The iCaur 03, a 5-seat electric SUV from Chinese carmaker Chery, was recently spotted in India. This model is likely to be launched under the JSW Motors nameplate, but unlike other expected JSW models that have been spied testing in the country with heavy camouflage, the iCaur 03 was uncamouflaged and being transported on a flatbed truck.
Chery iCaur 03: What is it?
The 03 is an electric SUV sold under Chery’s iCaur sub-brand alongside the V23. It’s 4,406mm long, 1,910mm wide, 1,715mm tall, with a 2,715mm wheelbase and 195mm ground clearance. China-spec versions are powered by a 69.8kWh battery pack that utilises LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry. Power comes from a dual-motor setup with a combined output of 279hp and 385Nm, and it gets an AWD configuration. On the NEDC cycle, it can go up to 418km on a single charge, and the battery supports DC charging speeds of up to 80kW.
The exterior of the vehicle spotted in India had a boxy silhouette with a black finish for the front bumper and cladding on the wheel arches and door sills. Dual-tone alloys, flush door handles and LED headlamps were seen too. Interestingly, Chery has already filed a design patent for this SUV in India, as it has for its other products. However, the patented model has much beefier body cladding and rugged-looking bumpers than the model spotted on our roads. The interior of the China-spec 03 looks tough yet modern, with niceties such as a 15.6-inch infotainment system, a 9.2-inch digital driver’s display, powered front seats, ventilated front and rear seats, Level 2 ADAS and a 360-degree camera.
Chery iCaur 03: Another JSW Motors model?
If the iCaur 03 makes it to our market, it is likely to be sold under the JSW Motors nameplate. Considering its dimensions and specs, it could compete in the midsize electric SUV category, rivalling the likes of the Tata Harrier EV. Meanwhile, JSW Motors has been testing several other Chery-made products on our roads, including the Jetour T2, Chery iCar V23 and Jaecoo J5. Of these, the Jetour T2 is expected to be the first to arrive by the end of this year. It will be followed by the Jaecoo J5 and the iCar V23 at a later date.