Video Summary - iCaur /iCar V23 from CHERY. Uphill Range Test & REVIEW

Product reviewed

iCar V23 (CHERY / “iicar”) — electric off-road-style SUV imported by Sarda Group for the Nepal (Pokhara–Kathmandu) market.

The video emphasizes a real-world uphill/downhill range test from Pokhara to Kathmandu, along with hands-on impressions of the car’s features and drive feel.

Key features mentioned

Powertrain

Rear-wheel drive with a 100 kW motor
60 kWh LFP battery (used in the tested variant)
Company claimed range: 401 km (CLTC)
- WLTP not available yet
The display shows “Standard range” vs “Dynamic range”
- Dynamic range appears higher

Charging / EV infrastructure

References Omoda charging stations in Pokhara (3 locations mentioned)
Notes growing EV interest and infrastructure in Pokhara

Driving hardware & comfort

Stiffer suspension setup for reduced body roll and a more “off-road” tuning
210 mm ground clearance
19-inch alloy wheels
Overall styling/stance described as capable and “pocket-rocket” off-road inspired

Interior / convenience

No instrument cluster for the driver; relies on a single screen with reflection issues
Many physical buttons/dials, including:
- fan speed, temperature control
- drive mode
- 360 camera button
- hazard, etc.
Multiple Type-C ports (and at least one USB)
Manual IRVM (not auto-dimming)
No rear AC vent mentioned
Rear seating provision for 3 passengers (center seatbelt), though likely less comfortable
Noted omissions:
- No glove box
- No sunroof
- No roof rails
Storage highlights:
- rear cubbies/hidden spaces emphasized
- no spare tire (mentioned as part of storage/utility discussion)

Safety / driver aids

UI/alerts/settings mentioned include:
- hill decent control
- automatic parking
- over-speed reminder
- voice wake-up / voice commands
ADAS is present, but the reviewer does not clearly specify the exact level/version

Real-world range test results (Pokhara → Kathmandu)

The reviewer repeatedly monitors battery %, remaining distance, and energy consumption during the downhill and uphill portions of the drive.

Early “real-time” impressions

Display variation is attributed to driving style:
- after the test drive crowds with brutal acceleration + uphill driving, the car shows lower remaining range
Reviewer expects “300+ km” based on battery % drop and the conservative nature of the range display

Notable measured checkpoints (as stated)

~14.1 km covered at one stop:
- ~5.1 kWh/100 km average consumption
- Remaining range shown around 295 km
Pokhara → Mungling segment:
- ~53.6 km with ~11% battery used
- Consumption about 10.4 kWh/100 km
- Remaining range around 265 km
To Mungling (later emphasis):
- ~19% battery used to reach Munglin
- Average consumption about 10.9 kWh/100 km
Uphill: Mungling → Kathmandu climb:
- Around start of the climb (with ~80% battery remaining), the display shows:
  - Standard range: 241 km
  - Dynamic range: 259 km
- Later estimate:
  - roughly ~200 km driven
  - using about ~60% battery
  - ending with about ~38% battery remaining
- Steeper example:
  - on a steep incline section (near “Dharr” described)
  - reaching a steep top area with roughly ~39% remaining
  - consumption peaks at about ~17.8–18 kWh/100 km

Overall range conclusion (from the video)

Reviewer concludes ~“300+ km” looks achievable in Nepal-like real-world conditions, even at highway speeds.
They state the on-screen range behavior is conservative and believable (not overly optimistic DC fast-charge-style claims).
No single clean “full-charge → end-of-trip total km” number is presented, but the battery remaining after ~200 km + steep climbs supports the 300+ km expectation.

Pros (unique advantages highlighted)

Strong real-world drivability and ride control
- Stiffer suspension reduces body roll; stable through twisties/off-road sections
Real-world range seems conservative
- Reviewer feels it’s not exaggerated
Works well for 60–80 km/h highway driving
- Argument: Nepal speeds are typically lower than those assumed in spec testing
Braking performance praised
- Described as “super duper responsive”
Space and practical storage
- Backseat described as great, with multiple cabin/rear storage compartments
Cabin AC effectiveness
- Called “so damn effective”, among the best EV AC experiences the reviewer has tried
Many physical controls
- Tactile usability; settings “remember” until changed

Cons / complaints (as stated)

No instrument cluster
- Reviewer considers it a big negative due to needing to look at the driver area/screen
Screen reflections
- Reflections reduce readability
Wind noise at ~80 km/h
- Boxy design contributes to wind noise intrusion
Right-side OVM visibility issue
- Vertical mirror design reduces visibility, especially on the right side
Cost-cutting omissions
- No rear AC vent, no glove box, no sunroof, no wireless charging pad
Regeneration behavior quirks
- Regen can stop over potholes during downhill driving
- Restart requires pressing the brake again
Interior plastics
- Some “plasticky” finish around steering/areas is disliked

Comparisons / competitor mentions

Range logic vs other specs

Notes the idea that company highway range is lower than city range
Compares the logic to experiences with Leapmotor T03, arguing Nepal’s typical speeds (~60–70/80 km/h) make the “highway-lower-range” concern less important

Design comparisons

References aesthetic similarity/inspiration to:
- BAW off-roader
- Mercedes G-Wagon
- Defender
Reviewer suggests CHERY iCAR V23 borrows rugged Defender/Land Rover Defender-like elements

Earlier EV model experiences

Regen behavior compared to iCAR/JCO J6
- Similar regen restart/behavior issues noted

Charging / infrastructure & user experience notes

High demand at launch/test drive
- In Pokhara, people waited hours after launch to test drive
Reviewer enjoys Nepal roads
- Potholes/rough sections feel low stress and “easy peasy” (subjective impression)

Price / availability mentioned

Pricing mentioned as below 47 lakhs (about 47 lakhs) for Nepal (as per the video)
At the time of the video, the car is described as not yet launched in Nepal, but pricing/variant discussion is attributed to what “they said”

Consensus verdict (based on the video)

Overall recommendation: Consider / likely worth it if you prioritize real-world range, off-road stance, comfort space, tactile controls, and strong AC/braking.

Main buyer risks:

No instrument cluster
Some regen behavior quirks
Wind noise and visibility compromises (notably right-side OVM)

Unique points mentioned about the product (deduplicated)

CHERY origin and Nepal importer context (Sarda Group)
100 kW rear motor + 60 kWh LFP battery
CLTC 401 km claimed; WLTP not out
Stiffer suspension, 210 mm ground clearance
19-inch wheels
Range display conservatism; Standard vs Dynamic range
Downhill uses less; uphill increases consumption substantially
Real-world energy-use examples with cited kWh/100 km
Driver UX: no instrument cluster; screen reflection
Lots of physical controls/buttons including 360 camera button
Regen present, but can pause on potholes and needs brake press to resume
Many storage spaces; rear seat space noted; no spare tire
Interior omissions: no glove box, no sunroof/roof rails, no rear AC vent, no wireless pad
Manual IRVM (no auto-dimming)
Power seats: driver 6-way, passenger 4-way
Wind noise at higher speeds due to boxy design
Right OVM visibility not ideal
AC performance praised highly
Steering: tilt but no telescopic
ADAS present but not precisely defined; comfort driving praised
Pricing target: < 47 lakhs
Design inspiration comparisons: Defender / G-Wagon style rugged cues

Speakers / views at the end

Single main speaker: Aashi Shar

Observations from Pokhara launch/test drive demand
Importer/company context
Detailed range test notes and energy-consumption logging
Hands-on features walkthrough (pros/cons)
Subjective drive impressions and comparisons (e.g., Leapmotor T03, Defender/G-Wagon aesthetic references, regen behavior compared to JCO/J6)

iCaur /iCar V23 from CHERY. Uphill Range Test & REVIEW

Key takeaways