29/06/2025

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY JUNE 29, 2025

New era of smart electric vehicles iCaur 03 promises adventure, innovation and cutting-edge engineering

MALAYSIA has become the first inter national market outside of China to pre view the iCaur 03, the nation’s first fully electric off-road-capable SUV, following its global debut in Shanghai. Marking a new chapter for the coun try’s electric vehicle sector, the iCaur 03 promises a bold blend of adventure, inno vation, and cutting-edge engineering. The new model made its local debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 and was showcased at a specially curated iExperience off-road test drive event held at 1 Utama Shopping Centre. Emily Lek, Vice President of iCaur Malaysia, described the iCaur 03 as the brand’s entry point into the Malaysian market, stating that the model introduces a new era of smart electric off-road vehi cles designed to provide both capability and premium ownership experiences. She noted that the slogan “Born to Play” captures the essence of the brand, which combines intelligence, design, and robust utility under its distinctive illumi nated ‘i’ badge. Visually striking with its angular i-Box design language and futuristic lighting elements, the iCaur 03 is more than just aesthetics. The SUV is engineered with the iRoad system offering 12 selectable drive modes, reinforced by a precision H-arm multilink rear suspension. Its 6-in-1 electric drive module, which houses the motor controller, onboard

a highly immersive driving environment. The iBrand cockpit features a 15.6-inch touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital instru ment cluster, a 12-speaker Infinity audio system, and a 540° Transparent Chassis camera. These elements are unified through the intuitive i-VA interface that keeps drivers connected and in command. Two drivetrain options are offered. The 2WD version is powered by a 184PS motor producing 220Nm of torque, paired with a 65.7kWh battery that deliv ers an NEDC-rated range of 426km. Meanwhile, the iWD dual-motor vari ant delivers 279PS and 385Nm, sup ported by a 69.8kWh battery for a 418km range. This configuration is geared toward enhanced off-road performance, provid ing superior traction and dynamic con trol. Safety is reinforced through Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (Adas), incorporating Emergency Lane Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Traffic Jam Assist for greater confidence behind the wheel. The iCaur 03 is expected to officially launch in the third quarter of 2025 with prices estimated between RM145,000 and RM155,000. With its blend of off-road prowess, advanced EV technology, and premium design, the iCaur 03 sets a new benchmark for electric adventure vehicles in Malaysia.

ing overall weight by 30 per cent. The SUV’s lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery is protected by a four-layer IPX8-rated armour system, which includes a 10mm aluminium impact shield, a Mica ceramic thermal barrier rated for temperatures exceeding 1,000°C, and two additional protective layers, ensuring optimal safety across all terrains and weather conditions. Inside the cabin, the iCaur 03 presents

charger, and inverter in a compact unit, delivers smooth, instantaneous power delivery on a range of surfaces. A key highlight of the iCaur 03 lies in its iCare safety architecture, anchored by Malaysia’s first all-aluminium monoco que chassis and body in an electric SUV. This setup yields a torsional rigidity of 31,812Nm/deg – on par with high-per formance sports cars – providing enhanced crash protection while reduc

Rompin beach bash ignites camaraderie among adventure enthusiasts

THE serene shores of Pahang’s south ern coastline came alive with energy and engines as camping aficionados, 4×4 adventurers, and motorcycle enthusiasts converged for the Rompin Beach Bash 2025. Held from June 13 to 15 on the pic turesque grounds of Villea Rompin Resort & Golf, the event offered a thrill ing weekend of outdoor festivities against the backdrop of the South China Sea. Hosted by By The Billions, the event attracted a diverse mix of participants, including international travellers and local off-road communities, united by their shared passion for the outdoors. Attendees from Singapore, Vietnam, and as far as the Netherlands joined Malaysian drivers to enjoy a packed itinerary of competitions, demonstra tions, and social gatherings that cele

pose-built track set among beachside forest trails and abandoned resort build ings. Adrenaline surged into the evening as over 50 custom motorcycles lined up for the Beach Drag competition, backed by Michelin. Riders pushed their machines to the limit across the sand, with the top per formers receiving Michelin tyres and a cash prize pool totalling RM6,000. More than just a weekend getaway, Rompin Beach Bash proved to be a meaningful platform for forging connec tions across communities and brands. By creating a space where camping newcomers, overland veterans, motorcy cle hobbyists, and major industry players could mingle freely, the event showcased the enduring power of the outdoors to bring people together, no matter where they come from or what they drive.

rekindled, participants began settling in for the weekend. Stories were exchanged over coffee, barriers of lan guage and nationality effortlessly bro ken. The event embodied a sense of unity rarely seen, blending families and adrenaline-seekers into one thriving community. Saturday’s programme commenced with the roar of engines as custom motorcycles and 4x4s rolled onto the beach. More than 90 off-road vehicles, 50 motorcycles, a few campervans and over 300 attendees gathered for a full day of competitions and interactive experiences. By midday, the beach transformed into an open-air classroom as M4TREC instructors demonstrated fundamental 4×4 recovery techniques. Later, 32 vehicles took on the 4×4 Sand Challenge. Drivers tackled a pur

brated both the thrill of adventure and the warmth of Malaysian hospitality. The gathering was supported by an impressive roster of sponsors with over RM40,000 worth of prizes. Local off-road groups such as Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Malaysia and Santai Drive added to the atmosphere with their strong presence, reflecting the deep camaraderie embedded within the enthusiast community. Excitement began long before the coast, as a convoy of modified 4×4 vehicles from Klang Valley assembled at Ironman 4×4’s headquarters in Segambut, Kuala Lumpur. The journey to Rompin grew in scale as drivers from Seremban, Melaka, and Kuantan joined en route, culminating in a dramatic 3km drive across beach sand to the final destination. With tents pitched and friendships