iCaur 03 Review

The current C-Segment pure electric vehicle market in Malaysia is gradually heating up, with many family users and young consumers starting to switch to electric vehicles that offer practicality in space and balanced configurations. The 2025 iCaur 03 iWD EV is precisely targeting this demand. As the all-wheel-drive version of the iCaur 03 series, its biggest selling points are the power boost brought by the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, as well as standard Level 2 driving assistance and luxurious features. Priced at RM 129,800, it offers better value for money compared to some competitors in the same segment. In this test drive, we focus on experiencing its dynamic performance and daily practicality to see if it can meet family users' "power, space, safety" needs.

From the exterior, the iCaur 03 iWD EV maintains the family's minimalist style, with overall lines that are rounded but not lacking in a sense of strength. The front adopts a closed grille design, paired with slender LED headlights on both sides, making it highly recognizable; the black trim and fog light area design at the bottom of the front bumper give the front a more layered look. The body side waistline stretches from the front to the rear, paired with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels (larger than the 18-inch ones on the two-wheel-drive version), giving a visually more stable effect. The rear LED taillights use a through-line design, which is striking when illuminated, and the small spoiler on the trunk lid and the diffuser design on the rear bumper add a sporty touch. The overall design does not include excessive flashy elements and belongs to the timeless category, suitable for the aesthetic preferences of family users.

Entering the interior, the materials and layout are relatively neat. The center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented with silver trim, giving it a good texture; the 15.6-inch vertical central control screen is the visual centerpiece, with a clear resolution, smooth operation, and support for Bluetooth, CarPlay, and Android Auto connectivity, making it easy to find common functions quickly. The instrument panel is a 9.2-inch full LCD display, offering rich information such as speed, range, and driving assistance status. In terms of features, the iWD EV comes standard with a HUD head-up display, electrically adjustable steering wheel, electrically adjustable front seats (with lumbar support and memory function), rear air vents, and Type-C charging ports, maximizing practicality. Safety configurations are also comprehensive, including 6 airbags (front and rear side airbags and curtain airbags), ACC adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, and other standard functions, ensuring adequate safety for daily driving.

As for space performance, the iCaur 03 iWD EV’s wheelbase reaches 2715mm, providing ample space for both the front and rear seats. The front seats offer good support; for a passenger of 175cm height, there is a fist and two fingers of headroom after adjusting the seating position, while the rear has approximately two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring that even three adults sitting in the back won't feel overly cramped. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 450L, expandable to 1238L with the rear seats folded down, accommodating items like strollers, suitcases, and other large items, making it suitable for family outings. Interior storage space is also abundant, with the central armrest box, door storage compartments, and front cup holders able to hold everyday small items.

The dynamic driving aspect is a highlight of the iWD EV. It is equipped with dual front and rear motors, delivering a combined power of 205kW (279PS) and a combined torque of 385N·m. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 6.5 seconds, significantly faster than the 10.5 seconds of the two-wheel-drive version. During actual driving, the start and acceleration are very swift, with immediate power response upon pressing the accelerator pedal. Pressing the pedal hard for overtaking gives a noticeable push-back sensation, and even at high speeds above 100km/h, the power reserve is still sufficient. There are three driving modes: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In Eco mode, the power output is relatively smooth, suitable for daily commuting; in Sport mode, the power is more aggressive, ideal for occasionally experiencing driving fun. The chassis adopts a front MacPherson and rear multi-link independent suspension. The tuning leans toward comfort but does not compromise support. When passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations, avoiding significant jolts; when cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, providing good stability. The steering is precise with minimal dead zone, making everyday driving effortless.

In terms of range and energy consumption, the iWD EV has a battery capacity of 69.8kWh and an official pure electric range of 418km. During our test drive in urban conditions, with air conditioning and driving assistance activated throughout, the actual range was approximately 380km, reaching 91% of the official figure, which is a good performance. On highways, the range slightly decreases, and at a speed of 110km/h, the range is around 320km. Fast charging takes 0.5 hours (from 30% to 80%), making daily recharging convenient. Noise control is also commendable; at low speeds, the motor noise is almost inaudible, and at high speeds, wind and tire noise slightly increase but do not affect in-car conversations.

In summary, the core advantages of the iCaur 03 iWD EV lie in its powerful dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, comprehensive safety features, and spacious interior. Priced at RM 129,800, it is significantly cheaper than the BYD Atto 3 Extended Range (RM 149,800) in the same class, offering excellent value for money. Compared to the two-wheel-drive version, its power is noticeably enhanced, making it suitable for family users who have higher power demands. The standard L2-level driving assistance and comfort configurations also meet the needs of daily commuting and long-distance travel.

This car is suitable for family users who value "power, safety, and space," especially those who frequently travel with family and occasionally want to enjoy the thrill of quick acceleration. It has no obvious shortcomings, with a balanced performance across various aspects, making it a model worth considering in the C-segment electric vehicle market.

Overall, the 2025 iCaur 03 iWD EV is a "versatile" family electric car with sufficient power, spacious interior, comprehensive configurations, and outstanding value for money, well-suited to meet the daily needs of family users.