Here comes another Chery offshoot: iCaur 03 to launch in Q3 with tentative price of RM145K

SERDANG: It's iCar in China, and iCaur outside the country.

The new Chery sub-brand made its first Asean foray in Malaysia today following its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2025 last month.

Three models will be showcased here to whet local appetite: the 03, 03T, and V23, with the 03 to launch by the third quarter of 2025.

The 03 model features a bold design under the brand’s "i-Box" language and is available in two configurations: a 2-Wheel Drive (2WD) with a 135 kW rear motor and 65.7 kWh battery offering up to 426 km range (NEDC), and an Intelligent Wheel Drive (iWD) variant combining front and rear motors for 205 kW total output and a 69.8 kWh battery providing 418 km range (NEDC).

The iCaur 03 incorporates proprietary technology suites including iCare, iBrand, and iRoad. The iCare body structure uses an all-aluminium multi-cage design with battery armour for enhanced safety.

The iRoad system offers six selectable drive modes for various terrains, while iBrand features premium amenities such as a 12-speaker Infinity sound system and a 540-degree ‘Transparent Chassis’ camera for all-around visibility.

The vehicle’s digital cockpit includes a 15.6-inch central display and a 9.2-inch driver cluster, supported by the i-VA technology suite. Safety is enhanced by Level 2.5 driver assistance systems, including Emergency Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Jam Assist.

Charging capabilities include 80 kW DC fast charging, enabling a 30% to 80% charge in 30 minutes.

Pricing estimates for the 03 start at RM145,000 for the 2WD and RM155,000 for the iWD variant. Malaysian customers can register interest with a refundable RM1,000 deposit and receive a limited-edition scale model if booking during the Malaysia Autoshow.

The V23 model combines traditional off-road capability with electric innovation, while the 03T is positioned as a bold urban SUV.

iCaur has signed its 11 dealer partners in Malaysia and plans further expansion nationwide.

iCaur was developed through a partnership between Chery and SmartMi Tech. It could not be sold as iCar (the better sounding name actually) outside China because of various trademark issues including one previously with Apple, whose iCar is now a cancelled electric vehicle project.