GWM Ora review: Chinese electric hatch worth a look

As the price of petrol soars beyond $2 a litre, more people are looking at EVs, although the initial price tag remains a barrier. This car changes that equation.

The Ora is a cute looking hatch with decent equipment. Picture: Supplied.

Electric vehicles are getting cheaper, thanks to an influx of Chinese models from little-known brands.

Great Wall Motors’ Ora city car is worth a look for those wanting to flick the switch to electric power.

It’s one of the cheapest EVs you can buy

The Ora is one of a trio of newcomers (the others are the MG4 and BYD Dolphin) to have infiltrated the bottom end of the EV market. All are priced from the low-$40,000 mark drive-away, depending on which state or territory you’re in. While it’s not as cheap as rival petrol-powered hatchbacks, there are savings to be had in everyday running costs. The Ora comes loaded with gear, including 18-inch alloy wheels, a 10.25-inch digital driver display and matching infotainment touchscreen, quilted artificial leather seats, wireless phone charging and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity.

The Ora is one of the cheapest EVs on the market. Picture: Supplied.

You’ll pay to go further

The entry-level Ora has a claimed 310km of range. The one we drove had the Extended Range battery pack, which increases range to 420km for an extra $6000. That works out at about $55 per extra kilometre. The smaller battery pack uses a different battery chemistry, with various pros and cons. The main advantage is that the so-called LFP battery likes being topped up to 100 per cent regularly, allowing full access to that 310km of range. The Extended Range uses an NMC battery (both are types of lithium-ion batteries) that typically prefers to be topped up to about 80 per cent for everyday driving (you can do a full charge for longer road trips). That means that although there’s a maximum of 420km range, the everyday range is more like 340km – at least if you want to maximise battery longevity by reducing the maximum charge limit.

A longer range version is available for $6000 extra. Picture: Supplied.

It looks good, in a retro kind of way

There’s no ignoring the Mini-inspired design cues, from the headlights to the toggle switches in the cabin. That’s no bad thing and ensures this budget-priced EV option doesn’t have a budget look or feel. The fake leather with diamond quilting is convincing and the chrome highlights and plastics all present well. Throw in the long list of standard equipment – which extends to active safety systems – and the Ora has plenty of showroom appeal.

The Ora has a touch of Mini in its styling. Picture: Supplied.

There’s space for people, but not luggage

The Ora is about the size of a Toyota Corolla hatchback on the outside but a lot bigger inside. It was designed from the ground up as an electric car, which means there’s no hump down the middle of the floor and a more open and airy feel to the cabin. Those in the rear have surprisingly good legroom. While three across the back seat is a stretch for adults, kids will be fine. Up front, the headroom is generous and there are decent storage options. The boot isn’t nearly as generous, though, with space only for a few smaller bags.

The cabin is well equipped, with twin digital displays. Picture: Supplied.

It’s only OK to drive

The Ora’s single electric motor delivers modest outputs – 126kW and 250Nm – and it’s sent to the front wheels. It doesn’t take much enthusiasm with the right foot to upset progress. Accelerate when cornering, for example, and the inside wheel can easily break traction, triggering the traction control into life. The problem is amplified on a wet road, which requires finesse in tight corners. The Ora also wallows through bends, the soft suspension struggling to keep things in check at higher speeds. At the same time there’s some tyre noise and the suspension picks up niggling bumps, compromising suburban comfort. It’s a car that struggles to inspire confidence on country roads. It’s fine trundling around town, though.

Originally published as GWM Ora review: Chinese electric hatch worth a look