Chery iCar 03 is expected to enter market next month and be offered at around 150,000 yuan (20,000 USD), local media reported citing the manufacturer. iCar 03 which made a debut at Shanghai Auto Show this year is defined as fully electric SUV.
The EV’s interior was revealed last week at Chengdu Auto Show. iCAR 03’s center console is covered with soft clad and around the car’s multi-function steering wheel buttons there is a piano lacquer panel with a scroll wheel design, which in pair with the front LCD instruments highlights the technology in the car, but also adds a sporty atmosphere. The new car’s biggest highlight is in the dashboard of the center control screen and the bottom of the gold chrome air conditioning vents. In addition to the car’s center control area is very simple as all physical buttons were removed.
In terms of exterior design, it is a blocky SUV with huge bumpers made of gray plastic, a flat windshield, a high bonnet line and running lights that form “i” letter. This kind of brawny style is getting extremely popular in China with quite a lot of “all-road” models launched, including Baojun Yep and various Haval cars. The model was presented in three exterior styling variants during Chengdu Auto Show.
The dimensions of the EV are 4406/1910/1715 mm with a wheelbase of 2715 mm. For clarity, the iCar 03 is 226 mm longer than the Hyundai Kona. Its approach and departure angles are 26/19 degrees, respectively. The iCar has five seats. The curb weight reaches 1775/1800 kg. It differs because of the wheel size (225/60 R18 or 225/55 R19).
The powertrain of the iCar 03 is equipped with an LFP battery from CATL. Its capacity is yet to be revealed. However, previously, Chery reported that the SUV will have up to 500 km of range. As for the electric motors, there is a 135 kW (184 hp) single e-motor that sits on the front axle. It is manufactured by Qida, a company under Chery Group. The iCar 03’s top speed reaches 150 km. In the future, Chery will also launch the 4WD version.
Chery received government’s approval to manufacture standard iCar version. However, the standard version was not shown at the exhibition at all. Instead, the car maker released some new versions. The manufacturer also went back to using the “i” logo., which was presented on iCar-branded cars previously. But they have received the production permission for the iCar 03 with the “iCar” inscription instead of “i” logo in the front end.
iCar is a new electric brand under the Chery Group aimed at young buyers. Its model line will comprise seven cars in the future, including the iCar GT sporty electric coupe and the iCar 03 electric crossover. It seems that the 03 will become the first iCar vehicle to hit the market. Its price tag will start from 150,000 RMB (21,000 USD).
Source: Internet Info Agency
