UK client organisation Which? (equal to Australian client organisation Selection) has simply given the Ora Funky Cat a Which? Finest Purchase 2023 award within the UK ‘medium-sized automotive’ class.
The Ora right here, by the way in which, equates right here to a ‘Small passenger Automobile’ based on the VFACTS classification scheme. Additionally by the way in which, if you’re confused by the naming and questioning if I’m utilizing the Funky Cat and Ora names oddly: this is identical automotive bought right here because the GWM Ora.
To clarify that naming concern: GWM have been a bit indecisive of their advertising and marketing world wide, alternately promoting their EVs both instantly as GWM fashions or below their Ora sub-brand. So as to add to the confusion, additionally it is known as the ‘Good Cat’ in China. By the way in which – if you happen to’re not completely misplaced but: for 2024, GWM are rebranding the Funky Cat in Europe because the GWM Ora 03.
Anyway, to return again to the subject: the Ora Funky Cat first went on sale within the UK round 12 months in the past and till now has been receiving combined evaluations. Some have cherished it, some have panned it as coming throughout as a funds automotive with areas to enhance on.
Maybe the latter feedback stem from the pricing technique utilized by GWM within the UK, because the Funky Cat is about at significantly ‘greater than funds EV pricing’ there.
UK consumers pays £32,000 (AU$61,000) for the smaller and £33,795,000 ($A64,500) for the bigger battery model. Right here, it sells for round $42,500 and $49,000 (Victorian on-the-road value, with out subsidies). Maybe the less-kind UK reviewers may need been extra lenient in the event that they had been paying Australian costs for them?
Anyway, reminiscent of the Which? awards for the automotive: they gave it an total check rating nicely above the common for different new and used automobiles examined by the organisation. In addition they rated it because the ‘greatest new electrical automotive’ for below £35,000 (AU$67,000). Moreover, the Funky Cat was ranked because the fourth greatest medium-sized automotive total, throughout all gas sorts.
Commenting on the driving expertise, Which? reported: “ORA Funky Cat’s efficiency is good for straightforward on a regular basis driving. In typical EV vogue, it feels particularly spritely at low speeds, and has ample reserves for protected overtaking and acceleration even at greater speeds.”
The reviewer went on to say: “Throughout cornering, the ORA Funky Cat feels each agile and predictable, and the steering is responsive.”
Which? then rounds off its evaluation of the Funky Cat by saying it “is a reputable new addition to the UK EV market from a fledgling producer, and a worthy Finest Purchase mannequin. It can enchantment specifically for its nippiness and agility.”
Australian GWM Ora historical past, specs and pricing:
Arriving right here in mid-2023, it’s the first full battery electrical car (BEV) from GWM. It was additionally one of many first BEVs in Australia to interrupt the ‘below $40k’ value barrier with a July 2023 beginning value of $39,990 (earlier than on-road-costs or making use of subsidies) for the 43 kWh commonplace vary model.
Provided with two battery sizes, Customary Vary at 46 kWh (45.4 usable) and Prolonged Vary at 63 kWh (59.3 usable), its driving ranges below the outdated European NEDC (and present Australian check commonplace due no new Gasoline Effectivity Requirements right here since ADR 81/02) and the extra real-world new European WLTP requirements are given under. (Notice, there aren’t any US EPA check commonplace outcomes as a result of automotive not being bought within the US).
Model
Nationwide testing system vary estimates:
NEDC (Aust)
WLTP (Euro)
US EPA
48 kWh
400 km
310 km
Not relevant
63 kWh
500 km
420 km
Not relevant
63 kWh GT
unavailable
400 km
Not relevant
Desk 1: Driving vary estimates for the GWM Ora. Supply: aeva.au/fact-sheets
All up, it could appear that offered GWM keep their sharp pricing right here, the Ora/Funky Cat/Good Cat/Ora 03 … or no matter they name it subsequent 12 months … may give the MG4 and/or Atto EVs a run for his or her cash because the ‘funds alternative with essentially the most’ EV in 2024.
Australian specs for the GWM Ora:
Seating: 5
Boot volumes in litres (1 litre = 10 x 10 x 10 cm)
Boot below parcel shelf: 228
Rear seat folded: 858
Dimensions:
Total size: 4,325 mm
Total top: 1,603 mm
Floor clearance: 120 mm
Total width (fringe of doorways): 1,825 mm
Total width (fringe of mirrors): not specified
Battery:
Customary Vary: 46 kWh (45.4 kWh usable)
Prolonged Vary: 63 kWh (59.3 kWh usable)
Power consumption: (WLTP)
16.7 kWh/100 km (46 kWh battery)
16.5 kWh/100 km (63 kWh battery)
16.8 kWh/100 km (63 kWh GT model)
Kerb weight:
1,540 kg (48 kWh)
1,580 (63 kWh)
Charging:
1 section AC: 7.2 kW max.
3 section AC: 11 kW max.
DC: 80 kW max
Cost port location:
Rear of left-hand entrance guard.
Drive configuration:
Towing:
Efficiency:
Variant:
Max. Energy
(kW)
0 to 100km/h
(Sec)
Std Vary: 46 kWh
126
8.4
Ext Vary: 63 kWh
126
8.4
GT: 63 kWh
126
8.5
Bryce Gaton is an professional on electrical autos and contributor for The Pushed and Renew Financial system. He has been working within the EV sector since 2008 and is at the moment working as EV electrical security coach/supervisor for the College of Melbourne. He additionally gives help for the EV Transition to enterprise, authorities and the general public by his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.