Introduction:
The GWM Ora 03, previously known as the Ora Funky Cat, is a new electric car from emerging manufacturer GWM. Unlike other new car manufacturers that start with a budget product and gradually improve quality, GWM took a different approach with the Ora 03. The company recognized the high-quality interior and unique personality of the car and decided to target a specific market segment. The Ora 03 is currently the only product offered by Ora in the UK, with plans to introduce the larger Ora 07 later this year. The Ora 03 comes in two specifications, Pure+ and Pro+, with prices starting at £31,995. It competes with electric cars like the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Peugeot e-208, and Volkswagen ID 3. The car is built on GWM’s exclusive LEMON platform, which can accommodate not only electric powertrains but also petrol engines, hybrid systems, and even a hydrogen fuel cell.
Distinctive Design and Styling:
The GWM Ora 03 stands out with its unique design, taking inspiration from retro cars of the past two decades. Unlike the copycat cars produced by Chinese manufacturers a decade ago, the Ora 03 has its own distinctive style. It features clean shapes with quirky details like hexagons on the car’s ‘cheeks’, 1990s-style alloy wheels, and small rear lights supplemented by a higher light bar. Despite its supermini-like appearance, the Ora 03 is actually closer in size to a Volkswagen Golf than a Mini Electric. The design is refreshing among the sea of blacked-out AMG Lines and M Sports seen on many modern cars.
Premium Interior with Some Flaws:
Inside the Ora 03, the premium feel continues with soft-touch surfaces and plush red microsuede material on the dashboard and door cards. The seats are upholstered in soft synthetic leather, offering a comfortable experience. The Ora 03 comes with various spec options, including wireless charging, dual climate controls, a high-quality reversing camera, and more. However, there are some flaws in the controls and infotainment system. The rotary drive selector feels disconnected, the indicator stalk detents are weak, and the ‘chrome’ switch panel in the center of the dash doesn’t look or feel convincing. The infotainment system is a mess, with small on-screen buttons and fiddly controls. The software system is still in beta, but it is expected to be updated in the coming months to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Performance and Handling:
The GWM Ora 03 performs adequately in terms of power and torque, but it falls short in terms of power delivery and handling. The traction control is too aggressive, leading to copious wheelspin and abrupt interventions. While the Ora 03 can reach 62mph in 8.2 seconds, achieving this time requires careful throttle control to avoid triggering the traction control. The car’s variable performance at higher speeds is also disappointing, with marginal acceleration from 30-70mph. The Ora 03 struggled to maintain 70mph on a moderate hill with a quarter-full battery, indicating a noticeable drop in performance when the battery is low. The regenerative braking offers three levels of regen, but the response can be delayed and hard to judge. The ABS lacks polish, briefly locking the front wheels before engaging. The light steering provides little feedback, and the turning circle makes it difficult to navigate urban car parks.
Comfort and Isolation:
Despite its handling shortcomings, the Ora 03 offers a comfortable ride with adequate suspension that soaks up most bumps without complaint. The body roll is noticeable but builds gradually, and the slowish steering is precise enough. However, noise isolation is a major weak point, with more road and wind noise compared to rivals. The cabin recorded 68dBA at 50mph and 72dBA at 70mph, higher than the Fiat 500 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric. The seats are soft but lack lumbar support for longer drives.
Flaws and Unfinished Features:
The Ora 03 has several flaws and unfinished features that suggest the car could have benefited from more development time. The keyless entry doesn’t always work, the handbrake can let the rear wheels drag forwards, and the power steering motor and vacuum pump for the power brakes are noisy. The ABS and traction control lack polish, and some settings randomly reset. The infotainment system is slow and unresponsive, with ergonomics issues and system glitches. The economy gauge couldn’t be reset, making efficiency readings difficult. The real-world range is around 150 miles, lower than the claimed 193 miles. Rapid-charging capabilities are limited, with other EVs capable of charging at higher rates. Despite these flaws, Ora offers a five-year unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 100,000-mile battery warranty to provide reassurance to buyers.
Conclusion:
The GWM Ora 03 offers distinctive styling, a premium interior, and a competitive price compared to other electric cars in its class. However, it falls short in terms of range, charging capabilities, long-distance comfort, ease of use, multimedia, and assisted driving. The car exhibits flaws and unfinished features that suggest it could have benefitted from further development. While the Ora 03 is a commendable effort from a new brand entering the European market, there are more mature and refined options available from established manufacturers. Potential buyers should consider their priorities and weigh the unique aspects of the Ora 03 against its shortcomings before making a decision.
