4 minute read
Ora Funky Cat
FORECOURT ORA FUNKY CAT
Power
A 48kWh battery mated to the 169bhp electric motor gives the car a 193-mile range.
The Funky Cat is a new electric hatchback from GWM Ora, but what does this quirky-looking EV feel like to drive? James Batchelor found out.
WHAT IS IT?
The Funky Cat comes from one of China’s leading carmakers, Great Wall Motor, and Ora is its EV-only brand. The firm hopes to finally establish itself in Europe as an alternative to more traditional brands, and the family hatchback-sized Funky Cat is its first move.
WHAT’S NEW?
Great Wall has been in the UK before with its rather underwhelming Steed pick-up, but this time around it’s going after the electric hatchback customer with its Ora brand. That’s no mean feat as this sector is dominated by the likes of the Volkswagen ID.3, Vauxhall’s Corsa-e and Mini Electric. There’s also the small matter of the MG4 – a car built by GWM’s big Chinese rival SAIC, which undercuts nearly all of its competition on price and range.
WHAT’S UNDER THE BONNET?
The battery is paired with an electric motor that powers the front wheels. In terms of charging, an 80 per cent top-up with a standard wallbox takes five hours and 24 minutes, while a three-phase 11kW on-street charger cuts that to three hours and 12 minutes. Plug it into a 100kW ultra-rapid charger and an 80 per cent fill-up takes about 45 minutes.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
It’s rather entertaining, with sharp steering plus a very balanced and comfortable ride, and more than enough poke. A 0-60mph time of just over eight seconds is nothing to write home about for an EV but it certainly feels quicker than that, and there’s a pleasing linear feel to the way it accelerates.
HOW DOES IT LOOK?
The styling really marks out the Funky Cat. While most electric family hatchbacks favour a modern – even futuristic – look, GWM Ora has gone for a more retro appearance. The huge headlamps and curvy bonnet perhaps ape a Porsche 911, while two of the four colour combinations have a slightly ’50s Americana flavour to them. That said, the rear light bar is more on trend – even if it does strobe like KITT from Knight Rider.
THE KNOWLEDGE
GWM Ora Funky Cat First Edition
Price (as tested): £32,790 Engine: Single motor and
48kWh battery
Power:
169bhp
Torque:
250Nm
Max speed:
99mph
O-60mph:
8.1 seconds
Range:
193 miles
Emissions:
N/A
quality far exceeds the German electric hatchback in every respect. Most surfaces are either covered in stitched faux leather or squidgy soft-touch plastic, and the switchgear all feels good – the row of chrome ventilation controls are even Mini-like in look and feel.
The Funky Cat gets two 10.25-inch screens, and although there’s plenty of functionality, the menus are a little clunky and tricky to use on the move.
While we’re on the subject of things that could be better, the passenger space is more than adequate but the boot, at 228 litres, is a little on the small side.
WHAT’S THE SPEC LIKE?
This is where the Funky Cat ends up having its tail between its legs, as for the time being there’s only one high-spec First Edition offered.
There’s no criticising the equipment that’s thrown in as standard, as it gets those screens, electrically adjustable front seats and a 360-degree parking camera. In fact, the parking aid is just the start, as the Funky Cat has received a full NCAP five-star safety rating on account of its suite of safety gizmos. However, there’s a but... When the Funky Cat was first mooted for the UK, a price of £25,000 was hinted at, but this First Edition costs from £31,995. While cheaper versions are set to follow, that’s a whole heap of money for a car from an unknown
brand. For comparison, an MG4 Trophy Long Range can travel further (270 miles) and costs £31,495, while a Cupra Born has a 20 per cent larger battery, is more powerful and is nicer to drive, albeit costing £4,500 more.
WHAT DO THE PRESS THINK?
Autocar said: ‘Its divisive but undeniably charismatic form is a welcome addition to the electric hatchback ranks.’
WHAT DO WE THINK?
The car’s cutesy styling and quality interior are the only things that make it stand out in a marketplace that’s currently focused on range and affordability. There’s a good car that drives very well beneath the lavish spec, though, and the Funky Cat does add a sense of fun and character – the name being a perfect example.
Forthcoming cheaper models will probably make more sense, but on this first impression, there’s much to like about the Funky Cat.
Cabin
The Funky Cat has a plush interior with quality switchgear and doors that thunk when closed.
Style
The retro look really marks out the Ora from its rivals.
TARGET BUYERS:
First-time EV buyers and those perhaps downsizing from large petrol and diesel hatchbacks as well as SUVs.
THE RIVALS:
Hyundai Kona Electric VW ID.3 MG4
KEY SELLING POINTS:
1. Retro styling 2. High levels of standard kit 3. Impressive feeling of quality
DEAL CLINCHER:
Buyers will stand out from the crowd!
