Retro EV Arrives: iCAUR Confirms V23 Lineup for South AfricaLaunching May 2026

iCAUR South Africa has confirmed the local lineup for its upcoming retro-styled electric SUV, the V23, which is scheduled to arrive in the coming months.

The Launch

The V23 will launch in South Africa in May 2026, marking the introduction of Chery’s iCAUR new-energy vehicle (NEV) sub-brand to the local market. Pricing will be released closer to the launch date.

The Lineup

At launch, the local V23 lineup will comprise two models:

• V23 2WD

• V23 AWD

V23 2WD:

• Rear-mounted single electric motor: 100 kW and 180 N.m

• 60 kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery

• DC fast charging: 85 kW (20-80% in 36 minutes)

• 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 tyres

V23 AWD:

• Dual electric motors: 155 kW and 292 N.m combined

• 82 kWh battery pack

• DC fast charging: 20-80% in “just over” 40 minutes

• 21-inch alloy wheels with 265/45 tyres

Both models feature McPherson struts up front and a multilink rear suspension.

The Interior

The leather-upholstered interior will be available in three colour options and includes as standard:

• 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Seven-speaker sound system

• Electrically adjustable front seats

Safety

The V23 scored five stars at ASEAN NCAP. Safety features include:

• Six airbags

• Isofix child-seat anchorages

The AWD model adds advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS):

• Adaptive cruise control (2WD has traditional cruise control)

• Lane departure warning

• Forward collision warning

• Blind-spot monitoring

The Word

“The V23 represents an important step for the iCAUR brand in South Africa,” said Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at iCAUR South Africa. “It brings together distinctive design, modern electric performance and innovation, supported by a strong standard specification, in a way that we believe will resonate with local buyers.”

More to Come

The V23 is just the beginning. iCAUR has confirmed that the V27 REEV (range-extended electric vehicle) and T03 all-electric SUV are also South Africa-bound.

The Bottom Line

Retro styling. All-electric power. Five-star safety. Two powertrain options. And a launch date.

The iCAUR V23 is coming in May. The question is whether South African buyers are ready for an electric SUV that looks like nothing else on the road.