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iCAUR V23 Review: The Electric SUV That Turns Heads Around Every Corner

The V23 isn't trying to be another anonymous electric crossover.

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There are some cars you test because they’re new. Others you remember because they make people stop and stare. The new iCAUR V23 falls firmly into the second category.

Over the course of a week, the V23 became part of our daily routine. It tackled the school run, threaded its way through Sandton traffic, squeezed into busy shopping centre parking bays and quietly cruised between business meetings across Joburg. By the weekend, it was time to escape the city for a leisurely drive through the rolling countryside of the Cradle of Humankind.

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It quickly became clear that the V23 isn’t trying to be another anonymous electric crossover. Its boxy silhouette, upright stance and retro-inspired styling give it a personality that’s refreshingly different from the sea of rounded EVs currently arriving on South African roads. Read: Our Top Three SUVs to Consider in 2026.

Behind the wheel, city driving is where this compact electric SUV feels most at home. Instant electric torque makes pulling away from traffic lights effortless, while the elevated driving position and generous glasshouse provide excellent visibility in congested urban traffic. Despite its compact footprint, the cabin comfortably accommodated our family, school bags and the inevitable shopping haul from Sandton City. The generous luggage space also proved more practical than its dimensions suggest.

Inside, the V23 strikes a clever balance between simplicity and technology. The large 15.4-inch touchscreen is responsive, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto made connecting our devices effortless throughout the week. Comfortable leather seats, climate control and quality materials helped elevate every commute into something a little more enjoyable.

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Our Saturday drive to the Cradle highlighted another side of the V23. The quiet electric drivetrain transformed the countryside into part of the experience, allowing us to enjoy the scenery without engine noise dominating the journey. The suspension remained composed over uneven rural roads, and the relaxed driving experience reminded us why electric vehicles are so enjoyable outside the city as well.

That said, one limitation remains difficult to ignore.

While the official figures quote an estimated range of up to 360 km for the 2WD model, real-world driving involving Joburg traffic, air conditioning, highway speeds and everyday use saw our usable range settle closer to 260 km before recharging became necessary.

For Gauteng commuters, that’s unlikely to be a dealbreaker. Most drivers travel far less each day, and overnight charging easily covers the daily routine. However, for those planning regular road trips beyond Gauteng, charging infrastructure and careful route planning remain important considerations.

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The iCAUR V23 isn’t trying to replace your family’s long-distance touring SUV. Instead, it excels as an urban lifestyle vehicle with genuine character, impressive technology and enough practicality for everyday family life. If your driving revolves around Joburg, Pretoria and the surrounding suburbs, it’s one of the most distinctive new electric SUVs we’ve driven this year. But if your weekends frequently involve long-distance adventures to the bush or the coast, you’ll need to factor charging stops into every journey.

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