iCAUR Malaysia has now further reinforced its unique positioning as a pioneer of fully electrified yet highly off-road-capable SUVs by releasing the V23, as its second Malaysian market model, accelerating the momentum already established by the iCAUR 03. Combining urbane design & performance with safety and versatility, the C-segment model is truly poised to spearhead the adventure BEV class.
Paying homage to classic 4×4 icons including the Jeep Wrangler & early Land Rover Defender, yet having expressively reimagined those exterior cues for the electric age, the V23 measures in at 4,220 mm long, 1,915 mm wide & 1,845 mm tall. Combined with its long wheelbase of 2,735 mm, this strikes an ideal balance between an assertively planted exterior stance and a comfortably practical interior cabin for occupants. Function truly informs form here with short front & rear overhangs, enhancing the V23’s prodigious off-roading capabilities with a 42-degree approach angle, 41-degree departure angle & the ability to tackle slopes of up to 40% gradient.
Further making the V23 ready for off-road explorations whenever the mood strikes, its 210 mm ground clearance enables it to traverse challenging terrain or even water up to 600 mm deep, putting it essentially on par with full-sized modern 4×4 SUVs and pick-up trucks. Other contemporary design elements rounding out its exterior design include standard front LED headlights with Daytime Running Light, along with LED taillights complimented by a high-mounted third brake light integrated into the auxiliary storage box. The range-topping V23 iWD truly fills its unashamedly squared-off wheel arches with larger 21-inch wheels wearing 265/45 R21 tyres, giving its upright silhouette a confident presence; while the V23 2WD variant’s design is enhanced with 19-inch wheels & 255/55 R19 tyres.
Going beyond mere aesthetics, both V23 configurations have been tailored to suit various Malaysians’ driving preferences. A single rear-mounted electric motor producing 136 hp and 180 Nm powers the 2WD variant, paired with a 59.9-kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery for up to 360 km of NEDC urban commuting range. Inherently balanced rear-wheel-drive dynamics & smooth power delivery make it both enjoyable and efficient to drive, especially in city environments.
Meanwhile, the V23 iWD boasts an intelligent twin-motor all-wheel-drive system for those who seek added power and capability. It delivers combined outputs of 211 hp and 292 Nm of torque, providing solid acceleration & steadfast grip whether owners set out to conquer rutted trails or comfortably cruise on the highway for longer journeys. Its larger 81.8-kWh Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) ternary lithium battery plays a key part here, with even more NEDC driving range of up to 430 km.
Both versions are primarily driven by a compact yet powerful electric rear drive module combining key components including the Motor Control Unit, Onboard Charger and Converter. Their rear wheel drive biased base drivetrain package reflects that of the iCAUR 03, intuitively responding to throttle inputs with smoothly responsive power. The iWD variant then adds to this with its robust, front axle Permanent Magnet Asynchronous Motor that additionally boosts traction when required. 6.6 kW AC charging is a base feature of both models, with 85 kW of DC fast charging also offered in the 2WD. This goes up to 104 kW for the V23 iWD, further enhancing its long-distance capabilities.
Underpinning all this is the V23’s structurally robust, cage-like frame made from 70% high-strength steel. There’s also a Battery Management System (BMS) providing both high voltage protection and precise liquid cooled temperature protection to ensure overall battery safety; taken as a whole, they reassuringly protect the V23 & its occupants in both everyday usage and more challenging conditions. A comprehensive safety suite is also on hand, including six airbags & ADAS Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems supported by a vehicle body-integrated millimetre-wave radar with high detection accuracy in various environments.
Moving inside, the V23’s cabin is centred around a 15.4-inch QuadHD touchscreen powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8155 processor for intuitively smooth control. Those with a hankering for more analogue controls will also find much to love in the V23’s four sturdy, retro-inspired center console buttons which directly control key in-car functions including drive mode selection.
Durable soft-touch materials endow the overall interior space with a robustly modern yet welcoming ambiance. Ventilated and massaging seats further elevate comfort, while the versatile boot does its part for with 234 litres of storage volume, further expandable to 744 litres when the 50/50 second-row seats are fully flat folded.
Local V23 deliveries are slated to begin immediately, with pricing at RM119,800 for the 2WD variant & RM132,800 for the iWD respectively. Of course, iCAUR will support V23 ownership with its comprehensively reliable care including a 7-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, an 8-year / 160,000 km warranty for the battery & drive unit warranty, and a battery replacement guarantee if its State of Health drops under 70% within the warranty period.
Making V23 ownership an even more attractive proposition, iCAUR Malaysia has curated an Early Bird Package with even more value for its first 1,000 registrations. This will includes a complimentary 7kW AC charger to start customers off with a convenient home charging solution, plus an auxiliary 6.86-inch instrument cluster unit to further elevate everyday usability. On top of that, it also comes with extended battery, electric motor & power control unit warranty coverage of up to 10 years or 200,000 km, to benefit these initial buyers.
