iCaur V27: Chery’s rugged hybrid SUV to watch in NZ

Chery’s boxy iCaur V27 is the sort of SUV that looks ready for a gravel road before it leaves the showroom. But while Chery has confirmed its iCaur brand for New Zealand, the V27 itself is not yet locked in for our market.

The V27 is a large, adventure-styled SUV with a range-extender hybrid system. In this type of set-up, electric motors drive the wheels while a petrol engine acts as a generator. Overseas reporting lists the V27’s twin electric motors at a combined 335kW, although that figure is for the Chinese-market vehicle.

The square body and off-road cues give the V27 a different character from the softer, city-focused SUVs that dominate the segment. It could appeal to buyers wanting a family-sized vehicle with a more rugged look, but overseas specifications alone cannot tell us how it will be equipped or tuned for New Zealand.

Chery says iCaur is planned for New Zealand in the second half of 2027. The local model line-up, pricing and specifications are still to be announced.

For now, the V27 is a model to watch as Chery prepares to introduce iCaur here, rather than a confirmed addition to the New Zealand range.