The locally assembled (CKD) iCaur V23 has been previewed in Malaysia, marking the next step for the retro-styled electric SUV after its initial arrival as a fully imported model.
The V23 is already on sale in Malaysia, having been launched last November in two variants: 2WD and iWD. The 2WD was priced at RM 119,800, while the dual-motor iWD was priced at RM 132,800, both on-the-road without insurance.
For now, iCaur Malaysia has yet to announce official pricing or specifications for the CKD version. However, the preview confirms that the V23 is set to follow the iCaur 03 in moving from fully imported (CBU) to locally assembled (CKD) form.
That said, CKD does not automatically mean the V23 will be cheaper. Setting up local assembly involves tooling, localisation, logistics and production investment, while Malaysia’s EV scale is still far smaller than China’s. Unless iCaur is able to offset those costs through incentives, volume or a different product strategy, a major price drop should not be assumed.
The iCaur 03, for reference, transitioned from CBU to CKD earlier this year with its specifications largely retained. There is a possibility that the V23 could follow a similar approach, although this has not been confirmed.
As a recap, the current V23 2WD uses a single rear-mounted motor producing 136 PS and 180 Nm. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 11 seconds and has a top speed of 140 km/h.
The 2WD variant is powered by a 59.93 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, offering up to 360 km of range on the NEDC cycle, or around 306 km on the WLTP standard. It supports DC charging at up to 85 kW and AC charging at up to 6.6 kW.
The V23 iWD adds a front motor producing 75 PS and 112 Nm to the same 136 PS and 180 Nm rear motor. Combined output is rated at 211 PS and 292 Nm, reducing the 0-100 km/h time to 7.5 seconds. Top speed remains 140 km/h.
The iWD variant gets a larger 81.76 kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, offering up to 430 km of NEDC range, or around 366 km on the WLTP standard. DC charging is rated at up to 104 kW, while AC charging remains at 6.6 kW.
For the current CBU model, standard equipment on the V23 2WD includes 19-inch wheels, five drive modes, LED headlamps with auto high beam, side steps, faux leather upholstery, powered and ventilated front seats, keyless entry and start, NFC smart key, seven speakers, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The V23 iWD adds 21-inch wheels and six drive modes.
Safety equipment includes six airbags, a 540-degree around-view monitor, driving recorder, Electronic Stability Control, vehicle dynamic control, hill descent control, hill hold control, ABS, electronic parking brake with auto hold, brake assist, EBD, traction control and tyre pressure monitoring system.
ADAS features include autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, door opening warning, driver attention alert, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, lane change warning, rear collision warning, rear cross traffic alert and traffic jam assist.
More details on the CKD iCaur V23, including official pricing, final specifications and launch timing, are expected to be announced soon.
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