Chery’s iCaur brand poised to debut in Malaysia this May, starting with rugged 03 electric SUV

Chery Group’s expanding global electric vehicle footprint included the launch of its iCar sub-brand poised for domestic and international markets. However, among a number other regions, it’s also coming to Malaysia under a new and slightly awkward alternative name, iCaur, and kicking things off with the 03; a compact and rugged looking electric SUV that had previously appeared on our shores touted as the Jaecoo J6.

Recently teaed on social media, the distinctively-shaped vehicle already been spotted on Malaysian roads numerous times undergoing local testing, and that teaser, assuming its from an official source, has seemingly confirmed its imminent arrival. Its signature vertical LED light strips give the 03 a striking front-end look, reminiscent of the bold, rugged lines seen in off-roaders like the Land Rover Defender.

Oddly, the pronunciation is said to remain identical to ‘iCar’, though the spelling change helps the Chinese automaker avoid potential trademark conflicts as it ventures abroad, which is probably a wise move given how Carlist’s operating company is iCarAsia Sdn Bhd (in case you weren’t aware), but we’re sure there are other companies with a similar name as well.

Malaysia will be among the first countries to welcome iCaur, with its official debut scheduled for the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 next month where, incidentally, there is scheduled to be plenty of goings on at the Chery and Jaecoo booth as well. Will this new brand have an independent presence at MAS? Guess we’ll have to wait and find out.

Back to what we do know; that the brand’s first model for the Malaysian market has been confirmed as the iCaur 03, an electric SUV previously known as the iCar 03 in China and marketed as the Jaecoo J6 in some regions, and as mentioned, teased thusly at last year’s Malaysia Auto Show. Measuring 4,406 mm in length, 1,910 mm in width, and 1,715 mm in height, the 03 has a wide and upright stance. It typically comes equipped with 19-inch wheels, as was the case with it in J6 guise.

The closest and perhaps most relevant market within the region to offer the iCaur 03 is Singapore, albeit sold under Jaecoo as the J6. That said it’s also sold in Thailand as the Jaecoo 6 (minus the J) and in Indonesia as the Chery J6.

It’s available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations with the latter featuring a dual-motor setup producing a combined 279 PS and 385 Nm of torque, drawing power from 69.77 kWh BYD Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that yields a WLTP range of 345 km. The RWD version offers 184 PS and 220 Nm from a single motor, with a slightly smaller 65.69 kWh battery that yields a longer range of 371 km.

The SUV is loaded with features and interesting design touches, including a 9.2-inch digital instrument display, a large 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system powered, both by a shared Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 system-on-a-chip, and standard connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additional highlights include a cooled 50W wireless phone charger, a panoramic glass roof, a 12-speaker Infinity audio system, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and 8 airbags.

Alongside the 03, iCaur may also introduce the V23, a rugged electric SUV with retro styling cues akin to the classic Toyota Land Cruiser BJ. In China, just like the 03, the V23 is offered in RWD and AWD variants.with up to 211 PS and 292 Nm and a battery as large as an 81.76 kWh NMC unit that stretches range up to 550 km.

iCaur reportedly plans to rapidly grow its international presence, targeting a massive 100-or-so countries within the next 3 years and establishing some 2,000 service and sales centres worldwide. In addition to pure battery electric vehicles like the 03 and V23, the brand is also developing Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (REEVs) and promises a diverse lineup combining off-road capabilities and modern technology.

So, for now at least, that’s a pair of all-electric SUVs, one confirmed to launch soon in Malaysia and the other waiting in the wings. iCaur joins the Chery brand alongside Jaecoo, Omoda, and Jetour, all of which are focused on different flavours of SUV.

]]>...