iCaur V23 Review

Nowadays, the competition in Malaysia's C-class electric vehicle market is becoming increasingly fierce. Consumers value both driving range and practicality, while also having high expectations for smart features. As the latest model launched by the iCaur brand, the 2025 V23 2WD is priced at RM119,800 and focuses on balanced performance and high cost-effectiveness. Can it stand out among its peers? In this test drive, we focus on its static experience, dynamic performance, and daily practicality to see if it meets the needs of family users.

In terms of appearance, the V23 2WD retains the rugged silhouette of a compact SUV. With a length of 4220mm and a width of 1915mm, it appears square and imposing. The front features a closed grille design, with LED headlights on both sides connected by a slim chrome strip, and LED front fog lamps are equipped below, enhancing its overall recognizability. The side profile has clean lines, a minimum ground clearance of 205mm ensures good passability, and the 19-inch R19 255/55 tires paired with multi-spoke rims give a stable visual effect. At the rear, the LED tail light clusters adopt a through-type design, making them striking when illuminated, while rear fog lamps and parking sensors enhance safety during nighttime driving and reversing.

Entering the interior, the V23 2WD adopts a simple and practical design style. The center console is equipped with a 15.4-inch QUAD HD touchscreen, which operates smoothly, while some physical buttons are retained below for ease of operation without looking. In terms of materials, the top of the center console is wrapped in soft-touch materials, offering a decent tactile experience. The multifunction steering wheel supports electric adjustment and is paired with a HUD head-up digital display, enhancing the technological feel. In terms of configuration, the entire series comes standard with keyless entry, electric seats (both front seats are electrically adjustable), automatic air conditioning, and rear air conditioning vents. The rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding feature, and the trunk capacity ranges from 234L to 744L. With the rear seats folded, it can accommodate large items, fulfilling the needs of family outings.

In terms of space performance, the 2735mm wheelbase provides ample legroom for both front and rear passengers. The front seats support electric adjustment with a moderately angled backrest, making them comfortable for long rides. The rear seat legroom is around two fists, and headroom is also ample, thanks to the 1845mm vehicle height, ensuring that passengers up to 175cm tall won't feel cramped. In terms of storage, the door panel storage compartments, center armrest box, and front cup holders are all quite practical, meeting the needs of placing daily carry items.

As for power, the V23 2WD is equipped with a rear-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor, delivering a maximum power of 100kW (136PS) and a maximum torque of 180N·m, paired with a single-speed transmission. During daily driving, the power response is quick at the start, offering brisk acceleration from 0-60km/h, making it suitable for urban commutes. However, acceleration in the middle and later stages feels somewhat slower, and overtaking at high speeds requires pressing the accelerator pedal in advance. There are three driving modes to choose from: Eco, Standard, and Sport. In sport mode, the power output is more direct, but the range will be slightly reduced.

In terms of handling and suspension, a front MacPherson independent suspension is paired with a rear multi-link independent suspension, calibrated for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension absorbs most of the minor vibrations, and passengers inside the car won't feel significant bumps. During cornering, body roll is well-controlled, the steering wheel provides moderate resistance, and the steering is relatively precise, making daily driving quite effortless. In terms of braking, the front and rear disc brakes (front ventilated discs) have a linear braking force output, and the braking distance is reasonable, providing adequate confidence.

The range and energy consumption are the core indicators of an electric vehicle. The V23 2WD is equipped with a 59.93kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, with an official range of 360km. In urban conditions, with air conditioning and multimedia systems on, the actual range is about 310km, achieving approximately 86% of the claimed range. Under highway conditions (at a speed of around 100km/h), the range is about 270km, achieving approximately 75%, which aligns with expectations. In terms of energy consumption, it is about 16kWh/100km in urban conditions and 19kWh/100km on highways, which is at a medium level among competitors in the same class.

In terms of driving and riding comfort, the V23 2WD does a great job in noise control. At speeds below 60km/h, there is almost no audible motor noise inside the car. At highway speeds, wind and tire noise increase slightly, but normal conversations are not affected. The energy recovery system is adjustable in three levels; at the highest level, releasing the accelerator causes a noticeable drag effect, which can improve the range to some extent. The lowest level is akin to the coasting experience of a fuel-powered car, suitable for users accustomed to driving such vehicles. Additionally, the front seats have moderate support, and the rear seats are soft and padded, offering good long-term seating comfort.

In terms of safety features, the V23 2WD comes standard with 6 airbags (including front and rear side airbags and head curtains), vehicle stability control, blind-spot assist, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The 360-degree panoramic camera and automatic parking feature enhance parking convenience. Overall, the safety configuration is quite comprehensive for its class.

In summary, the 2025 iCaur V23 2WD's key advantages lie in its balanced configuration and practicality. Compared to its competitors, its safety configuration is more comprehensive, space performance is excellent, and pricing is more competitive. Its drawbacks include average mid-to-high-speed acceleration and highway range attainment needing improvement. This vehicle is suitable for users who prioritize family use, value safety features and space, especially for city commuting and weekend short trips. With a price of RM 119,800, it offers high cost-efficiency in its class.

Overall, the V23 2WD is a compact electric SUV with no significant shortcomings. It focuses on practicality while balancing technology and safety features, making it a good choice for families seeking well-rounded performance. If you need an electric vehicle for daily commuting and family trips, it is worth considering.