New iCaur brand, headed to South Africa in 2026, takes a stand against boring cars

There's another Chinese brand heading to South Africa, and it’s called the iCaur. But there’s something refreshingly different about this one, which was previewed at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Raceway this week.

With their funky designs inspired by classic off-roaders, colourful customisation options, and dealerships designed to resemble toy car packaging, it’s as if they’re trying to awaken your inner child. 

Their designs may be a bit polarising, but among the sea of same-same, cookie-cutter SUVs that we see on the roads today, you have to admit that there is a significant cool factor at play here. 

No two iCaurs will be the same, the company claims, given the raft of interchangeable and customisable parts available, and the colourful body wraps that will be on offer.

iCaur brand is owned by automotive giant Chery, and the first cars are expected to launch in South Africa during the first quarter of 2026. The brand specialises in fully electric cars, but range-extender EVs will also form part of the mix.

Three models will be on offer initially, in the form of the city-focused 03T, rugged-looking and highly customisable V23, and the flagship V27.

18 dealerships are expected to be up and running at the time of launch, growing to at least 25 within the first year of operation.

The customer experience, says iCaur, will be completely fresh and different from what customers have experienced before.

“Icaur is for those who want to stand out, and have their own style,” said national brand and marketing manager Shannon Gahagan.

“This is an EV that people will want to drive and want to be seen in, not because it’s electric. 

“This is a car that’s an extension of their personality. And no two iCaurs are the same. Mix, match, and make it yours,” Gahagan added.

More about the iCaur range

The iCaur V23 boasts rugged looks, and with a length of 4,220mm, it’s not a great deal larger than the Suzuki Jimny 5-door. Overseas, it is offered in rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive guises, with respective power outputs of 100kW and 155kW.

Customers abroad can also choose between two battery sizes, with the 59.9 kWh entry option enabling a claimed range of 400km and the larger 81.8 kWh unit allowing 550km.

The iCaur 03 is slightly larger at 4,406mm, and is offered in 135kW single-motor and 205kW dual-motor variants abroad.

The iCaur V27 is significantly larger than its siblings, at 5,045mm, and sporting a Defender-like design. The all-wheel drive range-extender model boasts an output of 335kW and an electric range of up to 200km, while the 1.5 turbopetrol motor extends the overall range to around 1,000km.

Local specifications and pricing for all three models will be confirmed closer to launch.

IOL Motoring