ICML Extreme

Expert Review by Maxabout

Overview

Last year, we have seen certain growth in the demand of SUVs in India. Most of these SUVs are economical and to spice up the competition ICML has also launched their Extreme. This is the revised version of their less known MUV Rhino. Let’s try to find out if there is anything new in this car apart from its name.

ICML Extreme Exterior

It’s a completely Indian car and by saying this we are trying to indicate towards its basic old school designing. There is no element of surprise in the style of this MUV. It’s more or less is similar to the discontinued version of Rhino however ICML has made few changes which tries to make this car look modern. For instance, Extreme features an integrated front and rear bumper guard which makes it look aggressive while the bonnet scoop adds premium touch to this car. ICML has made sure that people conceive this car as an SUV rather than a MUV. Its false wheel arches, side steps and cladding adds masculinity to Extreme. The top variant features front fog lights, body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors with integrated side indicators. Apart from these there are hardly any exterior changes and the car still lacks alloy wheels.

ICML Extreme Interior

The top variant of Extreme comes with dual tone colors while base model features black color only. The quality of plastic and material used inside is surely not satisfactory. The car has no sense of luxury inside and that gets clear as soon as you step inside. It looks very basic and indicates towards the cost cutting. ICML offers three different seating arrangements in Extreme and it’s your choice if you want your car to be seven, eight or nine seater. There is enough space for eight people and its best for commercial usage with seating capacity of nine people.

Comfort and Convenience

The car comes with modern features which confirms you proper comfort on long journeys. It has a powerful three row AC with all power windows and power steering. Its outside mirrors are internally adjustable and features a rear defogger for clear vision. To enhance the comfort inside, it features door armrest at its front and the back. Other features of this car include central locking, remote fuel lid opener and mobile charging point.

Dashboard and Storage

The regular dashboard houses its instrument panel and central console. The shape and appearance of plastic stuff is really disappointing and feels quite harsh when touched. There is no digitization in the instrumentation of this car. You can keep the loose stuff on this dashboard while there is also an integrated roomy glove box in it. There are many cubby holes in this car and it also features door pockets. Apart from this, it has enough space at the back despite the full seating of nine people.

Music System of ICML Extreme

Surprisingly, the top variant sports a company fitted DVD player and LCD screen in its central console. There is also a 12V accessory socket at its front which allows you to play your music gadgets directly.

Engine and Gearbox

ICML Extreme is available with two diesel engines; one of which is carried over from Rhino. ICML has used a new 2L 4 cylinder CRD-Fi engine. This engine can also be seen Chevrolet Tavera. This turbo charged engine generates a maximum power output of 120 bhp which is accessible at 4000 rpm. The torque output of 285 Nm ranges from 1750 rpm – 2500 rpm. The other engine is also a 2L DI engine which produces a peak power of 100 bhp at 3600 rpm while its maximum torque output of 240 Nm ranges from 2000- 2500 rpm. These both engines are mated with a five-speed manual gearbox.

Acceleration and Performance

Its DI engine has been tested before so let’s talk about the newly arrived CRD-Fi engine. Frankly speaking, the performance and ride ability of this car has improved a lot thanks to this new engine. This engine takes away the refinement issues which where earlier related to this car. It sounds extremely refined and performs better than many MUVs with full seating. The turbo lag is evident in slow traffic but once it gets the momentum, this car is fun to drive. ICML has also worked on the gear ratios and thanks to the increase efficiency; Extreme now has better power to weight than many other competitors. It takes around 17 seconds to complete 0-100km/hr which is quite respectable and it can easily cruise at the speed of 140km/hr.

ICML Extreme Mileage

This new engine may return an overall fuel efficiency of around 13km/ltr.

Safety Features

Sadly, there are no premium safety features in this car like ABS and airbags but it comes with side and cross car beam which makes it safe during collision.

Suspension and Braking

ICML has tuned the suspension system of this car and they claim it to be perfect for Indian road condition however we still feel this suspension system struggles to keep this car grounded at high speeds. Braking system leaves you with no complaint as its ventilated front disc brakes and rear drum brakes effectively stops this vehicle.

Ride and Handling

ICML Extreme has light handling and that’s quite effective and evident in city traffic but it’s quite disappointing on highways. The car loses its contact with road at high speeds and that’s when you wish for accurate handling. As far as ride quality is concerned we would say its suspension system digests potholes commendably but loses out to high speed and sharp corners. Despite its long wheelbase (2541mm), there is major body roll and that spoils the riding experience.

ICML Extreme Variants

ICML Extreme is available in nine variants: CRD-Fi LD (AC & PS) BS3, CRD-Fi LD (AC & PS) BS4, CRD-Fi SD BS4, CRD-Fi VD BS3, CRD-Fi VD BS4,Di VD BS3, Di SD BS3, Di LD (AC & PS) BS3 and Di LD Non-AC BS3.

ICML Extreme Warranty

ICML offers 3years/150000 kilometers warranty on Extreme.

Verdict

ICML Extreme ranges from INR 5.68 lakhs - 8.65 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi (approx., may vary)). Frankly speaking, from the perspective of a personal user; we doubt the worthiness of this car as it lacks the style and essential features like ABS. Moreover, at this price there are other stylish MUVs like Mahindra Xylo, Quanto and Maruti Ertiga which are also stuffed with all modern features. We can only recommend this car to those who are looking for economical MUVs for commercial usage.