When it comes to cost control and surprising consumers with affordable prices, it’s always necessary to consider established major manufacturers.
On the evening of February 28th, Chery’s new energy brand “iCAR” launched their first product – the iCAR 03, with a price range of only 109,800 to 169,800 yuan.
You should know that this is a genuine compact all-electric SUV with a minimum range of over 400 kilometers. Previously, mainstream models with these attributes started at a minimum of 135,800 yuan. (Yes, I’m talking about you, Yuan Plus).
Of course, nowadays, there aren’t many consumers who solely base their car purchase decision on affordability. They also expect sufficient product quality and highlights alongside affordability.
The iCAR 03 is a car with many highlights, starting with its eye-catching appearance.
If there’s one word to describe the iCAR 03, it would be “square box,” and it can even be said that there’s no other vehicle as perfectly square as this one. The entire exterior of the car looks very solid, with straight lines and almost no curves.
In terms of dimensions, it measures 4,406 x 1,910 x 1,715mm, with a wheelbase of 2,715mm. Although the body isn’t long, the prominent wheelbase and width give it a substantial presence.
Of course, the evaluation of appearance is subjective, and I won’t dwell on it. I believe that those who like it will really like it, while those who don’t will not give it a second glance.
The second highlight is crucial: this car is also an SUV capable of off-roading.
Let’s discuss this from three aspects.
The first point is “four-wheel drive.” Out of the six models, three of them have four-wheel drive, and the prices are not expensive, starting from 139,800 yuan. They are equipped with dual motors in the front and rear with a total power of 205 kW, which translates to nearly 280 horsepower. This is more than sufficient for an SUV of this level.
The second point is the “chassis,” which Chery calls the “Hybrid Super Chassis.” If we deconstruct it, we can see that it consists of independent suspension with MacPherson struts in the front and multi-link suspension in the rear, ensuring excellent handling and dynamic performance. The tower top structure is made from a 3,500-ton integrated casting, improving overall rigidity. The hollow aluminum H-arm ensures the stiffness of the control arm while reducing the unsprung mass. The full aluminum honeycomb structure of the crossbeam ensures battery safety and provides sufficient rigidity for off-road requirements.
The third point is the “body”, which is a multi cavity cage type body made of all aluminum materials. Not only has it improved the body stiffness, but it has also achieved weight reduction. The entire white body frame is controlled at 230kg, allowing the curb weight to be as low as 1.68 tons, which is invaluable for a pure electric SUV.
Excellent chassis and excellent body, each item is rare among vehicles in the same class, but it can be achieved on the iCAR 03. At this point, I cannot help but emphasize that the starting price of this car is only 109800 yuan.
ICAR 03 is not blindly stacking materials, these designs are all meaningful. For example, its minimum ground clearance can even reach 200mm in an unloaded state, and the approach/departure angle can also reach 28 °/32 °. Although pure electricity limits its long-distance capability and makes it difficult to complete the hard work of desert crossing, coupled with a 280 horsepower electric four-wheel drive, the iCAR 03 is still very suitable for staying in the city for a long time and always going to the outskirts for a wild ride.
The emotional value that can be provided by wanting to leave and play is very valuable at this price point.
Certainly, Chery remains pragmatic. They understand that off-roading is only a poetic pursuit, while the practicality of daily life is the norm. If the iCAR 03 fails to meet people’s expectations in everyday performance, it will become a niche product.
Fortunately, neither “comfort” nor “intelligence” has been neglected. This is the third highlight of the car.
For example, let’s consider the interior. Considering the price, it’s challenging to find any faults: extensive soft materials, electric leather seats, multifunctional steering wheel, crystal knobs, a 15.6-inch large screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155, four-audio-zone voice interaction, full-scene voice control, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, among others. While some features may be optional, they have provided everything they can.
There’s also intelligent driving. If you opt for the top-of-the-line model, it comes with a mature DJI L2+ advanced intelligent driving system. Based on a pure visual solution using stereoscopic vision, in addition to the basic L2 features, it supports NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) assisted driving, memory parking, and other advanced functions. In the future, it will also support OTA (Over-The-Air) updates for memory driving and provide full-scene navigation assistance for point-to-point journeys of up to 150 km, regardless of highway or urban roads.
The top model of this car is priced at 169,800 yuan, which cannot be considered cheap. However, providing this level of advanced intelligent driving is no easy feat. It is evident that the iCAR management team understands their target audience and what they need.
The iCAR 03 is a unique car that is difficult to fully describe in a few words. But, as they themselves say, it is a car designed specifically for young people, a big toy that brings surprises.
Indeed, just judging by the exterior of this small box, it may not be acceptable to most middle-aged and elderly people. However, once you accept its appearance, you will discover its surprising product capabilities and unexpected universality.
From a demand perspective: if you haven’t tried off-roading but would like to give it a try, or if you live in the northern regions and want more confidence in icy and snowy conditions, then the four-wheel drive version starting at 139,800 yuan is suitable for you. With a pure electric range of nearly 500 km and dual-motor four-wheel drive, it will undoubtedly provide you with greater driving confidence and a broader range of usage scenarios.
If you’re just looking for urban commuting and a grocery-getter, then the two-wheel drive version starting at 109,800 yuan is also cost-effective. It has a range of over 400 km, a 15.6-inch large screen, and other good features. Additionally, both the front and rear have independent suspension, ensuring driving and riding comfort.
It can be said that although the iCAR 03 may appear to be a boxy vehicle designed for off-road scenarios, it has decent competitiveness in the entire range of 110,000 to 170,000 yuan pure electric SUVs. This is thanks to Chery’s strength in cost control and, of course, their willingness to offer consumers a sincere deal.
All signs indicate that 2024 will be more competitive than the previous year, and the launch of the iCAR 03 is Chery’s way of showing their commitment to the market. In this competitive environment, Chery will persevere.
Next, the iCAR 03 will face the ultimate test of the “market.”
The third point is the “body.” It features a multi-cavity cage-like body made of aluminum. This not only enhances body rigidity but also achieves weight reduction. The weight of the entire white body frame is controlled at 230 kg, allowing the curb weight to be as low as 1.68 tons. This is remarkable for a pure electric SUV.
Excellent chassis and body, each aspect is rare in its class, but the iCAR 03 manages to deliver on both. And let me emphasize once again: the starting price of this car is only 109,800 yuan.
The design of the iCAR 03 is not just a haphazard combination. Each of these design elements serves a purpose. For example, its minimum ground clearance can reach 200 mm even in an unloaded state, and it achieves approach/departure angles of 28°/32°. Although its long-distance capabilities are limited due to being a pure electric vehicle, making it challenging to undertake tasks like crossing deserts, the combination of 280 horsepower electric four-wheel drive makes the iCAR 03 highly suitable for venturing out of the city and exploring the outskirts after being confined for a long time.
The emotional value provided by the freedom to go wherever you want and play whenever you want is highly valuable at this price point.