The iCar 03 small all-road electric SUV from Chery has hit the production line today. Its market launch was initially scheduled in October, but it looks that its sales can start much earlier. Let’s get to know the iCar 03 better.
First, we will remind you that iCar is a new electric brand under the Chery Group that is aimed at young buyers. Its model line will comprise seven cars in the future, including the iCar GT sporty electric coupe and the iCar 03 electric crossover. It seems that the 03 will become the first iCar vehicle to hit the market. Its price tag will start from 150,000 RMB (21,000 USD). Today, its mass production started in China.
iCar 03 production start details
Production version of the iCar 03
iCar 03 at the Shanghai Auto 2023
In the official photos of the production line, we can see that the production version of the iCar 03 stays close to the concept car displayed at the Shanghai Auto in April. The main difference of the production version 03 is the front logo. Initially, it was represented with a big “i” letter in the middle of the front end. Moreover, this logo was designed by the well-known creator of the panda mascot of the 2022 Winter Olympics Games in Beijing (Cao Xue). But we can see that iCar decided to replace it with a simple “iCar” inscription. We saw the same design feature in the spy shots of the iCar 03. What is more, the panel between the headlights is also differs from the concept car.
As for the other details, they look the same, including “i” shaped running lights (point here acts like a turn signal), a brawny front bumper, a high hood line, and blocks of headlights integrated into the front end. Other features of the iCar 03 are huge blocky side view mirrors.
We should also mention that a few days ago, iCar 03 official shots were revealed in China, showing the actual car with an old logo. We think that it can be a marketing department mistake. Or it can occur that the “i” logo will be an optional feature. Together with the exterior image, we also got some interior shots of the iCar 03. It has a giant floating screen, an LCD instrument panel, and an independent screen for the front passenger. In general, the iCar 03’s interior looks brawny, but it has some questionable decisions such as the absence of physical buttons or buttons instead of door handles.
iCar 03 details
iCar 03 spy shots
The iCar 03 is a small electric SUV with dimensions of 4371/1909/1709 mm with a wheelbase of 2700 mm. Its ground clearance reaches 170 mm. The iCar 03 got a McPherson suspension on the front axle and an independent suspension on the rear one. It can offer FWD and 4WD versions. The powertrain and battery of the iCar 03 weren’t detailed yet. But we do know that it will have up to 500 km of range.
Editor’s comment
It seems that EVs with a brawny and blocky exterior design are becoming a new trend in China. Previously, the tiny Baojun Yep from the SGMW joint venture has hit the Chinese market. And now, the iCar 03’s mass production started, hinting at the speedy launch. It seems that this vehicle can fit both to big cities and suburb roads. So the iCar 03 can become a potential bestseller in China. It will depend on battery, specs, and, of course, the price range. We will keep an eye on the iCar 03, so stay tuned!
Source: Autohome
Keyword: Chery iCar 03 hit the production line in China. The 21,000-USD all-road EV