Adventure Ready EV Lands In South Africa

New EV brand iCaur has increased its local range with arrival of the 03T. The newcomer arrives with a squared-off stance that looks more at home on a Karoo dirt road than parked outside a mall in Sandton. It also gives South African buyers a new name to learn. iCaur is Chery Global’s new energy sub-brand, and the 03T sits above the V23 in its local line-up. The model lands here in two forms, 2WD and AWD, with a brief that mixes rugged styling, strong standard specification, and electric performance numbers that are easy to read without a spreadsheet.

A shape built to stand out

The 03T will disappear into traffic. Its body uses upright proportions, clear geometric surfacing, broad shoulders, and exaggerated wheel arches to create the sort of visual appeal that buyers usually chase in a proper SUV. Slim lighting elements keep the face and tail looking modern, while the clean panels and panoramic glass roof soften the hard edges.

The colour palette is also pitched to buyers who want their SUV to stand out without looking loud. Khaki White, Carbon Crystal Black, Cyan Grey, Starlight Silver and Toronto Red cover the range, which should be enough to suit both the overland crowd and the buyers who simply want something different from the usual silver lease car.

Two drivetrains

The 2WD version keeps things simple with a rear mounted single motor and a 66 kWh battery. Output comes in at 135 kW/220 N.m, enough for a 0 to 100 km/h sprint of 10,5 seconds and a top speed of 150 km/h.

Engine: rear mounted single motor
Battery: 66 kWh
Power: 135 kW
Torque: 220 N.m
Transmission: single speed
0 to 100 km/h: 10,5 sec
Top speed: 150 km/h

The AWD model moves the story along with a dual motor setup and a larger 70 kWh battery. Power rises to 205 kW, torque to 385 N.m, and the acceleration figure drops by four seconds to 6,5 seconds. The top speed stays at 150 km/h, which tells you the focus is still on usable road pace rather than headline hunting.

Engine: dual motor all wheel drive
Battery: 7o kWh
Power: 205 kW
Torque: 385 N.m
Transmission: single speed
0 to 100 km/h: 6,5 sec
Top speed: 150 km/h

Both variants ride on 19 inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/55 tyres. Ventilated front discs, rear disc brakes, MacPherson struts at the front and a multi link rear end give the chassis a familiar, sensible layout. Range is rated at 431 km for the 2WD and 436 km for the AWD. DC fast charging takes the battery from 10 percent to 80 percent in 30 minutes on both versions.

Drive mode selection is also neatly separated. The 2WD gets Eco, Normal, Sport and Custom. The AWD adds Slippery, Beach, Muddy, Bumpy and All Road Mode, bringing the total to nine. That spread makes the dual motor car feel aimed at buyers who plan to leave the tar more often than the average suburban EV customer.

Cabin space and equipment

Inside, the 03T makes full use of its 2 715 mm wheelbase. Seating is for five across two rows, with a 450 litre boot and a 40 litre rear storage box adding useful daily practicality. Fold the 60:40 split rear backrest flat and cargo space grows to 1 238 litres, which gives the SUV enough flexibility for family duty.

The standard kit list is strong. Both trims use a 15,6 inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, voice command, three USB ports, one USB Type C port and a 50 Watt wireless charger. The 2WD runs an eight speaker iCaur audio setup, while the AWD upgrades to a 12 speaker Infinity sound system.

Comfort features are generous too. The 2WD includes climate control, black leather upholstery, ambient lighting for front occupants, electrically adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, plus a driver seat with four way power lumbar adjustment. The AWD goes further with massage for the front occupants and an electrically adjustable leg rest for the front passenger.

iCaur 03T Pricing

2WD – R639 900
AWD – R699 900

An eight year or 200 000 km vehicle warranty, an eight year or 160 000 km power battery warranty for the first owner, a five year or 100 000 km service plan, and eight years or 200 000 km roadside assistance are all included in the price.