Jimny-slaying iCar brand confirmed for Australia
But Apple's lawyers force quirky new 4x4 brand to be renamed 'iCaur' outside of ChinaChery's rugged iCar brand will launch in the right-hand drive UK market in 2026 paving the way for its Australian debut shortly after with two adventurous SUVs – and possibly even a compact ute – that will butt heads with the Suzuki Jimny and inbound Defender EV.
According to Autocar, since Apple owns the 'iCar' trademark, the Chinese off-road brand will be renamed the 'iCaur' outside of China.
When it arrives, it's thought the 4x4 brand (established in 2023) will launch here with the iCar V23, a small electric off-roader priced from around $20,000 in China, whose design appears inspired by the Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Wrangler.
Already on sale in the Chinese market, the V23 comes with a 100kW/180Nm single-motor version paired with a 47kWh lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery that provides for a 300km range and a more expensive flagship dual-motor version.
The latter kicks out 155kW and gets a larger 81kWh (NMC) power pack that can cover up to 500km on a charge. However, bear in mind both cruising range figures were recorded on the lenient Chinese CLTC test cycle, so WLTP ratings will be lower when they come to Australia.
The iCar V23 is the latest, smallest and arguably boldest member of Chery’s iCar EV family.
The boxy four-seat electric SUV packs plenty of high-tech hardware beneath its retro styling, including a 15.4-inch touchscreen powered by a Snapdragon 8155 chip, advanced driver-assist systems, DC fast-charging and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.
The V23 has already made an impact in China with over 30,000 pre-orders just hours after launching.
It’s also more substantial than it looks, measuring 4220mm long, 1915mm wide and 1845mm tall on a 2730mm wheelbase – out-sizing the Suzuki Jimny XL in every dimension.
It also boasts proper off-road credentials, with 43° approach, 41° departure angles and 212mm ground clearance in AWD form. And pricing starts at RMB 99,800 in China, which is roughly A$20,000
The emergent iCar brand also revealed a dinky little dual-cab ute concept version of the V23, complete with lift kit, all-terrain tyres and countless off-road accessories including LED spot lights.
As parent company Chery continues to expand in Australia, it is also racing to bring a full-size one-tonne ute Down Under.
At this stage in the game, it's not clear which powertrains will be offered with iCar vehicles in Australia, because PHEV or range extender EV (EREV) power systems are reportedly on the cards as well.
In the UK the V23 small 4x4 will be accompanied by a larger V25 SUV – already previewed by a concept of the same name – that is tipped to come powered with a range-extender hybrid that should blend dual e-motors with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder combustion engine to produce big power numbers and a much longer range.
It's this powertrain that is more likely for most models in Australia.
The mid-size iCar V25 SUV is said to have a cabin that majors in space and blends a boxier look, spruiking an interior with functionality that matches a people mover.
Later on, a flagship V29 has also been pencilled in that could be Range Rover-sized and should introduce the brand's next-generation EV tech.
Already confirmed for our market, iCar will join Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo as the Chinese car-making giant aims to grow its reach and capitalise on its strong sales with the core brand Chery.
In the first three months of 2025 Chery has already sold an impressive 6057 cars, up from less than 2000 units for the same period in 2024, representing a whopping 216% sales increase.
iCar, meanwhile, used the recent Shanghai motor show to announce plans to expand to more than 100 countries in just three years, and open an incredible 2000 showrooms to provide its expanding product portfolio to more export markets such as Australia.
As well as rugged 4x4s the latest Chery-owned brand says it plans to launch both a sports car and a traditional people mover.
Also on the cards, potentially for Australia, is the arrival of yet another Chery brand following the debut of Lepas – a new budget that will roll out a range of affordable vehicles.
Related: Chery racing to get ute Down Under ASAP
Related: Hybrid onslaught imminent for Chery
Related: Chery considering Australian expansion beyond Chery
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
