Following the iCAUR 03's recent local debut, we were given the chance to drive this all-electric B-segment sports utility vehicle (SUV).
With a 69.8kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP), the all-wheel drive 03 has 205kW (279hp) and 385Nm of torque on tap.
This allows it to sprint from 0 to 100kph in 6.5 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 150kph. Range cited is up to 418km (NEDC), though it would actually be short of that in real-world terms.
The LFP battery supports up to 80kW of fast DC charging or 6.6kW of AC charging.
Rolling on large 19-inch wheels, this "boxy boy" looks good on first impressions.
With a distinctive look that helps it stand out, the 03's feature set includes a Level 2.5 advanced driver aid system (ADAS), six airbags and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Drivers and passengers will appreciate the uncluttered interior as well as the well-bolstered seats upholstered in what looks like faux leather.
Front seats are ventilated with memory and massage functionality.
The 03 measures 4,406mm long, 1,910mm wide and 1,715mm tall, making it a compact car, but a panoramic glass roof gives the perception of an expansive cabin.
The spartan cabin is defined by a large 15.6-inch touchscreen with most of the vehicle's controls embedded within it, including those for the 12-speaker Infinity sound system.
Adjusting the side mirrors should be quick and simple, but the 03 forces the user to hunt for the almost elusive controls, which makes this a negative point.
Be warned. New owners, especially the older ones, will need to spend some time getting used to such controls.
Thankfully, overhead physical controls remain for the panoramic roof, and toggle-style switches for the power windows (forward for up and back to lower).
Also, the stalk-mounted gear selector commonly associated with a certain German marque that bears the three-pointed star, does help to heighten familiarity.
On the road, the first thing that caught our attention was the brake's initial bite, being similar to that of Continental makes.
Drivers will be able to scrub speed quite quickly as the brakes provide a confidence-inspiring response.
The flat top and bottom steering wheel offers good feedback with a weight that’s neither too heavy nor overly assisted.
When modulating the throttle, it's on-point, allowing the driver to modulate it for a smooth or abrupt response, depending on their whims and fancies.
Power was immediate, allowing the 03 to pick up speed in a jiffy.
Rolling through the scenic routes of Setia Alam during the limited time allotted, this SUV provided a good amount of suspension compliance while still feeling firm for some fun time.
Although it does pick up on road corrugations, they were more subtle than annoying, while wind noise becomes noticeable as the speed starts to ramp up from 80kph.
Rear occupants are kept comfortable as they enjoy the existence of rear A/C vents.
There's also plenty of headroom, a little stowage compartment mounted on the side-opening tailgate and a secret compartment under the rear bench.
Despite having a compact footprint, the 03 delivers a surprisingly playful on-road character that makes it a fun and functional electric vehicle.
As we have said earlier, we didn't like the less-than-ergonomic cabin controls.
Could the 03's off-roading abilities impress us enough to make us overlook those digital quirks? That remains to be seen — in an upcoming foray onto dusty trails.
For now, the 03 presents itself as a refreshing entry in the EV landscape — punchy on tarmac, generously equipped, and certainly distinctive in design.
If its off-road chops live up to the promise of its on-road poise, this chunky hunk might just prove that style and substance can coexist — even if it takes a few extra taps on a touchscreen to find the side mirror controls.
