iCaur 03

  • iCaur 03 iWD EV in Malaysia – 279 PS dual-motor AWD, 418 km NEDC, Level 2.5 ADAS; Q3 launch, RM155k est

    iCaur 03 iWD EV in Malaysia – 279 PS dual-motor AWD, 418 km NEDC, Level 2.5 ADAS; Q3 launch, RM155k est

    With the iCaur brand having made its debut in Malaysia last month, the Chery sub-brand has a trio of electric vehicles set to arrive in Malaysia, and the first to do so will be the 03 EV – seen here – which is set to go on sale locally in the third quarter of this year.

    Renamed from iCar for export markets, as the iCaur brand is known in left-hand drive export markets, the marque is the result of a collaboration between Chery and Xiaomi’s subsidiary Zhimi Technology, also known as Smartmi Tech.

    Two variants of the 03 will be offered in the Malaysian market – the 03 2WD that starts from RM145,000, and the iWD at RM155,000; it is the latter that we have here in these images.

    The iWD sports a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, comprised of a 95 PS/165 Nm front axle motor and a 184 PS/220 Nm rear axle motor to yield a combined 279 PS and 385 Nm of torque. This setup propels the 03 from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, and on to a top speed of 150 km/h, says iCaur.

    This dual-motor powertrain draws energy from a 69.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that offers an NEDC-rated range of 418 km (342 km on the WLTP standard, as cited for its twin the Jaecoo J6), according to the manufacturer. This takes up to 80 kW DC charging that brings a 30-80% recharge in 30 minutes, while AC charging can be done at up to 6.6 kW. The 03 iWD also offer V2L power supply at up to 3.3 kW.

    In terms of physical dimensions, the 03 iWD measures 4,406 mm long, 1,910 mm wide and 1,715 mm tall with a 2,715 mm wheelbase. The luggage compartment holds 264 litres, and its kerb weight is 1,874 kg; wheels are 19-inch alloys shod in tyres measuring 225/55R19. Suspension is by MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup at the rear.

    Elsewhere in the range, there is also the 03 2WD, which as its name suggests is a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant of the model. This is powered by a 184 PS/220 Nm rear-mounted motor, drawing energy from a slightly smaller 65.7 kWh LFP battery offering slightly more range at 426 km (NEDC). This also takes up to 80 kW DC charging, bringing a 30-80% recharge in an identical 30 minutes.

    In the 03 iWD, its driving assistance systems comes courtesy of a Level 2.5 ADAS suite comprised of lane assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist and others, while visual aids include what the carmaker calls a 540-degree “transparent chassis” camera setup.

    Inside, the 03 iWD features a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 9.2-inch digital instrument panel, while audio is by a 12-speaker Infinity audio setup.

    The 03 EV is one of three models that iCaur plans to launch in Malaysia this year, and the other two are the 03T, which is a premium, sportier version of the 03, as well as the V23, which is expected to be priced close to the 03 and 03T.

     
     
  • Chery X3 in China – rebadged iCaur 03, Jaecoo J6

    Chery X3 (left) and X3 Plus

    Seems the iCaur 03/Jaecoo J6 will also wear Chery badges in China – Car News China reports, citing a Chinese ministry of industry and information technology filing, that these would be called the Chery X3 and X3 Plus, based respectively on the iCaur 03 and 03T (the latter being more premium and sportier, with a slightly more aggressive face).

    The 1.8-1.9-tonne Chery X3’s length, width, height and wheelbase are respectively 4,327 mm, 1,910 mm, 1,715 mm and 2,715 mm – the iCaur 03 is 79 mm longer, but all other dimensions are the same. As for the 1.7-tonne Chery X3 Plus, that’s 4,380 mm long, 1,916 mm wide, 1,715 mm tall and sits on a 2,715 mm wheelbase, so it’s 52 mm shorter and 26 mm lower than the iCaur 03T.

    CNC further reports that both the Chery X3 and X3 Plus have a 252 PS electric motor, a 150 km/h top speed, 26-degree approach and 28-degree departure angles, and 18- or 19-inch alloys covered in 245/55 and 225/60 rubber respectively. The publication also cites Chinese social media in revealing that the X3 Plus has a Gotion 68.36 kWh LFP battery that yields a 520 km CLTC range.

    Chery X3 (left) and X3 Plus

    These differ slightly from the iCaur 03, which has 184 PS and a 65.7 kWh battery if you go for the RWD, or 279 PS and a 69.8 kWh battery if you pick the AWD – at least in global markets including Malaysia. Looks wise, based on these images posted by CNC, I think the Chery logo integrates more cleanly into the grille here than on the more funky iCaur – it’s a more classic look, if you will. What do you think?

    iCaur (pronounced ‘iCar’, which is the original name in China) is a brand under the Chery umbrella that was born from a collaboration with Xiaomi subsidiary Zhimi Technology (also known as Smartmi Tech). It made its Malaysian debut at the recently-concluded Malaysia Autoshow 2025, where it displayed the 03, 03T and V23.

    Of the three, the 03 will launch first, expected to arrive in Malaysia in the third quarter of this year. Registrations of interest are open, and estimated prices are RM145k for the RWD and RM155k for the AWD.

    Click to enlarge

    Chery X3 based on iCaur 03

    Chery X3 Plus based on iCaur 03T

     
     
  • iCaur debuts in Malaysia – 03 EV to be launched in Q3 2025; up to 279 PS, 426 km NEDC; price fr RM145k est

    iCaur debuts in Malaysia – 03 EV to be launched in Q3 2025; up to 279 PS, 426 km NEDC; price fr RM145k est

    Chery’s iCaur sub-brand has made its official debut here at this year’s Malaysia Autoshow (MAS 2025). Renamed from iCar for export markets (you’ll see this logo on the left-hand drive display cars), the marque is born from a collaboration between Chery and Xiaomi’s subsidiary Zhimi Technology (also known as Smartmi Tech).

    At MAS 2025, the brand is showcasing three of electric vehicles, namely the 03, 03T and V23. All three will be launched in Malaysia, with the first being the 03 that is slated to go on sale in the third quarter of 2025.

    Registrations of interest (ROI) for the 03 are open starting from today, and customers can secure a booking with a fully refundable deposit of RM1,000. If you place a booking at the show, you’ll get a scale model of the 03 upon delivery of your vehicle.

    Customers will have two variants to choose from, including the 2WD that has an estimated price of RM145,000, while the iWD is estimated to sell for RM155,000. Here are the official specifications provided by iCaur Malaysia for now:

    iCaur debuts in Malaysia – 03 EV to be launched in Q3 2025; up to 279 PS, 426 km NEDC; price fr RM145k est

    iCaur 03 2WD

    • Electric motor output: 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 220 Nm; RWD
    • Battery: 65.7 kWh; lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
    • Range: 426 km (NEDC)
    • DC charging: 80 kW; 30-80% in 30 minutes

    iCaur 03 iWD

    • Front electric motor: 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 165 Nm
    • Rear electric motor: 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 220 Nm
    • Total system output: 279 PS (275 hp or 205 kW) and 385 Nm; AWD
    • Battery: 69.8 kWh; lithium iron phosphate (LFP)
    • Range: 418 km (NEDC)
    • DC charging: 80 kW; 30-80% in 30 minutes

    iCaur debuts in Malaysia – 03 EV to be launched in Q3 2025; up to 279 PS, 426 km NEDC; price fr RM145k est

    In terms of available features, they include the iRoad suite with six selectable drive modes, a 12-speaker Infinity sound system, a 540-degree camera, a 15.6-inch central infotainment touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster and Level 2.5 ADAS (lane assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist).

    The 03 is joined by the 03T, which is a premium and sportier version of the former launched in 2024. With a restyled body kit, wide wheel arches and a revised face, the 03T has a more rugged appearance to fit better with the newer V23, albeit retaining the 03’s powertrain options.

    Have you been waiting for iCaur/iCar to arrive in Malaysia? Which of the three models are you looking forward to the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

    GALLERY: iCaur 03

    GALLERY: iCaur 03 with accessories

    GALLERY: iCaur 03T

     
     
  • iCaur 03 and V23 to debut at Malaysia Autoshow 2025 – off-roader EVs with up to 279 PS, 550 km CLTC range

    iCaur 03 and V23 to debut at Malaysia Autoshow 2025 – off-roader EVs with up to 279 PS, 550 km CLTC range

    iCar V23

    The iCaur brand will make its official debut at next week’s Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025), with both the 03 and V23 set to be the models displayed at the event. This is according to social media posts by iCaur Malaysia and comes after it was announced last week that the Chery sub-brand will be coming our way.

    If you haven’t heard of iCaur before, it is essentially Chery’s iCar renamed for export markets. First debuting at this year’s Auto Shanghai, iCaur’s line-up includes not just pure electric vehicles (EVs) but also range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs). Over the next three years, Chery plans to launch the brand in over 100 countries.

    The newest of the two iCaur models is the V23, which was revealed in China in April last year. Rear-wheel drive variants of the off-roader SUV are equipped with an electric motor rated at 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) and 180 Nm of torque.

    iCaur 03 and V23 to debut at Malaysia Autoshow 2025 – off-roader EVs with up to 279 PS, 550 km CLTC range

    iCar 03 (formerly Jaecoo J6)

    This is powered by either a 59.93-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a range of 401 km following China’s CLTC standard, or 81.76-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit that offers up to 550 km.

    The V23 is also available with all-wheel drive, which adds an electric motor at the front with 75 PS (74 hp or 55 kW) and 112 Nm for a total system output of 211 PS (208 hp or 155 kW) and 292 Nm. AWD variants can only be had with the NMC battery and has a range of up to 501 km. In its home market, the V23 retails for between 109,800 and 149,800 yuan (about RM65k and RM89k).

    As for the 03, it was revealed as the brand’s first model in April 2023 and is relatively larger in size compared to the V23, measuring in at 4,406 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, 1,715 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,715 mm. By comparison, the V23 is 4,220 mm long, 1,915 mm wide, 1,845 mm tall and its wheelbase spans 2,735 mm.

    The 03 in China sells for between 109,800 and 139,800 yuan (RM65k and RM83k) and is also available with RWD or AWD, both with LFP batteries. The RWD option has an electric motor serving up 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 220 Nm, with battery capacities being either 50.63 (401 km) or 65.69 kWh (501 km).

    AWD variants gain a front electric motor rated at 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 165 Nm for a total system output of 279 PS (275 hp or 205 kW) and 385 Nm, with 65.69- (472 km) or 69.77-kWh (501 km) LFP batteries. A more rugged version of the 03 called the 03T is also offered and has a different appearance but maintains the same powertrain options.

    The 03 will technically be making its second appearance at the Malaysia Autoshow, albeit with its original name. Previously, the EV was previewed as the Jaecoo J6 at last year’s event in May. Which of the two iCaur models are you looking forward to the most?

    GALLERY: iCar V23 at Auto Shanghai 2025

    GALLERY: Jaecoo J6 (iCar 03) preview in Malaysia

     
     
  • iCaur 03 will be Chery sub-brand’s debut model in Malaysia – boxy EV SUV won’t be called Jaecoo J6

    iCaur 03 will be Chery sub-brand’s debut model in Malaysia – boxy EV SUV won’t be called Jaecoo J6

    Click to enlarge

    Last week, we reported that Chery sub-brand iCar will be coming to Malaysia, and in our part of the world, it will be known as iCaur with a ‘u’ embedded within. Pronounced the same way as you would ‘iCar’, the brand will debut at next month’s Malaysia Autoshow 2025.

    Now, we know that the iCaur brand’s debut model in Malaysia will be the 03, thanks to an official teaser showing the electric SUV’s unmistakable LED signatures, which are basically vertical light sticks. Seen it before? You would have – the EV was spotted testing on our roads earlier this month. It was previously understood that the EV, called iCar 03 in China, will be known as the Jaecoo J6 in Malaysia.

    The boxy 03 has a boxy Land Rover Defender look and measures 4,406 mm long, 1,910 mm wide and 1,715 mm tall, with a 2,715 mm wheelbase. That’s pretty short, but wide and tall – for instance, a Honda CR-V is 285 mm longer than the 03, but 44 mm narrower and 34 mm shorter. It typically rides on 19-inch wheels.

    The iCaur 03 was spotted testing in Malaysia this month – click to enlarge

    In Singapore, the Jaecoo J6 has a dual-motor AWD powertrain with 279 PS and 385 Nm of torque, sucking juice from a 69.77 kWh BYD Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. WLTP range for the AWD is 345 km. There’s also a single-motor RWD with 184 PS, 220 Nm, a 65.69 kWh LFP battery and 371 km of range.

    The SG-spec J6’s kit list includes a 9.2-inch digital meter, a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment unit that runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 processor, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a cooled 50W wireless charger, panoramic glass roof and a 12-speaker Infinity sound system. Full ADAS pack and eight airbags in the safety department.

    So, iCaur instead of Jaecoo J6 for this boxy electric SUV then. If the 03 has ‘Cyber Defender’ looks, the iCaur V23 has strong classic Toyota Land Cruiser BJ flavour. Check it out and tell us which one you prefer.

    GALLERY: 2025 Jaecoo J6 EV, Singapore-market

     
     
  • iCaur to debut in Malaysia in May 2025 – Chery’s iCar sub-brand renamed; V23 and 03 EVs launching soon?

    iCaur to debut in Malaysia in May 2025 – Chery’s iCar sub-brand renamed; V23 and 03 EVs launching soon?

    iCaur V23

    The iCar brand is coming to Malaysia and will make its debut at next month’s Malaysia Autoshow 2025 (MAS 2025). However, the Chinese brand, which under Chery’s umbrella, will not be known as iCar but will instead be called iCaur in our part of the world.

    The iCaur brand was formally introduced as this year’s Auto Shanghai, with the first global model announced being the V23. As part of the brand’s expansion plans, the line-up will not only include pure electric vehicles (EVs) but also range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs). Malaysia is just one of over 100 countries that iCaur will enter in the next three years, with over 2,000 service and sales centres planned worldwide.

    The V23 is not new to China, as it was first revealed back in April last year. In its home market, the electric off-roader is available in rear- or all-wheel drive configurations. RWD variants are equipped with an electric motor rated at 136 PS (134 hp or 100 kW) and 180 Nm of torque.

    iCaur to debut in Malaysia in May 2025 – Chery’s iCar sub-brand renamed; V23 and 03 EVs launching soon?

    iCaur V23

    Powering the electric motor is either a 59.93-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides a range of 401 km following China’s CLTC standard, or 81.76-kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) unit that offers up to 550 km.

    Meanwhile, the AWD variant is only available with the NMC battery and has a range of up to 501 km. This variant adds an electric motor at the front serving up 75 PS (74 hp or 55 kW) and 112 Nm, which contributes to a total system output of 211 PS (208 hp or 155 kW) and 292 Nm. Pricing for the V23 ranges from 109,800 to 149,800 yuan (about RM66k to RM90k).

    The iCar line-up in China also includes the 03, which is also known as the Jaecoo J6 that was previewed in Malaysia in May 2024. The 03 retails for between 109,800 and 139,800 yuan (RM66k and RM84k) and is also available in rear- or all-wheel drive configurations, all with a LFP battery.

    iCar V23 at Auto Shanghai 2025

    The RWD option has an electric motor serving up 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) and 220 Nm, with battery capacities being either 50.63 (401 km) or 65.69 kWh (501 km). As for the AWD variants, they gain a front electric motor rated at 95 PS (94 hp or 70 kW) and 165 Nm for a total system output of 279 PS (275 hp or 205 kW) and 385 Nm. The AWD variants can be had with either 65.69- (472 km) or 69.77-kWh (501 km) LFP batteries. There’s also the 03T with the same powertrains but with a more rugged appearance to stay in line with the V23.

    In the official release, it isn’t mentioned what iCar models will be shown at MAS 2025. “Following its global debut at the Shanghai Motor Show 2023, iCaur is now set to make its official launch at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 with a comprehensive preview of its vibrant EV lineup,” read the release.

    We expect the 03/J6 to be at the event given the sighting of a unit undergoing testing on local roads earlier this month. Perhaps it will be joined by the V23 at the show? We’ll find out more soon, so look forward to our coverage of MAS 2025 next month. In the meantime, are you excited for the arrival of iCar/iCaur vehicles in Malaysia?

    GALLERY: iCar V23 at Auto Shanghai 2025

    GALLERY: Jaecoo J6 (iCar 03) preview in Malaysia

     
     
  • Jaecoo J6 EV – rebranded iCar 03 with 501 km range, solar panels, ADAS tech by DJI, 150 km/h top speed

    Jaecoo J6 EV – rebranded iCar 03 with 501 km range, solar panels, ADAS tech by DJI, 150 km/h top speed

    You’re looking at the Jaecoo J6, an all-new entry for Chery’s emergent premium sub-brand. Unlike the ICE or PHEV-powered J7 and J8 however, the smaller J6 is a full fledged EV. As you can see, it’s certainly a cool looking SUV, though its styling doesn’t necessarily conform to that of the rest of the Jaecoo range.

    UPDATE: This will be launched in Malaysia as the iCaur 03.

    Well, that’s because the J6 isn’t strictly a Jaecoo at all, at least not at birth. In China, it’s sold as the iCar 03 (completely unrelated to the much-rumoured Apple car), which is yet another sub-brand under the Chery umbrella that is targeted at fashion-conscious young people. For export markets though, it will be called the Jaecoo J6.

    You may also have noticed that we have two sets of pictures here: one showing the car wearing Jaecoo badging, and the other with its original iCar name. The Jaecoo grille unfortunately loses out on the illuminated i logo that is replicated on both the head- and taillight designs.

    Jaecoo J6 EV – rebranded iCar 03 with 501 km range, solar panels, ADAS tech by DJI, 150 km/h top speed

    Another difference is the large box at the back, which is missing on the Jaecoo display vehicle. Mind you, the external rectangle box fashioned after traditional tailgate-mounted spare tyres on the iCar pre-dates the similar charging cable storage solution on the just-unveiled electric Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen.

    Beyond that, the J6 has a very distinctive blocky design, which will definitely stand out on Malaysian roads if it is to arrive here. The shape gives off Land Rover Defender vibes for sure, while its small size gives a bit of a Suzuki Jimny 5-door flavour as well. However, it has to be said that in the flesh, the J6 does have an original look of its own, unlike the countless Chinese copycats seen at the ongoing Auto China 2024 in Beijing.

    Interesting details include the Defender-aping side-hinged tailgate and the flush self-presenting door handled. However, the latter flicks out towards the back rather than popping out as a whole like in other Jaecoo models (among the few features that draw comparisons with Range Rovers).

    Size wise, the Jaecoo J6 measures 4,406 mm long, 1,910 mm wide and 1,715 mm tall. Its wheelbase is relatively long for an SUV this size, at 2,715 mm. The dimensions make it just slightly shorter than the J7 (4,500 mm), though the J6 is a touch wider (+45 mm) and taller (+35 mm).

    Inside, it gets a large centre display and a wide-set horizontal dash layout. It feels rather plush to the touch – perhaps even more so than the J7 does – especially with the crystal drive mode selector on the centre console. The doors open via push-buttons a la Tesla, while the grab handles with exposed rivets are inspired by the Defender.

    In China, the iCar 03 is available with a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive electric motor configurations. According to local Chinese reports, the dual motor version is rated at 279 PS and it can get from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds. However, top speed is limited to just 150 km/h. Range is up to 501 km on the CLTC test cycle, using the largest 69.8 kWh CATL-supplied LFP battery option.

    Also available is a set of roof-mounted solar panels that can help add charge to the battery pack, as well as ADAS cameras from popular drone-maker DJI. Similar to Tesla Vision, the J6 solely relies on high-definition cameras placed around the vehicle for driving assist functions, without any radars or sensors.

    We will know more when exports start, which we’ve been told will be fairly soon. Do you want to see the Jaecoo J6 in Malaysia? Comment below.

     
     
 
 
 

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