Peter Lyon
February 28, 2025
In line with the car that debuted at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, the Jaecoo J6 that the Jaecoo J6 will land in local showrooms within the next few months. But according to the carmaker it won’t be referred to as a Jaecoo model. Instead, the SUV will be marketed as the iCar 03, another Chery sub-brand.
A source with knowledge of the introduction claims that the new iCar sub-brand will formally debut in Malaysia at some point this year. Three models, including both fully electric (EV) and range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) variants, are already in the pipeline.
Interestingly, the vehicle was rebranded as a Jaecoo model for export (as in Thailand) presumably for brand awareness, even though it is actually offered under the iCar brand in China. However, it does not have the slick and smooth appearance of the other Jaecoo SUVs; instead, it has a boxy, more rugged Defender-like shape.
Even though the SUV was on exhibit at the Jaecoo stand with the “J6” naming emblazoned on the back panel, it also wore the iCar badge during the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.
The iCar 03 comes in two EV configurations— rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The former has a single motor that produces 181 horsepower and 220 Nm and is mated to a 65.69 kWh lithium ion battery pack, while the latter adds a second motor on the front axle to increase output to 275 horsepower and 385 Nm and is equipped with a larger 69.77 kWh battery.
The manufacturer also referred to an ‘iCar 03T’ version which is essentially a souped-up 03 boasting more aggressive design and improved performance.
One other spec that will join the lineup in the iCar V23, which is presently available in China as an EV but has previously been spied testing as a REEV. Both RWD and AWD versions of the iCar V23 are available as EVs; the former has 136 horsepower and 180 Nm, while the latter has 211 horsepower and 292 Nm. The REEV model’s specifications are however not yet available.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
From what we are hearing out of the carmaker, Chery, Jaecoo, Jetour, and now iCar are the four distinct sub-brands that will operate primarily independently in Malaysia with the launch of the new brand name. And while the new iCar model does imply strong Defender design nuances, it is a decent-looking machine and boasts competitive power.
