Currently reading: Jaecoo sibling brand iCaur nears UK launch

Chery-owned off-roader brand has shown cars to UK dealers and is preparing to announce its market entry

Chinese car maker Chery will bring its iCaur brand to the UK, according to Autocar sources, joining Omoda, Jaecoo, Chery and Lepas.

Already available in other right-hand-drive markets, iCaur is Chery International’s “adventure” brand selling off-road-focused SUVs. 

Chery has recently started to recruit dealers in the UK ready to set up a network for iCaur's launch early next year.

Autocar has been told that iCaur has held a series of product events for potential retailers to provide feedback on the vehicles due to come to the UK.

The brand is called iCar in China but iCaur in export markets to avoid a legal battle with tech giant Apple.

A Chery spokesman declined to comment about which iCaur models would come to the UK, the exact timing of their arrival or potential sales volumes.

Autocar understands an official announcement of the UK launch will be made before the end of 2026.

iCaur V23

The spokesman said: “As part of its ongoing international growth strategy, Chery International continually evaluates opportunities to introduce brands from the Chery Auto portfolio to new markets.

"In the UK, this includes considering how additional brands could complement its established portfolio of Omoda, Jaecoo, Chery and Lepas, with input from retail partners and insights from potential customers forming part of that process.

“Chery International can confirm that iCaur is currently undergoing an advanced review for potential entry into the UK market. This evaluation also includes work through Chery International’s UK R&D operations to assess the brand and its products specifically for UK market requirements and customer expectations.”

In China, iCaur sells a slew of off-road-focused SUVs, ranging from the Jeep Avenger-sized V23 through the mid-sized V25 to the Defender-sized V27. All are either fully electric or range-extender EVs.

The 4.2m-long V23 is available in other markets as an EV with either a 60kWh battery and rear-wheel drive or an 81kWh battery and four-wheel drive, with a maximum range of approximately 315 miles.

The 4.6m-long V25 is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor supported by a 34kWh battery.

The 5.0m-long V27 (pictured below) uses the same REx powertrain as the V25, with a maximum output of around 450bhp.

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iCaur V27

As previously reported by Autocar, the V27's underpinnings may be used by Ineos as the basis for its electrified Fusilier, which would sit below the existing ICE Grenadier.

Chery has already launched iCaur in several markets this year, including Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.

It has already announced that its first European market will be Austria, launching this autumn through Israeli-owned importer Colmobil. 

A Colmobil spokesman said: “The brand is now turning its attention to Europe. Austria will play a pioneering role, serving as the first European market and launchpad for further expansion. Market entries in the Czech Republic, Spain, the United Kingdom and Germany are planned subsequently.”

Chery has several other export brands, including Jetour, Exeed, Luxeed and Freelander, which was born as a joint venture with JLR. 

JLR has previously said it won't stop Chery from selling Freelander vehicles in the UK.

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Tristan Young

Tristan Young

Tristan is a motoring journalist with more than 30 years’ experience focussed mostly on the retail and fleet sectors of the automotive industry.

Before going freelance nearly 20 years ago, his second job in journalism was on the Autocar news desk.

He’s also held jobs at Automotive Management, Fleet Week, BusinessCar and Auto Retail Bulletin. Alongside his freelance work, Tristan also runs his own publication Auto Sunday.

As well as interviewing senior auto industry execs and writing news, Tristan is a bit of a statto and loves a data-led story.