Chery iCAR V23 spotted testing in India ahead of JSW Motor debut

JSW Motors is preparing to enter the Indian market later this year. The Jetour T2 is expected to be the company’s first launch. Recently, the Chery iCAR V23 was seen undergoing testing, suggesting it could become JSW Motors' second model in India. The sighting of the test vehicle provides new insights into the upcoming SUV.

Key Highlights

• Chery iCAR V23 seen testing in India ahead of JSW Motor launch
• Retro-styled SUV features boxy design and advanced safety technology
• The expected price range is Rs 20-30 lakh, with launch likely early next year

Design and Exterior Features

The Chery iCAR V23 test vehicle was heavily camouflaged, but several design elements were visible. The SUV maintains a retro-styled, boxy silhouette, similar to models like the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Mercedes-Benz G-Class. At the rear, it features a flat swing-type tailgate, an offset storage box, and LED taillamps integrated into the bumper.

Other notable exterior details include flared wheel arches, monoblock-style alloy wheels, and round LED headlamps. The front end displays a chunky bumper and a tall bonnet, adding to the vehicle’s road presence. Globally, the iCAR V23 is positioned as a retro-styled alternative to compact and midsized crossovers. It is available in a variety of color options and add-on kits for customization.

Interior and Features

The interior of the India-specific JSW model has not been revealed. However, it is expected to resemble the global version. The international iCAR V23 features an upright dashboard, rectangular AC vents, a squared-off steering wheel, and chrome dials for climate control. A large central touchscreen serves as both the infotainment system and the digital driver display.

Cabin themes in the global model include black, green, and white upholstery, though the options for India remain unconfirmed. The international version offers a 15.4-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, powered and ventilated front seats, a 7-speaker sound system, LED headlamps, automatic climate control, keyless entry, heated outside rearview mirrors, and rain-sensing wipers.

Safety and Powertrain Options

Safety features in the global iCAR V23 include six airbags, level-2 advanced driver assistance systems, electronic stability control, hill hold assist, hill descent control, front and rear parking sensors, a 540-degree surround view camera, tyre pressure monitoring system, and an electronic parking brake with auto-hold.

The iCAR V23 is offered internationally with two powertrain options. The dual-motor version supports 104 kW DC fast charging, which can be useful for long-distance travel. Detailed specifications for the Indian market have not yet been confirmed.

Expected Launch and Rivals

The Chery iCAR V23 is likely to be JSW Motor’s second product in India, with a launch expected early next year. The expected price range is Rs 20-30 lakh. Key competitors will include the Mahindra XEV 9S, Tata Harrier EV, and VinFast VF7.

Also Read: Jetour T2 Dark Knight Edition unveiled globally ahead of India launch

CarBike 360 Says

​The sighting of the Chery iCAR V23 on Indian roads signals a strong step toward JSW Motors' entry into the EV space. With its rugged design and expected competitive pricing, the model could attract urban and lifestyle buyers alike. As testing progresses, more details are likely to emerge, building anticipation for its official India debut.