2025 iCaur 03 EV launched in Malaysia – up to 279 PS, 426 km NEDC; 2WD fr RM119,800, iWD RM129,800

iCaur has launched its first model in Malaysia, the 03, an electric SUV that was previewed here twice previously. As a brief recap, the 03 was originally set to be marketed as the Jaecoo J6 when it was shown at the Malaysia Autoshow (MAS) in May last year.

At this year’s MAS, it was announced that iCaur would formally enter our market, with the 03 making an appearance at the event. Mind you, this car goes by many other names depending on which market it is sold in.

If you haven’t heard of iCaur before, it was revealed in May at this year’s Auto Shanghai as the alternate name of iCar for use in markets outside China. iCar itself was first introduced in April at Auto Shanghai 2023 as a Chery-sub brand and currently has four models in its line-up, including the 03, 03T and V23, all of which are confirmed for our market. The fourth model, the V27, is the brand’s largest and newest to date, recently celebrating its world premiere in Dubai last month.

The 03 will initially be offered as a fully-imported (CBU) electric vehicle (EV) before it is locally assembled (CKD) at Chery Corporate Malaysia’s plant in Shah Alam – this is set to commence in January 2026. We were told Malaysia is the first global market for the iCaur-branded 03.

Malaysia gets the 03 in two variants, starting with the 2WD that is priced at RM119,800 on-the-road without insurance. This comes with a rear electric motor rated at 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 220 Nm of torque, with power supplied by a 65.7-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that is good for a NEDC-rated range of 426 km. The base option needs 10.5 seconds to get from 0-100 km/h and maxes out at 150 km/h.

Next comes the iWD at RM129,800 that adds on a second electric motor with 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 165 Nm at the front axle for all-wheel drive and a total system output of 279 PS (275 hp or 205 kW) and 385 Nm – same top speed but the 0-100 km/h time is down to 6.5 seconds. The top-spec variant also comes with a LFP battery, but with a slightly higher capacity of 69.8 kWh for 418 km of range.

Both variants support DC fast charging at a maximum capacity of 80 kW to get the battery from a 30-80% state of charge in around 30 minutes. Meanwhile, AC charging is capped at 6.6 kW and there’s a vehicle-to-load (V2L) system that delivers up to 3.2 kW to power accessories or electrical appliances.

The official prices are shockingly less than the previous estimates of RM145,000 (2WD) and RM155,000 (iWD) – we’re guessing this is due to CKD bridging. Every 03 comes with a seven-year, 150,000-km vehicle warranty and a separate eight-year,160,000-km warranty for the battery and electric drive unit. Should the battery health fall below 70% within the battery warranty period, a one-to-one replacement will be provided.

If you like boxy, rugged SUVs, the 03 should appeal to you with its upright, slab-sided body that features chunky cladding, a 90-degree swing-out tailgate, exposed cargo box and angular wheel arches. Notable design cues include flush pop-out door handles, slim headlamps and vertical daytime running lights, the last of which is a look replicated for the taillights.

The 03 is available with a choice of five colours: Silver, Grey, White, Black and Aurora Green. For an additional RM20,000, you can get the 03 in Black Phantom Edition guise, which adds on a bodykit with wheel arch extensions, a matte black finish, a roof rack and accompanying side ladder for that off-roader look. This add-on package is limited to 100 sets and can be optioned with any variant – the company says it plans to introduce more of such special editions in the future.

Measuring 4,406 mm long, 1,910 mm wide and 1,715 mm tall and with a 2,715 mm wheelbase, the 03 is roughly the size of a BYD Atto 3. Should you want to go off the pavement, the short overhangs enable a 28-degree approach angle and 32-degree departure angle, while the gradeability is up to 55% for the iWD and 30% for the 2WD.

In keeping with the adventurous theme, the interior sports grip handles on the centre console which is home a cupholders and a shallow storage area with an integrated wireless charger. The upright dashboard is devoid of physical controls, with all vehicle functions, including the climate system, being accessed via the 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip.

For the driver, there’s a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and three-spoke steering wheel with Tesla-like scroll wheels on the spokes. Storage options include a 450-litre boot that is expandable to 1,238 litres with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats down, an exterior cargo box offers 40 litres, and there are 35 compartments to stash items, including under the rear seats.

Standard equipment for both 03 variants include LED headlamps with adaptive high beam, a panoramic sunroof with powered sunshade, faux leather seat upholstery, powered front seats, dual-zone climate control with rear air vents, front and rear seat ventilation, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, a 50-watt wireless charging pad, keyless entry and start, ambient lighting, six airbags, a 540-degree around view monitor, a 360-degree driving video recorder.

There’s also a Level 2 ADAS suite with features such as autonomous emergency braking, front and rear collision warning, emergency lane keeping, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, blind spot monitoring and door opening warning.

Variant-specific features for the base 2WD are 18-inch wheels (with 225/60 profile tyres) and five selectable drive modes. The iWD gets larger 19-inch wheels and 10 drive modes, plus the front seats come with a massaging function.

iCaur 03 2WD spec sheet (top left), 03 iWD (top right)

As part of an exclusive early bird package, the first 1,000 customers who place a booking by September 17, 2025 will get to enjoy one year of unlimited charging via the JomCharge network (including authorised roaming partners) with AutoCharge functionality.

Adding to this is a lifestyle package worth RM3,000 that includes merchandise and vouchers from Starbucks, JD Sports, Sunway Lagoon and Touch ‘n Go. If that isn’t enough, a complimentary wallbox charger valued at RM3,400 is also part of the early bird package.

Should you book a 03 after September 17, you can still get a wallbox installed through iCaur Malaysia’s partnership with EV Connection and Kineta for a standardised price of RM1,388. Customers will also benefit from the iCare insurance programme that offers wider coverage beyond the vehicle, safeguarding the wallbox chargers and portable charging cables, while also including unlimited towing services.

GALLERY: 2025 iCaur 03 iWD

GALLERY: 2025 iCaur 03 2WD

GALLERY: 2025 iCaur 03 2WD Black Phantom Edition

GALLERY: 2025 iCaur 03 and Black Phantom Edition brochures

GALLERY: 2025 iCaur 03 official photos

GALLERY: 2025 iCaur 03 launch event

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