Carloha Nigeria Showcases iCAUR V23 Electric Off-Road SUV in Lagos
Automotive firm Carloha Nigeria has officially unveiled the iCAUR V23, a fully electric off-road Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) developed by Chery, marking a significant step in Nigeria's electric mobility landscape. The vehicle was presented to Nigerian audiences in Lagos earlier this week as part of celebrations for the Chinese New Year in Nigeria, highlighting its advanced technology and robust safety features, including a prestigious five-star rating from the ASEAN New Car Assessment Programme (ASEAN NCAP).
Blending Environmental Consciousness with Adventure Design
At the event, Felix Mahan, General Manager of Marketing at Carloha Nigeria, emphasized that the V23 represents a new phase in electric mobility. He stated that this SUV combines environmental consciousness with an adventure-focused design, specifically targeting young, technology-driven consumers who seek innovation, style, and high performance in their vehicles.
Retro-Inspired Design and Modern Features
The iCAUR V23 boasts a retro-inspired design with boxy proportions and rugged styling cues reminiscent of traditional off-road vehicles, while incorporating modern design elements. Measuring approximately 4,220mm in length, 1,915mm in width, and 1,845mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,735mm, this compact SUV offers a spacious and functional build. Inside the cabin, drivers are greeted with an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, powered by a high-performance chipset and enhanced with connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay.
Dual Powertrain Configurations and Impressive Range
The V23 is available in two powertrain configurations to cater to diverse driving needs. The rear-wheel drive version produces about 136PS (100kW) and 180Nm of torque, utilizing a 59.9kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery that delivers a driving range of up to 401 kilometres under the NEDC test cycle. For those seeking enhanced capability, the intelligent all-wheel drive variant features dual electric motors generating 211PS (155kW) and 292Nm of torque, paired with an 81.8kWh battery capable of providing up to 501 kilometres of range. Additionally, the SUV includes Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, allowing it to power external devices like camping equipment and electrical tools, adding to its versatility for outdoor adventures.
Top Safety Ratings and Structural Integrity
Safety is a key highlight of the iCAUR V23, as it recently earned a five-star safety rating under the ASEAN NCAP 2021–2025 testing protocol, achieving an overall score of 91.02 points. The assessment covered four critical safety categories: adult occupant protection (39.71 points), child occupant protection (16.67 points), safety assist technologies (17.14 points), and motorcyclist safety (17.50 points). This exceptional safety performance is supported by a cage-type body structure constructed with approximately 70 per cent high-strength steel, ensuring durability and protection in various driving conditions.
