New brand headed to SA in 2026

THERE'S another Chinese brand heading to South Africa, and it’s called the iCaur. But there’s something refreshingly different about this one, which was previewed at the Festival of Motoring at Kyalami Raceway last week.

- JASON WOOSEY

With their funky designs inspired by classic off-roaders, colourful customisation options, and dealerships designed to resemble toy car packaging, it's as if they're trying to awaken your inner child.

Their designs may be a bit polarising, but among the sea of same-same, cookie-cutter SUVs that we see on the roads today, you have to admit that there is a significant cool factor at play here.

No two iCaurs will be the same, the company claims, given the raft of interchangeable and customisable parts available, and the colourful body wraps that will be on offer.

iCaur brand is owned by automotive giant Chery, and the first cars are expected to launch in South Africa during the first quarter of 2026.