Though Nice Wall Motor has marketed a complete litter of “Cats” in China (Good, Black, White, and IQ), Australia is barely receiving one model. It will likely be marketed because the GWM ORA. I hope that the opposite variations will make it right here ultimately. Within the meantime, we went for a Nice Wall ORA check drive!

Majella loves the retro end and really feel of the GWM ORA Cat. Picture by David Waterworth.

The GMW ORA (aka Ora Good Cat or Haomao in China) was first revealed on the Chengdu Auto Present in July 2020. The fashion was described as a retro aesthetic by former Porsche designer Emanuel Derta. (Therefore the Beetle like form.) The Ora Cat has been on sale in China since November 2020 and in Thailand since October 2021, with the autos being imported from China. GWM began advertising the automobile within the European market in 2022 because the Funky Cat. GMW has possible offered over 200,000 Ora Cats/ORAs since their launch.

After sitting within the new ORA on the Noosa Electrical Car Expo, it was nice to go to the GWM dealership in North Lakes, Brisbane, yesterday and quiz the enthusiastic gross sales rep, Damon, earlier than taking the automotive on the highway. Majella performed with all of the buttons and knobs and admired the retro end once more. I simply needed to take it up the freeway and do a launch.

Tess appears a little bit historic subsequent to the brand new Cat on the block. Picture by Majella Waterworth.

We each bought our needs — besides now she desires to purchase one, if they’ll get in a pink one (for an additional AU$595). All ORAs have a black roof, with the automotive coloration replicated within the inside highlights.

I used to be shocked that the dealership had not but put in any charging infrastructure, however Damon assured me that it was coming. He was happy that within the first week of the automotive sitting in entrance of the enterprise, 10–15 curious would-be consumers had checked it out and availed themselves of a check drive. The ORA sat there surrounded by Haval (one other GWM sub-brand), together with some HEVs, and a lone “Tank.” GWM has carried out effectively with the Haval SUV — its gross sales put it within the high ten. This augers effectively for the acceptance of the ORA.

One ORA and lots of GWM Havals — quickly to be reversed? Picture by David Waterworth.

Mainstream promoting is within the planning phases. Supply occasions are at round 8 weeks proper now. We might be seeing lots of these on the highway in Queensland by the tip of the yr, particularly with that world beating value — AU$46,000, much less the federal government rebate of $6,000. (Apply for the rebate right here.)

As a part of the market launch, the dealership principal (DP) was invited to China to be a part of the worldwide export celebrations. Village Motors is the #1 GWM vendor for Australia. The DP then educated workers with primary particulars. Damon has carried out lots of his personal analysis utilizing YouTube and opinions of the ORA from world wide. GWM has offered coaching movies, and it points common bulletins to salespeople.

The ORA is accessed utilizing a key fob and has lots of the identical bells and whistles as our Tesla Mannequin 3, together with USB ports and wi-fi telephone charging. We have been exploring the extended-range model, which affords an additional 100 km of vary for an extra $4,000. We felt that the bottom mannequin with 400 km of vary would meet our wants simply. The ORA accesses satellite tv for pc navigation by way of the homeowners’ cell phone, utilizing Apple CarPlay or Android and shows on the display to the motive force’s left. A display straight behind the steering wheel reveals the driving information.

Clever lights. Picture by Majella Waterworth.

We have been pleasantly shocked to seek out options not on our Tesla Mannequin 3, just like the clever lights which may comply with the curve of the highway and range in depth as wanted and the 360-degree digital camera. The ORA is fitted with privateness glass and will be additional tinted if needed. The ORA can obtain software program updates on the dealership throughout common companies. The motive force monitoring digital camera retains a watch out for an inattentive driver however doesn’t document. And sure, Damon has been requested that query by those that are suspicious of the automotive’s Chinese language origins.

The ORA comes with a 7-year limitless guarantee on the automobile and an 8-year guarantee on the battery and drivetrain.

Most of the prospects who Damon has taken for a check drive haven’t owned an EV earlier than. After seeing the automotive on the web, they have been eager to see it in individual and take it for a drive.

It was girls first as Majella took the wheel and drove the ORA out of the vendor’s yard with an virtually out-this-world sound. The automotive made the sound, that’s. The seats have been comfy and the luxurious suede steering wheel tactile. The best-hand display highlighted pink as you powered off and inexperienced as you went into regen. The turning circle gave the impression to be higher than that of our Mannequin 3, although the acceleration was not. The blinkers have been on the identical aspect as they’re on our Tess. It was a little bit troublesome to seek out the adaptive cruise management (behind the steering wheel). Lane conserving was accessible, however not the identical because the self-steer of the Tesla.

Doing a launch out of the lights blew away the ICE competitors. Not as highly effective because the Tesla, however, hey, it’s at a extra reasonably priced value. Regen gave the impression to be a bit smooth, even when Damon put the setting on “one pedal driving.” I discovered myself reaching for the brakes with my proper foot. The left display was straightforward to make use of to set the motive force profile, to take heed to the radio and reply the telephone.

Charger, tyre pump, and instruments saved securely within the boot. Picture by Majella Waterworth.

I took it out on the freeway. The ORA had loads of get-up and went, responding to the motive force’s calls for. There was no downside getting in control to get out into the motorway visitors. Activating the blinker confirmed you throughout the automotive — 360 levels. This was augmented by the blind spot warning on the wing mirrors. Round suburban streets and corners, the ORA didn’t sit as closely on the highway as I’m used to — I usually evaluate driving the Tesla to the expertise I had in ’70s with my Mini Cooper S.

General, Majella tells me that this automotive made her really feel like a princess. However at this level, I’m not inclined to be her prince and purchase the ORA for her. Tess must do for now.