Only RM10K Separates The Two CKD iCAUR 03s - Here's What You Get

iCaur 03

The iCAUR 03 range is now fully locally assembled in Malaysia, following the start of CKD production for the entry-level RWD variant.

Priced at RM119,740 on-the-road without insurance in Peninsular Malaysia, the locally assembled RWD retains largely the same specifications and equipment as before. Production began in September, with the first CKD units scheduled to reach customers from October.

Its more powerful iWD sibling, which has already been locally assembled since May, costs RM129,880.

That leaves exactly RM10,140 between the two CKD iCAUR 03s.

So rather than simply looking at the RWD's switch from CBU to CKD, there's a more useful question for buyers: what exactly does another RM10K get you?

RM119,740 Vs RM129,880 - What's The Difference?

Grey is only available for the iWD variant.

At first glance, not much separates the two. They're fundamentally the same iCAUR 03, sharing the same boxy design, dimensions and much of the same cabin experience.

Underneath, however, they're quite different.

That RM10K Mainly Buys You A Lot More Performance

This is where the RM10,140 difference becomes much easier to see. The RWD uses a single rear-mounted electric motor producing 184 PS and 220 Nm, sending power exclusively to the rear wheels.

Spend another RM10,140 and the iWD adds a second electric motor at the front, giving it all-wheel drive and lifting combined output to 279 PS and 385 Nm.

The difference is even more obvious once you put a stopwatch on them. The RWD takes 10.5 seconds to reach 100 km/h, while the iWD cuts that down to just 6.5 seconds. That's a full four seconds quicker.

Both variants still share the same 150 km/h maximum speed, so the extra performance is really about how much harder the iWD can accelerate rather than outright top speed.

Plot Twist: The Cheaper RWD Actually Goes Further

Here's where the comparison gets a little more interesting. The iWD gets the larger battery, with a capacity of 69.8 kWh compared to the RWD's 65.7 kWh.

But that doesn't give the more expensive variant the longer claimed range.

Yes, the cheaper RWD actually has an 8 km advantage on paper. Eight kilometres certainly isn't enough to choose one variant over the other by itself, especially as these are NEDC figures rather than real-world range results.

What it does show, however, is where that larger battery is being put to work. The iWD has another motor to feed and substantially more performance to deliver.

Charging performance is otherwise identical, with both accepting up to 80 kW DC fast charging and 6.6 kW AC charging.

The iWD Gets More Than Just Another Motor

The RM10,140 difference isn't purely mechanical either. The RWD rides on 18-inch wheels with 225/60 tyres, while the iWD gets larger 19-inch wheels with 225/55 tyres.

Both still deliver much of the same core iCAUR 03 experience, including a 9.2-inch digital instrument display, 15.6-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, panoramic sunroof and a suite of driver assistance systems.

But there are some meaningful differences inside.

In other words, that RM10K isn't simply buying a quicker 03. It also gives the range-topper some extra premium kit to match its stronger performance.

Want It Meaner? There's The Black Phantom Edition

Whichever drivetrain you prefer, iCAUR also offers something for buyers who think the standard 03 isn't quite dramatic enough.

The Black Phantom Edition adds another RM20,000 and is primarily an official styling and accessories package rather than a separate powertrain variant.

BLACK PHANTOM EDITION: +RM20,000

Includes:
• Exclusive exterior bodykit
• Matte-black finish
• Roof rack platform
• Side ladder

It doesn't change the fundamental RWD versus iWD equation underneath. Instead, the Black Phantom leans much harder into the 03's rugged, off-road-inspired appearance.

Based simply on adding the RM20,000 package premium to today's CKD prices, that works out to around RM139,740 for an RWD or RM149,880 for an iWD with the Black Phantom treatment.

What About Warranty?

Here's another part of the equation that doesn't change depending on which powertrain you pick.

iCAUR Malaysia backs the 03 with a 7-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty, while the EV battery and drive unit are covered for 8 years or 160,000 km.

That last point is particularly relevant for long-term EV ownership. Should the traction battery's State of Health fall below 70% within the applicable warranty period, iCAUR says it provides a one-for-one battery replacement.

As always, warranty coverage remains subject to iCAUR Malaysia's applicable terms and conditions.

Both iCAUR 03s Are Finally CKD

There's some useful context behind all of this. When the iCAUR 03 first launched in Malaysia in September 2025, both variants arrived as fully imported CBU models.

At the time, Carz reported that iCAUR planned to begin local assembly at Chery Corporate Malaysia's Shah Alam plant in 2026.

That transition began with the iWD in May, and the RWD has now followed it into local production. Production of the CKD RWD began in September, with the first locally assembled units scheduled for customer deliveries from October 2026.

For a deeper look at the model itself, our original iCAUR 03 Malaysian launch coverage breaks down the two variants and Black Phantom Edition in more detail.

So, What Does That RM10K Really Get You?

The comparison is more nuanced than simply paying more and getting more. At RM119,740, the RWD gives you the fundamental iCAUR 03 package, a single 184 PS rear motor and, interestingly, the longer claimed NEDC range of the two.

The RM129,880 iWD asks for another RM10,140 but responds with a substantial performance upgrade: AWD, another electric motor, 95 PS and 165 Nm more, a 6.5-second century sprint, larger wheels and some extra cabin equipment.

So buyers who prioritise range and a lower purchase price aren't necessarily giving up the fundamental 03 experience by choosing the RWD.

Likewise, the extra RM10,140 for the iWD isn't merely paying for a badge or trim level. There are meaningful mechanical differences underneath.

And if neither looks quite wild enough out of the box, there's always that RM20,000 Black Phantom package.

FAQ: iCAUR 03 RWD Vs iWD