iCAUR V23

Battery and motors

The iCAUR V23 is a fully electric SUV offered in two versions. The V23 Luxury RWD uses a single permanent-magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle with 100 kW and 180 Nm, a 59.93 kWh CATL battery and a claimed 360 km of range on the NEDC cycle. The V23 Premium AWD adds an AC asynchronous motor at the front for 155 kW and 292 Nm, a larger 81.8 kWh battery and a claimed 430 km (NEDC). NexGen quotes 0–100 km/h in 11 seconds for the RWD and 7.5 seconds for the AWD. Both accept 7 kW AC charging through a CCS2 inlet. DC fast charging is rated at 85 kW (20–80% in 36 minutes) on the RWD and 104 kW (20–80% in 42 minutes) on the AWD. Both can also power external appliances at up to 3.3 kW.

Size and practicality

The V23 is 4,220 mm long, 1,915 mm wide and 1,845 mm tall on a 2,735 mm wheelbase, so it is a compact SUV with a tall, upright body. Ground clearance is 205 mm on the RWD and 210 mm on the AWD. The second row splits and folds flat, both front seats are power-adjustable, and the tailgate has a power unlock. NexGen does not publish a boot volume. The RWD rides on 19-inch alloys with 255/55 R19 tyres, while the AWD uses 21-inch alloys with 265/45 R21 tyres.

Equipment by variant

Both variants share a long equipment list: six airbags, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and prevention, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors and a 540-degree camera system. Inside there is a 15.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, ventilated front seats, faux leather upholstery, a PM2.5 filter and keyless entry with an NFC key. The AWD adds six drive modes including Slippery and Offroad (the RWD has Normal, Eco and Sport), a heated rear windscreen, independent rear headrests and a boot light. NexGen states a 5-star ASEAN NCAP rating for both variants.

Warranty

NexGen’s brochure lists a vehicle warranty of 6 years or 150,000 km and a battery warranty of 8 years or 160,000 km, whichever comes first, subject to terms and conditions. Ask the dealer for the written terms before booking.

Which variant to buy

Our opinion: for most city buyers the V23 Luxury RWD makes more sense. It costs Rs 2,000,000 less, keeps the same safety and driver-assistance equipment, and its 19-inch wheels with taller tyres should cope better with broken roads. The Premium AWD is worth the extra if you often drive between cities or want all-wheel drive, since it adds 70 km of claimed range, much quicker acceleration and off-road drive modes. Keep in mind that NEDC range figures are optimistic, and that Rs 70,000 for freight and insurance is added to the ex-factory price.