Icaur V23 AWD review

“WHAT is that?” was the question we were asked multiple times during our time with the Icaur V23. That indicates how new and, relatively, unknown Icaur is in the local context. It also means that people are taking note and that the styling helps the V23 to really stand out from the crowd. Icaur, a subsidiary of the Chery Automobile group, is a relative newcomer to the local market. It has been positioned as the NEV (new energy vehicle) brand of the family.

Icaur was only introduced to local listings in the second quarter of 2026. However, that has not stopped buyers from flocking to the brand, helping to rack up numbers in a few months that some legacy brands cannot achieve in a year. This isn’t our first experience with an Icaur. We spent some time with its sibling, the 03T, a few months ago and walked away quite impressed. Without much further ado, here are…

Five Things We Learned While Driving the Icaur V23

It’s retro styling is an instant hit. Whomever we encountered during our review period responded positively to the little SUV’s appearance. Some asked if it’s a new Suzuki Jimny, which we totally get. The styling is a mash of cues from the likes of a Jimny, old Toyota FJ and Mercedes G-wagen, all cars that are pretty recognisable and revered. Perhaps the mimicry was intentional for just that fact. This range-topping AWD version (there is also a rear-wheel-drive version) rides on large, 21-inch alloys which help create 210 mm of ground clearance. Incidentally, those alloys are shod with 45 profile rubber, which does create a bit of a bumpy ride. Short overhangs front and rear along with wheel arch extensions give it an air of muscularity. We cannot fathom why Icaur wanted a black unit in its media fleet. It is arguably the most boring of its palette. However, the company has a completely customisable wrapping service available from dealer level (some options presented in the picture gallery).
Those nice chunky, squared-off outside good looks are contained within a compact footprint. The V23 is just over 4,2 metres long. Within that figure is 2 735 mm of wheelbase. With an overall height of 1 845 mm, one does need to use the side steps to get up into the cabin. The result of the long wheelbase and tall roof is a cabin that feels spacious with loads of headroom. Legroom front and rear is also quite ample. Although we spied a third seatbelt for the rear bench, it’s shape is really only going to be comfortable for two occupants. Boot volume is where the V23’s design has really compromised. It does not seem that it will accommodate luggage for four. Mind you, there is no boot cover (a bad oversight in safety conscious SA) so you can stack things quite high. This vehicle definitely aimed at a single buyer or young couple and not at families. Oh, and there is no spare tyre either… something to be wary off if you ever plan to tackle an off-road course.
From behind the wheel the V23 looks and feels appealing with high quality materials. There is also a nice mix of physical and virtual controls. There are no fewer than seven air vents. HVAC, audio volume, drive modes, etc are all controlled by large rotary dials, all which have a premium feel in operation. There are also mirror adjustment controls on the top of the driver’s door. There is, of course, a large infotainment screen that takes care of other, let’s call them secondary, features. There is the usual suite of connectivity, wireless for mobile phones as well as some USB ports hidden in the centre armrest, which also houses a high-speed charging port.
This range-leading AWD variant lacks for very little in terms of specification. Standard features including leather seat upholstery, electrically adjustable heated/cooled front seats, adaptive cruise control, voice command controls and a seven-speaker sound system. Safety features include six airbags and traction control as well as the full complement of driver assistance systems such as a 540-degree surround view camera, traffic jam assist, blind spot detection, lane keep assist and reverse collision warning.
As mentioned earlier, we had the range-leading AWD version on loan, which means it has one motor per axle. Together they deliver 155 kW of power and almost 300 N.m of torque. These outputs result in spritely acceleration. In typical electric car fashion, the V23 zips off the line and can really dart into gaps in traffic for a quick overtake or lane change, thank to the instantaneously torque delivery. The twin motors are powered by a 81,8 kWh battery pack, which it quite large in comparison to other similar products, but is said to deliver just 430 km of range. We saw a more realistic 360 km when the loan unit was delivered to us. Thanks to power fed to all four wheels, this derivative has an off-road setting in addition to Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual and Slippery. Although, we don’t imagine many owners will test the V23’s off-road capabilities.

Summary

Battery powered cars (EVs) used to be the preserve of the wealthy. For the longest time South African buyers who wished to adopt this technology were forced to look at premium brands and expensive products. The plethora of brands that hail from China has changed that quite noticeably. Look around on your daily commute and you are likely to spot a few examples of small, hatchback EVs with ‘new age’ badges on their noses. This shows the appetite from the buying public to go down this route.

Brands such as Icaur have helped make the move a little easier for those who prefer SUVs over EVs. The 03T and this V23 are ideal vehicles for the style conscious urban dweller looking to make the switch from petrol to battery power. There is the small matter of limited, but ever improving charging infrastructure, which is mitigated by anyone who has access to a charger at home, ie anyone who owns an EV. The V23 is a tough package to fault, slight choppy ride and small boot aside, as it delivers on everything it advertises.

Model: Icaur V23
Price: R669 900
Engine: dual motor
Transmission: automatic, AWD
Max power: 155 kW
Max torque: 292 N.m
0-100 km/h: 7,5 sec
Top speed: 140 km/h
Range: 430 km