First fully electric off-road SUV debuts

LocalCars
21 Sep 2025 • 9:56 AM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

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Kota Kinabalu: Universal Group made history on Saturday with the official launch of the iCAUR 03, Malaysia’s first fully electric off-road SUV.

Vice President of Universal Group, Clinton Chok, said the launch marked a major milestone for both the company and customers in Sabah.

“Bringing iCAUR to Sabah has been a journey of dedication and effort from our whole team.

 “I assure buyers that after-sales service will always be a priority. Universal Group’s strong infrastructure will give customers peace of mind.

“The iCAUR is not just about performance. It’s also about confidence and long-term care,” Chok said in his speech during the launch.

According to him, the China-made SUV was built for people with active lifestyles such as golfing, adventure sports, or weekend getaways.

“We’re thrilled to bring Malaysians our first model, the iCAUR 03. This is the beginning of our journey to deliver cutting-edge electric off-road SUVs backed by an exclusive ownership experience,” he added.

Chok said to mark the launch, buyers will enjoy a special early bird package, which includes a home charger, one year of unlimited charging at JomCharge, plus an additional RM2,000 discount.

He also invited the public to test drive the iCAUR 03, available until 3pm at the launch venue.

“Don’t miss the chance to experience this vehicle first-hand,” he said.

Adopting the brand’s ‘Born to Play’ slogan, the iCAUR 03 blends style, intelligence, and rugged capability.

“This SUV proves that adventure does not stop where the road ends. The iCAUR 03 stands out with its futuristic i-BOX design language, angular lines, and striking lighting signatures. Its imposing stance combines head-turning looks, electrifying performance, and seamless connectivity.

“Carrying its momentum to East Malaysia, Universal Group has been appointed the exclusive iCAUR dealership for the region. It becomes the second outlet in the country and gives Sabah motorists direct access to the brand’s bold vision of electric mobility.

“More than just looks, it is engineered for all terrains with the iROAD system offering 12 selectable drive modes and a precision H-arm multilink suspension.

“Under the hood, a compact 6-in-1 electric drive module integrates the Motor Control Unit, Onboard Charger, and Converter for smooth and responsive power.

“There are two variants available, namely a 2WD version with 184PS and 426km range, and a dual-motor iWD producing 279PS with a 418km range.

“Safety is reinforced with Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including Emergency Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Jam Assist.

“The iCAUR 03 also redefines EV protection with its revolutionary iCARE system, featuring Malaysia’s first all-aluminium monocoque chassis and body. With an extraordinary 31,812 Nm/deg of torsional rigidity – surpassing many modern sports cars – the vehicle offers exceptional crash protection, a 30 per cent weight reduction, and rugged durability,” said Chok.

Inside, drivers are greeted with the high-tech iBRAND cockpit, featuring a 15.6-inch central display, 9.2-inch instrument cluster, 12-speaker Infinity audio system, and 540° transparent chassis camera.

The iCAUR 03 is priced between RM126,687 for the 2WD and RM136,878 for the iWD. Customers can secure their unit with a fully refundable booking of RM1,000 through Universal iCar Sdn Bhd.

“Due to the overwhelming response, we strongly encourage everyone to secure their booking for the all-new iCAUR 03 as soon as possible. By confirming your order early, you’ll be able to collect your brand-new iCAUR 03 in time and enjoy an unforgettable drive this coming Christmas holiday season.

“For those who are interested, please visit the iCAUR showroom at Jalan Limau Manis, Off Jalan Lintas, Taman Iramanis for more information and test drives,” Chok added.