The South African automotive landscape is about to get a lot more boxy. Chery Group is preparing to officially launch its adventure-focused new-energy brand, iCaur (stylised as iCar in other markets), on local soil. While the V23 is expected to lead the charge this year, the brand showcased two heavy-hitters—the V27 and the futuristic X25 Robox
Here is what South Africans can expect from these retro-futuristic off-roaders.
iCaur V27
Looking like a lovechild of the Land Rover Defender and a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and measuring nearly 5 meters in length, the V27 is positioned as the brand’s flagship luxury SUV.
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The powertrain: Unlike its fully electric siblings, the V27 uses a Range-Extended Electric Vehicle (REEV) system. A 1.5-litre turbocharged engine serves solely as an onboard generator, powering a 34.3 kWh battery. This setup drives dual electric motors.
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Performance: With a combined output of roughly 339 kW and 505 Nm, the V27 can sprint from 0–100 km/h in a claimed 5.0 seconds.
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Range: The REEV system offers an EV-only range of about 150 km for city commutes, but with a full tank of petrol powering the generator, the total range exceeds 1 000 km.
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Interior: The cabin is dominated by a 15.4-inch 2.5K touchscreen and a 23-speaker sound system. Practicality is king here, with 50 storage compartments and a utility capacity of 1 818 litres with the seats folded.
iCaur X25 Robox
The X25 Robox looks like it belongs on a Mars colony. Combining the utility of a minivan with the ruggedness of a serious off-roader, the Robox represents iCaur’s vision for 2026 and beyond.
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Modular design: The Robox name hints at its versatility. It features a high-riding stance, massive all-terrain tyres, and a modular roof rack system.
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Technical edge: Expected to share the REEV architecture of the V27, the X25 is equipped with advanced LiDAR sensors to autonomously navigate obstacles.
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Visual flair: The "sand-gold" matte finish and high-clearance wheel arches seen in recent reveals emphasise that this isn't just a styling exercise; it's a statement of intent for the future of lifestyle mobility.
When will they land in SA?
The iCaur brand will begin its local rollout in May with the launch of the V23, with the 03T and V27 expected to hit showroom floors a bit later in 2026. As for the X25 Robox, it is still in the "Global Edition" prototype phase.
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(source: AutoTrader)