First Impressions off-road: iCAUR V23 – Looks cool, climbs muddy hills, conquers washouts

KUALA LUMPUR: You know what’s funny? iCAUR Malaysia is launching another EV that is almost the same size as its current one, with nearly identical performance figures.

On paper, it’s like watching non-identical twins argue about who’s taller. But once you spend time with both, you’ll quickly see the differences — because the V23 is the sibling who trades sneakers for hiking boots.

Also Read: iCAUR V23 off-road EV previewed in Malaysia, est. price revealed

At first glance, the iCAUR V23 already looks more ready for the rough stuff. Its upright, boxy silhouette screams retro-futuristic adventure, while the 03 looks more urban-cool. The V23’s squared arches, chunky bumpers, and muscular stance give it proper off-road vibes, and iCAUR isn’t shy about proving it.

Which is why they invited us to test it on an off-road course — not some hardcore rock-crawling trail, but definitely the kind that would make most city SUVs sweat and think twice before trying to tackle it. 

First Impressions off the tarmac

Our test unit was the iWD variant, the one with all-wheel drive and dual motors pushing out a combined 211 PS and 292 Nm. Power comes from an 81.8 kWh NMC battery, good for up to 501 km (CLTC), and it even sprints from 0–100 km/h in 7.5 seconds. Fast charging? Up to 104 kW DC, while AC charging is rated at 6.6 kW. Numbers aside, what matters here is how it feels when the tarmac disappears.

And honestly, we approached it with caution. Those massive 21-inch wheels didn’t exactly scream “let’s go mudding.” But after five minutes, the V23 had us grinning. First challenge — a steep, muddy incline. We expected wheelspin, maybe some drama. Instead, the traction control system worked its magic, grabbing grip faster than expected. Up it went, steady and composed.

Then came the tight, slippery turns. The mud wanted to have its fun, but the car’s traction systems and power delivery felt precise and confidence-inspiring. So we picked up speed — and that’s when the ride quality really stood out. Despite the low-profile R21 265/45 tyres, the suspension soaked up potholes and bumps with impressive ease. No harsh thuds, no scary clunks — just calm composure. The ride was slightly bumpy, but at least it felt like it could take some punishment.

Heading downhill, the Hill Descent Control quietly took over, letting us coast down safely while the Hill Hold Assist made uphill stops stress-free. We're usually nervous when manufacturers put us through the Hill Descent Control test because you never know what you're going to get, but the one in the V23's worked in the background like a slient co-pilot, and just took over to roll down the car down the hill slowly.

Confidence level: upgraded. Add in the 540-degree AVM camera and its transparent underbody view, and it’s like having a drone fly under your car to guide your line. There’s even an off-road dashboard display showing pitch and roll angles — a fun little nod to the enthusiasts who actually care about such things.

Designed for the wild, priced for the real world

The V23 may share a similar footprint with the iCAUR 03, but it feels larger thanks to its taller stance and chunkier proportions. It’s also the more down-to-earth of the two — literally and figuratively. For starters, it rides on a steel chassis instead of aluminium, and uses a regular multi-link rear suspension instead of the 03’s fancy H-link setup. Still, ride comfort was solid, and the build quality felt reassuring.

Inside, it’s more of the same story — stylish, functional, and surprisingly premium. The design oozes character, though tech purists might raise an eyebrow at the absence of a traditional meter cluster. Everything’s integrated into the 15.4-inch central display, which looks great but does take a bit of getting used to.

For the EV nerds, here’s something to chew on: the 2WD variant uses a 59.9 kWh LFP battery, while the AWD (iWD) uses NMC chemistry. iCAUR says this was deliberate — the LFP offers better energy density for the lighter model, hence slightly more range. Logical, but still, it’s bound to spark some debate among battery geeks.

Verdict: Two EVs, two personalities

So, why would anyone pick the V23 over the 03? Easy — personality and purpose. The V23 has that charming retro-futuristic boxy look, more rugged manners, and a price that’s expected to undercut the 03.

Based on its pricing back home in China, we’re expecting the starting price to begin something closer to the RM100,000 mark here, despite the tentative price points — which, if true, would make it one of the most attainable off-road inspired EV SUVs in Malaysia.

It’s not perfect. The steering lacks feedback off-road, and some might miss the traditional dials. But these quirks melt away once you realise what it can actually do — handle muddy climbs, steep descents, and bumpy trails like a seasoned 4x4, all while keeping things quiet and comfortable.

So yes, it’s funny that iCAUR made two EVs so close in size and specs. But after spending a day with the V23, it’s clear this one’s the adventure-ready sibling. The one that says, “Sure, I’ll do school runs and mall parking — but give me a muddy hill and I’ll show you why I was born.”

And if that muddy hill happens to be a Klang Valley road after heavy rain? The V23 will surely have that covered too.

Also Read:iCAUR 03 launches in Malaysia – First fully electric Off-Road SUV, from RM119,800