The spacious GWM Ora 03 now costs the same as a Fiat 500e

Chinese brand GWM Ora first arrived here a few years ago with its striking all-electric hatchback, the Funky Cat. Later renamed as the less catchy Ora 03, we lived with one to find out what it was like and enjoyed its combination of character and style – though it wasn’t without its idiosyncrasies. Now GWM is rejigging the Ora 03 line-up, reducing the price of the entry-level trim, and adding a top of the range GT model which will feature sportier styling and extras such as a panoramic roof, launch control and a heat pump.
• The Ora 03 (previously known as the Funky Cat) is a mid-size hatchback to rival the Volkswagen ID.3 • Now with three levels of trim – Pure, Pro, and GT • It provides up to 261 miles of electric range • Orders open now with first deliveries expected in March • Starting at £24,995

The overall Nissan Leaf meets Volkswagen Beetle design remains unchanged, but the new top of the range GT trim gets a sportier look. This grade gains red highlights inside and out including on the wheel design and bumpers. GT trim also adds a rear spoiler and a body kit with larger wheel arches.

The Ora 03 continues to offer lots of tech as standard such as the 10.25-inch infotainment screen with both built-in sat-nav and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. All cars also get a 360-degree camera, rear parking sensors and keyless entry. Additionally, there’s an extensive suite of safety features including lane keeping assistance, blind spot monitoring, emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Pro trim gains heated front seats, leather-look upholstery, front parking sensors and some extra parking assistance functions. On top of this, GT models add a panoramic roof, launch control and a heat pump to improve efficiency in colder weather.

Underneath the battery options remain the same. The entry-level Pure cars come with a 48kWh battery and have an official range of 192 which equates to about 150 miles in the real world. Meanwhile higher trim levels get a 63kWh battery, increasing the official range to 261 miles – call that 200 miles of actual driving.

The big news is that prices will now start at £24,995 for Pure models rising to £28,995 for Pro trim and £32,995 for the new GT cars. You can pre-order your Ora 03 now and first customer deliveries are expected in March.

We’ve still waiting for more cars from GWM Ora to be sold in the UK. We were originally expecting the Ora 07 – a Tesla Model 3 rival – to arrive towards the end of 2024, so perhaps it will be available here soon.

The reduced price of the Ora 3 makes it drastically more appealing, providing the roominess of a family-size car for the price of a Fiat 500e. This also means the Ora 03 slightly undercuts the Chinese built MG4 and it will be in direct competition with the upcoming BYD Atto 2.