at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring as such. However, following a strategy shift and the formation of iCaur, the vehicle will retain its original identity as the Chery iCar 03, rebranded officially as the iCaur 03 in South Africa.

This also aligns with the broader movement of Chinese car brands repositioning themselves globally, separating lifestyle EVs from luxury ICE products.

What features can buyers expect?

Though the full specification for the South African model hasn’t been confirmed, it’s expected the iCaur 03 will inherit key features from the Jaecoo prototype:

• 15.6-inch central infotainment screen

• Heated and electric front seats

• Panoramic sunroof

• 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster

• 540-degree surround-view camera

This suite of tech positions the iCaur 03 competitively in the mid-size EV SUV segment.

The improved iCar 03T and potential entry into SA

The enhanced iCar 03T, revealed in late 2024, might also make its way to South Africa. With design tweaks like:

• Sharper styling

• Wider arches

• Revised rear fascia

Its power comes from a 68.3-kWh battery offering 185 kW, with a CLTC range between 501 km and 520 km. If approved for launch, it would complement the iCaur 03 by offering a higher-range option in the lineup.

Retro V23 brings rugged nostalgia

A standout in the iCaur range is the V23, a retro-inspired SUV with styling cues from the Land Cruiser 40, Defender 110, and G-Class. Developed with Xiaomi’s Zhimi Technology, it combines vintage design with modern electric tech.

V23 Specs:

• Length: 4,220 mm

• Width: 1,915 mm

• Height: 1,845 mm

• Wheelbase: 2,735 mm

• Ground clearance: 200 mm

• Approach/departure angles: 43° / 41°

Battery and power options:

1. 59.9-kWh RWD – 100kW/180Nm, 401 km range

2. 81.7-kWh RWD (extended range) – 550 km

3. 81.7-kWh AWD – 155kW/292Nm, 501 km

Like the 03, all versions support 30-minute DC fast charging.

What will iCaur EVs cost?

Chinese prices for these models range from:

• iCaur 03T: R298,505 – R323,422

• iCaur V23: R273,746 – R373,132

However, once taxes, logistics, and dealer margins are applied, local pricing in South Africa will likely be higher. Still, they are expected to undercut many Western rivals while delivering advanced features and solid range.

South Africa debut at Kyalami Festival of Motoring

South African EV fans won’t have to wait long for a closer look. The official iCaur South Africa launch is set for August 2025 at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring. Chery is expected to unveil the local specs, pricing, and final line-up.

This debut is likely to generate significant buzz in the EV community, particularly among consumers looking for a balance between affordability, range, and tech.

iCaur: The 15th Chinese auto brand in SA

With iCaur’s arrival, Chery strengthens its presence and joins a growing list of Chinese car brands active in South Africa, including:

• GWM/Haval

• BYD

• JAC

• MG

• Dongfeng

• Foton

The aggressive push into the South African market reflects China’s global automotive ambitions, especially in electric vehicles.

Final thoughts: A new contender in the EV race

The Chery-owned iCar coming to South Africa as renamed iCaur underscores South Africa’s growing role in the global EV landscape. With bold styling, competitive tech, and accessible pricing, iCaur could reshape how local buyers view electric mobility.

As the electric vehicles transition gains momentum, the success of iCaur will depend on infrastructure, dealer support, and pricing — but it certainly enters the scene with promise and style.

Here are five mainstream South African media sources reporting on Chery’s upcoming iCaur launch in South Africa:

1. IOL Motoring – “Chinese brand iCaur to launch in South Africa”
   Covers the entry of iCaur into the local EV market, including model details and timing. YouTube+12IOL+12The Citizen+12
   🔗 https://iol.co.za/motoring/industry-news/2025-07-15-chinese-brand-icaur-to-launch-in-south-africa-will-its-bold-looking-suvs-be-a-breath-of-fresh-air/

2. Engineering News – “Chery set to bring the iCAUR electric brand to SA next year”
   Highlights Chery’s strategy, dealership rollout, and brand positioning. IOLTechCentral+3Engineering News+3Bizcommunity+3
   🔗 https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/chery-set-to-bring-the-icaur-electric-brand-to-sa-next-year-2025-07-15

3. The Citizen – “Chery‑owned iCar coming to South Africa as renamed iCaur”
   Authored by Charl Bosch, this deep dive explains the name change, specs, and debut event. Engineering NewsThe Citizen
   🔗 https://www.citizen.co.za/motoring/cherys-icar-launching-in-south-africa-as-icaur/

4. TechCentral – “Major new electric car brand launching in South Africa”
   Offers insights into model lineup, EV/hybrid focus, and local rollout plans. Cars.co.za+10TechCentral+10The Citizen+10
   🔗 https://techcentral.co.za/new-electric-car-brand-south-africa-icaur/266869/

5. TimesLIVE – “Chery’s iCaur EV brand to enter South Africa in 2026”
   Features powertrain options, EV range estimates, and off-road specs for the V23 crossover. TechCentralTechCentral+8TimesLIVE+8BusinessLIVE+8
   🔗 https://www.timeslive.co.za/motoring/news/2025-07-15-cherys-icaur-ev-brand-to-enter-south-africa-in-2026/