GWMOra 03

The Ora 03 is GWM’s retro-styled electric hatchback, formerly sold as the Funky Cat. Its rounded nose, oval headlights and two-tone roof make it one of the most distinctive small EVs in the UK, and it now comes in three trims: Pure, Pro and the sporty GT.

## Battery, range and charging

Pure uses a 48 kWh battery with up to 192 miles of WLTP range. Pro and GT get a 63 kWh pack: 261 miles for Pro, about 248 miles for the GT on its larger wheels. DC rapid charging peaks at 64 kW, so 15–80% takes a little over 40 minutes – slow by current standards. A 7 kW home wallbox fills the 48 kWh battery in about seven hours, the larger one in about eight. A heat pump is standard on the GT.

## Performance and driving

Every version has a single 171 hp front motor. 0–62 mph takes 8.3 seconds and top speed is 99 mph. The car is light on its feet around town and easy to park, but body roll is noticeable when pushed, and wind and road noise rise at motorway speed. Drive modes are Eco+, Normal and Sport; regenerative braking is fairly mild.

## Interior and space

The cabin is the Ora’s strongest point: soft, quilted-effect surfaces, chrome toggle switches and an airy feel. Rear legroom is generous for the class, but the 228-litre boot is small – smaller than most rivals’ and close to a city car’s. Twin 10.25-inch screens handle instruments and infotainment, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto now standard.

## Technology and safety

Every Ora 03 has adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, a 360-degree camera and facial recognition. The Funky Cat scored five stars in Euro NCAP’s 2022 tests. Pro adds heated leatherette seats and automatic parking; the GT adds ventilated massaging front seats, a panoramic roof, launch control and a red-accented body kit.

## Who is it for?

Buyers who want an EV with character and a well-finished cabin, and who mainly drive in town. If you need a big boot or fast motorway charging, the MG4 EV or BYD Dolphin make more sense.