Chery has confirmed it will launch its new electric off-road brand, iCaur, in South Africa in the first quarter of 2026.
The Chinese car manufacturer will introduce the brand under a new name due to copyright issues, despite the original name being iCar. It will operate as a separate brand, similar to Omoda, Jaecoo, and Jetour, with the debut scheduled for the Kyalami Festival of Motoring this August.
According to Chery, the brand will open with at least 15 dealerships around South Africa. The first wave of vehicles will feature three models currently sold in China, targeting the growing demand for electric off-road vehicles.
One of the confirmed models is the iCaur 03, originally intended to be sold under the Jaecoo J6 badge. Pre-production Jaecoo units were previously distributed to media outlets, but plans shifted as Chery decided to unify the global identity of the iCaur brand. The 03 will feature distinctive L-shaped headlights and a unique design, measuring 4,406mm in length with a ground clearance of 195mm.
Two drivetrain options will be available: a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 205kW and a 364km range, and a single-motor rear-wheel-drive variant with 135kW and a slightly longer 371km range. Both models will support fast charging of up to 80kW, allowing a 30-minute charge from 30 to 80 percent.
Chery is also expected to offer the upgraded 03T model, which features sharper styling and an estimated range between 501km and 520km based on Chinese CLTC standards.
A third model, the retro-themed V23, will complete the line-up. Drawing design inspiration from the Toyota Land Cruiser 40-series, Defender 110, and Mercedes-Benz G-Class, the V23 is being marketed as a rugged, military-inspired EV option. It will offer a range between 401km and 550km depending on battery size, with power options up to 155kW on the all-wheel-drive version.
Pricing for these models in China starts from R273,000 and peaks around R373,000, though South African prices will likely be higher after taxes and duties.
Chery plans to use the Kyalami Festival in August to reveal more details about iCaur’s entry into the market.
Discussion about this post