2023 GWM Ora is the cheapest electric car in Australia
A new model out of China has the potential to bring zero-emissions motoring to the masses. See full details here.
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What’s in a name? A lot, according to GWM because they’ve changed this one multiple times.
This is the latest electric car from Chinese brand GWM – formerly Great Wall Motors.
In China it’s called the Ora Good Cat, in the UK it wears the Ora Funky Cat nameplate, but in Australia it’s known simply as the Ora.
It’s the first of what could be many electric vehicles for the brand in Australia.
Potential customers can place an order for the Ora with the first deliveries expected to be on the road by April.
GWM will launch a three-tier model line-up that includes Standard Range, Extended Range and GT variants.
Prices start at $43,990 (before on-road costs) for the Standard Range or from about $45,500 drive-away, which makes it the cheapest electric car on sale in Australia. This is currently the MG ZS EV at about $46,700 drive-away.
GWM Australia says being the cheapest EV in the country isn’t its sole focus, and that it wants to provide the right level of specification.
The Standard Range and its 48kWh battery has 310km of range. The Extended Range and GT get a bigger 63kWh battery that boosts its range to 420km and 400km respectively.
All can accept a charge rate of up to 80kW, which is well below average. The Kia EV6 and others can receive up to 350kW.
In the metal, the Ora Standard Range makes a good first impression.
The Ora is about the size of a Volkswagen Golf, but has a much roomier interior.
Cute retro styling features smooth lines and VW Beetle-like humps over the wheel arches incorporate the headlights, and several well placed creases give it a bit of edge. 18-inch alloy wheels and two-tone paint help it pop in the traffic.
Inside, there are electronically adjustable faux-leather wrapped seats and dual 10.25-inch digital displays; one for the driver’s display and the other to control the infotainment and vehicle settings.
Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a wireless device charger boost connectivity.
Interior space has been freed up with lots of storage in the centre console and there is ample head, shoulder and leg room in both rows.
The cabin feels good quality with soft touch and textured materials covering most surfaces above eye level.
Climate control toggle switches feel out of place and would be more at home in a race car or fighter jet than a humble passenger vehicle.
The boot is tiny at just 228-litres, well under the 374L cargo space in a VW Golf.
There is no spare tyre either, instead owners need to make do with a tyre repair kit.
A seven year/unlimited km warranty for the car and an eight-year guarantee for the battery should provide peace of mind for those wary of a new brand.
Safety is impressive – it received a five star result in Europe.
The Ora will automatically apply the brakes if it detects a potential collision and multiple sensors will help keep you centred in your lane and even tug at the steering wheel to move you back into place if you wander too far.
Radar tech will let you know if a car is in your blind spot and sound an alarm if a car approaches from the side as you reverse.
We only got to sample the Ora on closed roads at the Australia Automotive Research Centre in Anglesea, Victoria.
The proving ground private test roads mimic 100km/h highways and 60km/h country roads.
Our short test gave a glimpse at the Ora’s potential.
Acceleration is zippy but not fast and it exerts excellent body control through corners thanks to its low centre of gravity. The extra weight from the batteries and nicely sorted suspension help smooth out the ride.
Steering is well weighted and predictable and there is no chirping from the tyres as the Ora gets its power to the ground in good order.
The Ora feels in the same ballpark as the BYD Atto 3 but we’ll reserve judgment on the Ora for a later date when we can conduct a more comprehensive test on public roads.
GWM ORA VITALS
PRICE From about $45,500 drive-away
MOTOR Single electric motor and 48kWh battery, 126kW and 250Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICING Seven year/unlimited km, Not yet finalised
SAFETY Auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, 360 camera, radar cruise control
SPARE Repair kit
RANGE 320km
CARGO 228L
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